The Bruce clan has been described as a "loyal and devoted Eastlake family" and the proof is in the pudding when it comes to Aaron.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Aaron Bruce began playing for the Demons at under-8s level more than two decades ago, and on Saturday will captain the club in his 250th first-grade game in a top-of-the-table clash with the Queanbeyan Tigers.
Bruce will become just the third player to reach the milestone for Eastlake, and is closing in on games record holder and Hall of Famer Guy Cannon whose number four jersey he took over at the age of 16.
"I'm obviously incredibly proud of that achievement, it's something that only two other players have done in the history of our footy club," Bruce said.
"It's something I'm sure I'll look back pretty fondly on when I eventually finish up."
Bruce was selected with pick number 58 by the Sydney Swans in the 2007 Rookie Draft, but never played an AFL game.
He ultimately returned to Eastlake and hasn't stopped bagging goals ever since. But his influence hasn't just been on the field - Bruce's little brother Josh has become an AFL star with the Western Bulldogs.
"I was in his shadow constantly growing up, he was always making all the rep squads and forging the pathway for both of us which is something I'm really grateful for," Josh said.
"For me to see how cut throat it was for him once he got drafted taught me that the hard work doesn't finish once you get drafted it's just beginning. He's taught me pretty much everything i know about footy.
"We speak to each other pretty much everyday and always kinda debriefing who we're playing and how the games went and the upcoming week and training. We're best mates so it's always good to talk."
The Bulldogs forward said his brother deserved full credit for his longevity in the game and that he will have the full support of the family when he took the field on Saturday.
MORE CANBERRA SPORT
"It doesn't matter what grade you're playing, it's and incredible achievement to play 250 games, you're playing footy for 10 to 15 years," he said.
"Being the loyal and devoted Eastlake man that he is and the family that we are, ever since we were young, we were playing for Eastlake.
"It's definitely a milestone he has been eyeing off and obviously the games record of Guy Cannon who took both of us under his wing when we arrived as young fellas and starting to play seniors."
Saturday's blockbuster is a replay of last year's AFL Canberra grand final, won by the Tigers.
