Sydney FC Captain Alex Wilkinson will play his 300th A-League game tomorrow night when he leads out the Sky Blues against Melbourne City at AAMI Park (7pm kick off).
The 36-year old centre half will become only the fifth player in A-League history to achieve the milestone, despite three and half seasons playing in Korea.
VIDEO: Hear from Wilko On His 300 Games
Remaining as humble as ever, the Sydney-born defender paid tribute to his team-mates.
“It’s a great honour to be able to play that many games in this league, but it has gone pretty quickly,” he said.
“When you are young you don’t look too far ahead and are just enjoying being in the league and playing regularly.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play with some great teams throughout that time and none more so than at Sydney.”
Wilkinson is one Australia’s most decorated footballers of all-time having won more Premierships (five) than anyone in men’s national league history, as well as three A-League Championships and an FFA Cup.
The Socceroos World Cup defender also has an AFC Asian Cup and two K-League Championships to his name.
“I think the trophies stand out the most, they are the things you look back on with the fondest memories,” he added.
“With Mariners we had a couple of Premierships, and then with Sydney FC over the past four or five seasons it has been highlight after highlight, with Premierships, and Championships and FFA Cups.
“It has been a really enjoyable time on the park and this time at Sydney FC really stands out in the mind as being one of the most enjoyable parts of my career for sure.”
Despite reaching the age of 36, Wilkinson has no desire to hang up the boots and believes he can go on for a lot longer.
“I’m feeling good at the moment, the body is holding up pretty well and I’ve enjoyed being out there this year and playing,” he continued.
“I’m playing it by ear at the moment and just seeing how we go but I’m enjoying life at Sydney FC so hopefully there’s still a few more games to come.”
Head Coach Steve Corica praised Wilkinson for his contribution to Sydney FC and the game in Australia and says he’s looking forward to celebrating more success with his skipper.
“Alex is an exceptional player, one of the A-League’s all-time greatest and this is an outstanding achievement,” said Head Coach Steve Corica.
“For him to go overseas, come back and play so many games, as well as have the successful career he has had, is incredible.
“His leadership is second to none and he is a fantastic ambassador for our game in this country.
“I hope he enjoys his night and continues to lead and drive our club to more silverware.”
Wilkinson’s 300th game comes against one of the club’s made ten of those appearances for in Melbourne City.
The former Mariner also played 172 matches for Central Coast, scoring twice, while his Sydney FC A-League career stands at 117 appearances before Tuesday night’s game.
