Terry Bailey set to achieve remarkable milestone this weekend

An Eastern Swans great is notching a major milestone this weekend and those closest to him have revealed the secret behind why he is considered the club’s greatest of all time.

Terry Bailey in action for the Swans. Picture: Supplied

The Eastern Swans clash with the North Mackay Saints on Saturday will be a significant occasion in more ways than one.

Not only is a week off and a place in the grand final on the line, but club legend Terry Bailey is notching game 400.

And that’s not including Bailey’s junior career.

Terry Bailey’s a much-loved figure at the Swans. Picture: Supplied

Coach Carl Teske estimates less than 70 of those games have come in the reserves too.

“He’s a club legend… an all-time Swans great, if not the greatest now,” Teske said.

Club President Peter Kiegerl, who remembers coaching Bailey in 1990 when he was playing under-11s, echoed Teske’s sentiments.

“It’s pretty rare… He’s the only one to have ever done it (in Swans history), first one ever,” Kiegerl said.

“He just loves playing footy, loves the club… and keeps going every year.”

Kiegerl revealed Bailey was not showing any signs of slowing down either.

“He’s still good enough to play seniors, and he’s had a pretty good year this year,” he said.

Terry Bailey could even notch 450 games. Picture: Supplied

“He’s got a bit left, he’ll keep going until he can’t anymore, and when he’s finished he’ll probably have a kick in the reserves.”

Both men were candid in their response when quizzed on what Bailey’s secret was.

“He’s not the biggest pre-season guy, that’s probably why he’s played so many games,” Teske said.

Kiegerl agreed.

“I just wish he’d do a pre-season down here,” he laughed.

But that did not slow two-time premiership player Bailey down on the field, according to Teske.

“He’s one of the best kicks ever in Mackay, he’s got a good brain for footy,” Teske said, adding Bailey’s impact extends to off-field too.

“He’s a great clubman… he gets in and helps the club on raffles, you talk about his work ethic to help the Swans, it’s second to none.”

Originally published as Terry Bailey set to achieve remarkable milestone this weekend