It has taken him longer than he first expected, but midfielder Danny Stanley will celebrate his 50th AFL match this weekend, nearly four years after being de-listed by Collingwood at the end of 2009 Season.

“It’s taken a fair bit longer than most players but I’m pretty happy to be running out for the 50th game this week,” Stanley said.

“Some players play two seasons and a few finals campaigns and there always in the mix so it might not mean much to them, but it’s taken me a long longer so it’ll be good going out there this weekend.”

With his career in limbo, Stanley was thrown a lifeline by the Gold Coasters and was taken with the last overall selection in the 2010 Rookie Draft – but the former Magpie admits the uncertainty surrounding whether or not he would finish as a five-gamer never disappeared until he made his club debut against Carlton in their Round 2 clash in 2011.

“There were always doubts; obviously when I was let go from Collingwood I thought I might be stuck on five games and that might be it,” said Stanley.

“So with my second chance up here I’ve really relished it and looking forward to playing many more games after this weekend’s clash against the Lions.”

Although he wasn’t part of the Round 3 QClash against the Lions, Stanley says the side’s two-point loss at Metricon Stadium still burns deep amongst some of the playing group.

“I think it still burns for some of our players losing a game by two points, which was a winnable game for us, but we haven’t dwelled on it too much as we’ve been had to immediately focus on other game,” he said.

With poor ball use and a lack of concentration off half-back costing the Gold Coasters in their 28-point loss to Adelaide on the weekend, Stanley said the senior team would be out to make amends when they make head north of the M1 highway this Saturday.

“Obviously our ball use going forward was a bit sloppy so if we can get that right, combined with our team defence, I think it’ll go a long way to us putting some good scores on the board and hopefully having the win.”