When Chris York took his place in the Belconnen Magpies forward line on a balmy Sunday morning in 2004, that's exactly what he had to contend with.

Fast forward 12 years and the Belconnen sharpshooter will enter esteemed territory as he becomes just the seventh player to reach 200 first-grade games for the Magpies, with David Bennett's 268 appearances the club record.

It was a milestone the key forward thought was in another realm. For him, the "200 Club" was reserved for club legends.

"I didn't [think about it] at all actually," York said.

"I didn't even think about that sort of stuff. Just playing one was a pretty exciting achievement and to play 200, it's even better."

Once dubbed by Magpies teammate James Bennett as "clearly a better player than the level that we're at here", there was understandable concern that York would move on when Belconnen withdrew from the NEAFL prior to 2015.

But leaving was never an option for the West Canberra junior. The lure of playing alongside his mates was all he needed.

"That's the main thing that keeps you playing footy I guess, is playing with your mates and being able to sit down and have a beer with them afterwards," York said.

"The core group of Lex [Bennett], James [Bennett], Ryan Turnbull, Dom Bunyan – those sorts of guys keep me coming back every year for sure."

It was alongside that star quartet that York fell agonisingly short of a second premiership victory last September, when an undefeated season came to an end on grand final day.

Last season's shock marked the fifth time York has been on the wrong end of a grand final result. The 29-year-old was, however, lucky enough to taste the ultimate success in 2009 in a thrilling six-point win over arch-rivals Ainslie.

A grand final defeat in 2008, which York concedes was one that got away, was followed by the club's first premiership since the three-peat of 2002-04.

"The 2009 grand final is definitely the highlight," York said with a smile.

Perhaps a shock grand final loss is an omen for the Magpies, who were heavily favoured in last year's decider. Feeding off last year's disappointment, Belconnen now sit second on the ladder, trailing an unbeaten Ainslie outfit.

"They're the team to beat," York said.

"They'll probably finish on top after beating us twice over this year, so hopefully we can secure a top-two spot and get a win back against them in the finals series."

For someone that has won games on the hallowed turf of the SCG and at ANZ Stadium, York confesses that returning home to "The Nest" is "a little bit different".

"It's good to have a home ground like that," York said.

"But looking up and seeing 80,000 seats all around you [at ANZ Stadium] is pretty exciting. It's such a surreal feeling."

The Magpies will continue their search for a top-two berth against Eastlake at 2.15pm on Saturday at The Nest.

York won't be the only player to hit the 200-game milestone this weekend, with Tuggeranong's Kerry Matthews also reaching the mark.

Matthews' teammate Wendy Bennett will play her 100th game, whilst clubmate Will Prowse plays his 200th club game for the Hawks. Eastlake's Rohana Prince is playing her 150th career game.

AFL CANBERRA ROUND 12

Saturday: Belconnen vs Eastlake at Kippax, 2.15pm; Queanbeyan vs Ainslie at Queanbeyan, 2.15pm; Gungahlin vs Tuggeranong at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval, 2.15pm.