When Nathan Ligris was 18 he thought very seriously about giving footy away and throwing himself fully into the workforce.

"Thank God I didn't do that. That was something, but dad talked me out of it,'' 'Liga' tells RedRoyMail after his 200th game.

Twelve years later the 30-year-old has no desire to ever give up playing at Fitzroy – a club he played juniors at as well.

"I don't feel like retiring. I feel pretty good. I'm only 30, and I don't know what else I'd do in my life. I think I'll just keep playing until my body says, No. Or until Rachel (his wife) tells me you've had enough."

Liga is one of the club's most elite players. He gathers possessions with ease and his kick is one of the best in the competition. Nathan has won premierships and has been named in League teams.

He's done it all.

Former coach Michael Pickering said Liga was a player you could always trust as a coach – and was one of the most committed players to the club he ever coached.

"He consistently beat his opponents, was an excellent decision maker, exquisite left foot kick and went hard at the footy when it was his turn,'' Pickers says.

"He was totally invested both on and off the field. A great role model to the playing group."

One of Pickers' favourite coaching memories at Fitzroy was during Nathan's first senior game where he streamed off the wing to nail a goal with his first touch in senior footy, against Uni Blacks.

Liga has many favourite memories in his storied career, the 2018 Premiership and promotion to A grade among them.

Asked to name the three best players he's ran out alongside, and he quickly nominates Rory Angiolella and Ted Clayton.

"And i'ts a toss up between E dog (Max Ellis) and Jules (Julian Turner),'' he says.

Not only is Nathan an elite footballer, he also has a quick wit and doesn't mind a 'chat' with his opponents. His favourite conversation?

"I had this guy from Old Melbourne last year, he was tagging me, and I said to him, 'I'm the reason you got a game this week''' Liga laughs.

If there's one thing you need to know about Nathan, it's that he loves his footy and he loves Fitzroy through and through.