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CTV > Leon Davis on reaching 150 games.gif){kind=icon}
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READ > Melbourne v Collingwood match previewOn the verge of his 150th game, Leon Davis told CTV enjoying the game has been central to his excellent form.
Davis has developed into one of Collingwood's most dangerous and effective players, and on Monday at the MCG is set to become the first indigenous player to represent the Magpies 150 times.
"Just playing 150 games is pretty extraordinary in itself... yeah (I'm) very proud,” Davis told CTV at the Lexus Centre on Friday.
Now in his ninth season, the 26-year-old West Australian never envisaged reaching such heights when he crossed the country after being selected with the 34th overall pick in the 1999 draft.
"No honestly I didn’t. I just sort of took it as it was and didn’t really think too much into it.
"I love playing footy and just thought I’d enjoy the ride as long as I could."
He has been in outstanding form throughout the 2008 season, which was recognised with his selection in the Dream Team which took on Victoria in the Hall of Fame Tribute match about a month ago.
Not only is he continuing to kick the miraculous team-lifting goals, having booted 19 majors so far this year, but he's also spending more time in the midfield, averaging nearly 17 touches per game, and contributing all over the ground on a consistent basis.
"I’m not stuck in the forward pocket any more, although I do like to kick a good goal every now and then," Davis added with a grin.
"But... getting up into the midfield frees you up and you tend to get a bit more of the ball which is good."
"Consistency is something that I knew I had to work on. I used to drift in and out of games, so just to be a bit more consistent is good and something I work hard on."
Davis has clearly been inspired by some of the great indigenous players to have gone before him, and singled out a few champions he admires.
"Coming from Perth, definitely Peter Matera and Chris Lewis, who played for West Coast, I used to watch them when I was young. Probably on a larger thing... Michael Long."
Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse was full of praise and admiration for Davis during his weekly press conference on Friday at the Lexus Centre.
"It's Leon Davis's 150th, which I think is just one of the most outstanding efforts,” Malthouse said.
“The celebrations for Melbourne on Saturday night are all well and good, but to celebrate 150 games is terrific for him.
“For a young lad who came here very, very shy and unassuming, wanted to hide away, hadn’t been away from home and mum and dad all his life… to do what he’s done is fantastic.”
