ORANGE City prop John Gander is poised to become one of just a handful of players in the club’s 36 year history to play 100 first grade games for the Lions when he lines up in the Blowes Menswear Cup local derby against Orange Emus tomorrow.

The enormity of the achievement was not lost on Gander, who will join such Lions legends as Anthony Sullivan, Des Taylor and Bruce Harris in racking up the 100-game milestone.

“I’m very proud, its something that a lot of players don’t actually achieve because they move away or stop playing before they reach it,” Gander said.

“It definitely means a lot this game, considering how poor both teams are going, and there’s never a lack of passion in a local derby, so to get a win in my hundredth game that’d be pretty special.”

Fiancee Catherine Nightingale said she was extremely proud of Gander’s achievement, in what will be only his third game back for the Lions this season after injuring himself in the off-season.

“I’m so proud of him. I’ve been with John for nearly six years now, so I’ve had to put up with it all,” Nightingale laughed.