DAIRY farmer Simon Darcy has milked his five-year stint with Kolora-Noorat for all its worth.
The injury-plagued 32-year-old has averaged less than 10 games a season but is preparing for his third consecutive grand final appearance in the Power guernsey.
He has also captained the senior side for three years.
However, Darcy conceded his impressive run had not come easily.
"I've had a horrible run with injuries," he said.
"I haven't played a full season since the under 16s at Cobden.
"I've (injured) nearly everything."
Darcy's string of bad luck does not exclude grand finals.
The tough utility said he had struggled through the past two season deciders, both against Timboon Demons.
"Two years ago I had a broken foot," he said.
"I had the needles but five minutes into the match I got a smashed eye socket.
"Last year I was half injured but managed to get through. I sat on the bench for a quarter and a half and went on for the last five minutes."
The closing moments of the match were meant to mark Darcy's farewell from football. But a summer spent replaying the 2009 premiership in his mind quickly changed his decision.
"I wasn't going to play but then I decided to play," he said. "It's hard to step away from it, you just want more.
"When you're 32 every week could be your last, you just don't know when it's going to finish."
Darcy has toiled in all positions on the ground this year.
This weekend he is likely to return to the backline against one of Dennington's three forward pillars ? Justin Nowell, Darcy Lewis and Chris Keilar.
"I suppose I will be having a crack at one of them," he said.
"They will be red-hot, they've been the best side all year."
"They missed out (on making the grand final) last year and will want the flag."
While the Power are vying for back-to-back silverware, Darcy knows the Dogs will be equally motivated to break their premiership drought.
"It's a mental thing," he said.
"But I think the hunger is there.
"It's a big day and if you can get yourself fired up for it then you're in a bit of strife."
The Camperdown farmer will also welcome the forecasted rain on Saturday.
He said inclement conditions had helped him through the season and could assist the reigning premier this weekend.
"After the first six weeks I was that sore from the hard ground but then the rain game and it softened up a bit," he said.
"We beat Dennington in the wet the last time we played but they had a couple out and we probably had a few out too.
"(The rain) might trouble their height - but both sides have to play in it."
So will the Power co-captain flick the switch on his career this weekend?
"I'm still thinking about it," Darcy said.
"But there's an 80 per cent chance it will be my last game.
"I'll just see what happens on Saturday, have a few beers and see how my body pulls up."
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