Saturday’s clash against North Melbourne at Metricon Stadium will mark a special achievement for Gold Coast SUNS coach Rodney Eade.

The veteran mentor reaches his 600th official match as an AFL/VFL player or coach, having played 259 games for Hawthorn and the Brisbane Bears and coached 340 for the Sydney Swans, Western Bulldogs and SUNS.

Speaking with SUNS TV, Eade was unaware he was to become just the 11th person to reach the milestone with his full focus on the task facing his team this weekend.

“I must admit I didn’t realise it was coming this week,” Eade told United Coaches Chat on Thursday.

“I suppose it proves that I’m old. It proves I’ve been in the game for a long time.

“Like any of those milestones, you probably reflect on them once you finish. I suppose it’s humbling in many ways to have survived as long as I have but it’s certainly not going to distract me away from the job I’ve got to do.”

Eade’s four VFL premierships with Hawthorn in 1976, 1978, 1983 and 1986 are a clear standout memory as a player, but the Tasmanian is just as grateful for what he’s experienced in the coaches box.

“I think as a player, it’s the premierships. I was fortunate to play in four of those but I’ve got a lot of enjoyment out of coaching,” Eade said.

“To see players develop, the friendships you make out of that. The clubs I’ve been involved with and coached to see them develop and improve, players improve, that sort of gives you a kick as well.”

A collection of memorable moments over Rocket's career.