Hurley, who began his career at the club way back in 1995 as 16 year-old in the ADFA, has had to wait what has seemed like an eternity to register his 200th senior game after an achilles injury has disrupted his 2008 season.

The 29 year-old had been sidelined since playing in round two, but returned for his 199th game against Kalkee last weekend.

Ironically, Hurley was originally scheduled to play his milestone game against tomorrow's opponents in round five but has been forced to wait until round 16 because of the injury.

Following tomorrow's clash with the Saints, Hurley will join parents Glen and Cheryl, brother Shaun and sister Monica as life members of the club.

This, according to Hurley, will be one of his career highlights.

Having never played in a premiership side, Hurley rates grand finals in 1997 and 1998 as both amongst his good and bad memories and derives great pleasure from watching youngsters progress through the ranks and realise their potential.

The hard-working onballer has won a staggering seven Great Western best and fairest awards and in his only season away from the Lions, won the 2002 club award at Stawell in the Wimmera Football League.

In 2006, Hurley received the Dellar Family Medal as the Horsham District Football League's best and fairest. He has been senior coach for four seasons and captain for two.

Hurley, in typical fashion, was more concerned about the big picture rather than his own tomorrow.

``Hopefully we can win, not just for me but it is important for the boys to get back on the winner's list,'' Hurley said.

``Ever since I started playing I had hoped to be a life member.

``If I got one (premiership) this year I'd retire happy.''

Hurley said his main focus, as well as winning a premiership, was being around the club to help ensure its survival for years to come.

He was deeply concerned with Great Western losing its under 14 football team this year due to a lack of numbers, saying that it must be the club's number one goal to re-establish it in years to come.

``In three years time that's an under 17 side we don't have and five years time that's probably a reserves team we don't have,'' Hurley said.

``The reality is in a few years we won't have a senior team.''

He said football clubs were vitally important to many small towns.

``It is the lifeblood of towns,'' he said.

``If you lose your footy club you lose your identity in a lot of ways.''

Great Western president Rodney Matheson said Hurley had been an exceptional player who always gave 110 per cent.

``He is well respected throughout the Wimmera and Horsham District leagues,'' Matheson said.

``You always know where Dale is, he has a very good presence on the ground.''

Matheson said Hurley would have a special banner to run through at the start of tomorrow's senior match.