You cant miss Ross Borland, usually guarding the backline, working hard, keeping his opponent honest and sporting one of the best bushranger beards in Fitzroy.

The man his captain describes as a true Royboyhas just reached his 150 Fitzroy and VAFA game milestone and is pushing to get back into the senior side after recovering from a quad strain.

Fitzroy captain Rory Angiolella speaks very highly of his long-time team mate.

From the time he came to the club as a 19 year old he was a senior player and as the years have gone by he has adapted his game and played a number of different positions and roles, from full forward to ruck to onballer, and even playing tall down back,Rory said.

I think this is a testament to Ross's footballing ability. He is a true Royboy, always happy when he turns up to training and always willing to put in the hard work. He is also one of the most genuine individuals to come through the club./p>

Ross started with Fitzroy in 2006 (playing his first senior game in 2008 whilst still eligible for Under 19s) and has only ever played in a Roys jumper, including in his junior days. One of the things that has kept him with the club is the playing group he has come through with and their commitment to sticking together guys like Rory, Sam Baker and Tom Cheshire.

And one of his best memories is one he shares with all of them the semi-final win in D grade, which propelled Fitzroy into Premier C.

The man with a Masters in Special Education, says it does seem strange to be back training and playing without his fellow backmen Al Green, Matt Brown and Tom Biscaro, but says the turnover in players is all part of amateur footy. On the flip side is all the new blood coming into the team.

Its pretty great having all these fantastic new, young players with the energy and expectation they bring. I think having so many of them come in together also makes their transition easier.

With such a lot of change the aim is to get the team playing a good brand of football under Mitch and then push for finals,Ross said.

Rosss enthusiasm for the injection of young talent in the senior side, is matched by his support for the introduction of the womens teams and what he sees as a fantastic step for the club

Ross can often be found sitting quietly (or not) watching the Fitzroy-ACU women honing their skills, whether in the wet on a Friday night at Vic Park or in the sun on a Sunday, depending on the draw.

Its great for the club; its brought a whole other level of interest and a great vibe. That mutual support has been good for both the mens and the womens teams./p>

Congratulations Ross on your football milestone and on your recent First XI cricket premiership with Royal Park Brunswick.

The final word goes to Rory: It's been a pleasure playing alongside him for so many years and it's so good to see him reach 151 games!/p>