Soph Casey will never forget the date of her upcoming milestone AFLW match because it also happens to be her date of birth.

She will become the third Collingwood foundation player to reach 50 games at the top level on her 31st birthday in our final home game of the regular season, which presents an opportunity for the side to cement its place in the top four.

Casey made her debut for Collingwood in the inaugural AFLW match in 2017 and while she's an intimidating presence on the field, she's softly spoken away from footy.

"I doubted my ability a lot in the early years of my career," she said this week.

"I just didn't know how far this comp would go, or how far I'd go in the comp - I'm very grateful to be here playing my 50th."

Her on-field grit could be attributed to playing against undoubtedly bigger and stronger opponents growing up - Casey was one of only two girls playing footy with the boys as a kid.

"I played with all of my boy mates in school, I was one of only two girls running around," she said.

"It was a bit daunting but I loved it.

"I grew up with two younger brothers as well, so backyard footy was what we did every day.

"In high school we had a girls team but it was only for special carnivals."

If you experience deja vu watching Casey every weekend, it's possible that her style reminds you of her favourite AFL player - Brayden Maynard.

"I have a secret confession - I'm absolutely obsessed with Bruz," she explained.

"I try to model my game on him, he's an inspiration in how I go about things.

"I've played a lot of forward in the VFL but my attack and grit is something that's ingrained, so I guess no matter where I play I'm pretty aggressive."

Drafted as a free agent in the first AFLW draft, Casey has had a front row seat as the competition and the club has evolved over seven seasons.

"There was a bit of elation when I was picked up and I was pretty ecstatic to be involved in something so big," she recalled.

"The program (at Collingwood) has grown leaps and bounds since then.

"I remember the first year we all struggled adapting to a professional lifestyle.

"Right now the talent is great, the depth is good and it's only up from here.

"Along the way I've had lots of great teammates and great coaches and lots of love and support in my life to help me get here.

"I can't wait to run out with the girls this weekend and hopefully get a win."