But the 34-year-old said the four grand final appearances and three premierships that ensued since have been “beyond my wildest dreams”.

“I didn’t expect the success we’ve had,” he said.

“It’s quite humbling, actually, to reach (100 games) at my age and at the end of my career. It’s something I’m very proud of.”

Zimmer, who said 2017 may well be his last season as the Saints aim for another flag, has had to strike a delicate balancing act between doing shiftwork and football.

The Murray Goulburn powder packer works 12-hour shifts, some weeks finishing at 6am on Saturday, catching a few hours’ sleep and then heading off to the footy before returning to work for his next shift at 6pm.

“It can get tiring, but the footy club and work are really good about it,” Zimmer said.

“Work allows me to play football and (coach) Chris (McLaren) allows me to work and miss training.”

Zimmer said it was an honour to share his milestone match with McLaren, who notches up his 300th game on Saturday.

The Saints’ mentor lauded Zimmer as “a real barometer of our team”.

“He’s really able to get the boys up and going,” McLaren said. “He came home and we weren’t sure how much footy we’d get out of him … (but) he got a best-on-ground medal in one of the grand finals and he’s played really well.”