Brenton Roberts is happiest when his football does the talking.
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And what a story it tells - of redemption and records, recovery and resilience.
In Saturday's grand final against North Wagga, Roberts will become the first player in East Wagga-Kooringal history to play 250 first grade games for the Hawks.
Roberts broke club legend Barry Suckling's record for senior games last year.
But he didn't feature in the first grade side at all this year until, when finals rolled around, star forward Chris Ladhams was unavailable due to work, and coach Matt Hard called on the reliable 35-year-old.
"I don't think I would've got back into first grade without a few blokes being out," Roberts says.
"I didn't plan on any of it happening, really. It's been good. All the boys are positive. I've enjoyed the back end of the season too. The whole club's going well."
Never one to assume, Roberts didn't mind if the win against Marrar was a one-off, even if he did kick four goals.
Hard said he was rapt to have someone he could call on without a second thought.
"Brenton's played a lot of footy for us and having that trust to be able to bring him in (knowing) he can perform a role for us - he was great that day against Marrar," Hard said.
"I kept saying to him, 'Stick to it, you never know what can happen'. To his credit, he stuck to it. He played his first game of the year in a final and he's about to play his 250th in a grand final. That's a pretty big effort."
Roberts is focussed on the game and the team rather than the personal milestone.
"It's not something I've thought much about. It's another game of footy I suppose. The week's been good so far. Can't complain. I think the blokes are all keen. Most are keen just to get Saturday underway."
Roberts has been in the news ahead of a grand final before. Their last flag, in fact.
After featuring in the losses of 2014 and 2015, he injured a shoulder in the semi-final against Coleambally in 2016, and missed the historic premiership.
"It was obviously disappointing to be on the sidelines but it was good for the club on the day," he says.
"I felt their enjoyment and everyone wants to make you a part of it. But at the same time, you know you're not. It's a bit of a double-edged sword."
Ahead of his third grand final, Roberts isn't certain if there's a key to winning.
"I'm not real sure. You've got to turn up and play your role, I suppose," he said.
"You've got to ask the coach."
Well, what has Hard asked of him in these three games?
"Apply pressure up forward, if you get your chance, kick a goal," Roberts said.
"He's been super for the club, Matt. Super for the kids coming through. He's a pretty experienced head, he's been around finals for a while, so he's been great."
And what of the future for Roberts? At 35, surely he's still young?
"Yeah, that's what they keep telling me. I'll see what happens."
Roberts said it's too hard to single out the best footballers he's played with since arriving in 2004.
"There's a lot of great footballers in that time. It's just been great to be around the club," he said.
As for tough opponents, well, there are more of them every year, he reckons.
"Lately it's nearly everyone I've played against, I tell ya."
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