The Port Fairy midfielder was hurt in a workplace accident two years ago and was told to hang up the boots.

But his trademark tenacity and determination ensured he fought back and pulled on the purple and gold again.

Sheehan, 31, will be rewarded for his commitment to the Seagulls on Saturday when he plays his 200th Hampden league game  – all for the club he made his senior debut for at 15.

The honour of reaching that significant milestone and playing in a rare Seagulls’ finals campaign are spurring him on in what he expects will be his final season of top-level football.

Sheehan has re-established himself in Port Fairy’s best 21 this season after almost two years on the sidelines.

"I broke my arm at the start of Sam Rudolph's coaching time and missed that whole year plus pretty much the next year,” he said.

"I didn't think I'd ever get back playing again. The doctor sort of said 'no footy, that'd be about it'.

"I completely snapped the two bones straight down in half. It was a clean break.

"I only played about four senior games last year and sat the rest of the year out because it wasn't recovered enough and I wasn't up to it.”

Sheehan said he was content to play reserves this season and help the seniors as a bench coach.

But new mentor Brett Evans earmarked him for a role in the Seagulls’ midfield.

Sheehan has played nine senior games but injury again threatened to dampen his season when he tore tendons in his middle finger at training two months ago.

"I got a splint and wrapped it up and gloved it but it's still uncomfortable. I can't grab the footy,” he said.

"Lucky I'm not a good marking player.”

But Sheehan is just thrilled to be a part of the Seagulls’ finals surge as they attempt to end a 10-year drought.

Sheehan has endured lean times since lining up for the Seagulls in the 2005 grand final. 

He said a September campaign would reward those who stuck by the Gardens Oval-based club in bleak times.

“We stick together pretty well so that helped when the ball was sailing over our heads,” he said.

Sheehan, when he steps aside and retreats to the seconds, wants to be remembered as a competitor and a team player.

"I just like the battle of going out there,” he said.