Edyvean will become the most-capped Hopper in first grade when he runs out for the 276^th time at Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes.

It's a long way from being dropped for a reserve grade Farrer League grand final in his first season in 2000.

But hard work - and a touch of unexpected circumstances - has paved the way for the 39-year-old to etch his name in history.

Edyvean played his 250^th game in late 2017, but has played mostly reserve grade since and lost a full season last year when the club didn't compete in the AFL Riverina Championships.

A knee injury to first-choice ruck Anthony Atkin has given Edyvean a chance to play the six games needed to pass Pattison.

"In the footy sheds they've got all your game numbers up, so I knew I was on 270 and the record is 275. Every game I get asked if it's the record yet, Edyvean said.

"I got a nice letter in the mail from the previous record holder congratulating me. It's something I'll hang onto and keep somewhere safe.

"I thought I'd have a few games of seconds, but injuries and circumstances mean I've snuck across the line."

Edyvean didn't play much junior football and was a late bloomer. He played two first grade games when he arrived at Coolamon in 2003 but played reserves the rest of that year.

But he kept working on his game and developed into one of the league's best ruckmen. He won a first grade premiership in 2013, a reserve grade flag in 2003 and a best and fairest in 2006.

"There's blokes playing ones for us who weren't even born in 2003," Edyvean said.

"I hardly played juniors. I played half a year of under-11s and then a year of under-13s, then never played until I was 18.

"My first year in 2000, I got dropped for the reserve grade Farrer league grand final (with Marrar). Back then I didn't worry about what time I played, just work hard and do the best I can, and the rest looks after itself."

Edyvean said he has gone better than expected in his unplanned cameo in seniors.

"I've probably handled it a bit better than I thought. I couldn't do the things I used to do but it hasn't been too bad," he said.

"I've been coming off the bench and giving the other ruck a bit of a break. I don't think I've got another year of first grade in me, maybe a year or two of reserve grade."

IN OTHER NEWS

After close losses to Turvey Park and Collingullie-Glenfield Park, the Hoppers ground out a 17-point win over Leeton-Whitton last week.

It was far from their best football, but was a big improvement in being harder at the contest.

"They (MCUE) are undefeated and at home, it's another tough match. We got pretty close to them last time (one goal loss in round four), but a lot has changed between now and then."

Edyvean said the relationships he's formed along the way, with Coolamon types and outsiders alike, has been the highlight.

"Just the guys I've played with and people around the club, and even the people I've played against," he said.

"It's funny, you hate them for a couple of hours on the weekend but down the street you have a chat."

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