KEY Gold Coasters Trent McKenzie, Jarrod Harbrow and Jared Brennan will celebrate individual 50-game milestones this weekend, with McKenzie set to become the first youngster from the club’s inaugural 2010 draft pool to reach the career milestone while veterans Harbrow and Brennan will make their 50^th AFL appearance in the prized GCSUNS guernsey.

A reserved McKenzie, who spoke to reporters at Metricon Stadium earlier this week, revealed the race towards gamed-played mark had become playful banter in the change rooms amongst the ‘Cannon” and 48-gamers David Swallow and Matt Shaw, as the Gold Coast trio edged closer towards the magical number.  

 “They boys often had a bit of a joke about it, but I think we are pretty happy to be playing games for the club and I don’t think any of us really cared who got there first – as long as we were all playing good, consistent footy,” McKenzie said.

“We’ve seen a few of the boys go down during the year which has been unfortunate, and I was lucky enough to have been continuing playing games and get to 50,” he said.

“So I have been pretty lucky.”

The 24-year-old Harbrow, who had played 70 games with the Western Bulldogs before relocating to the Gold Coast, was in high spirits when spoke to goldcoastfc.com.au on Wednesday afternoon – and said he couldn’t wait to take to the field in his hometown of Cairns to celebrate the significant achievement.

“I suppose it’s only a small milestone but I’ve really enjoyed my time here at the SUNS and it’s probably a little bit more significant because I’ll be playing up in Cairns,” he said.

“Every game I play here at the SUNS is enjoyable and I’m definitely trying to make each one count.

Reluctant to speak this week as he focuses on Securing his position in the Clubs top 22, Brennan, conceded this weekend’s Northern Queensland clash against the Tigers would hold special significance, but said it would be something he would reflect at the end of his playing days. 

“It’s definitely something I will be able to look back on at the end of my career, but right now my main focus is this weekend and getting the win over the Tigers in Cairns,” Brennan said.

GC SUNS assistant coach Andy Lovell believed Guy McKenna’s playing would run out with an extra bounce in their step this weekend, as they look to celebrate more just the four Premiership points on offer.

“It’s such a great milestone especially for us being in our early development stages as a football club,” he said.

“It’s really significant for us because were short on history and this is really something we can celebrate as part of our history.

“There’s no doubt the boys will want to acknowledge that and it would be fantastic if we could get the win.”