Penola footballer Phil Lambert donned his guernsey for the 400th time for his beloved Penola Eagles recently, in what was a remarkable achievement.

Lambert started his football career with the schoolboys football team in 1992 and then played in the under 14 team in 1995 and progressing to the under 17 division.

His senior career started in 2000 where he played both A Grade and Reserves.

Lambert’s major highlights have been winning three premierships, A Grade in 2013 and 2016 and Reserves in 2015, being awarded the Footballer of the Year in 2009 and the Club Person of the Year in 2016.

“Probably one of my lows would be missing the reserves premiership in 2019 due to a knee injury.

“I have been lucky and have not had any really bad injuries that have prevented multiple games missed,” he said.

Lambert also had a stint in coaching when he took the helm of the reserves from 2000 to 2002. He has had multiple coaches in his career who have shaped him into the footballer he is today.

He said the hardest opponent he has had to stand is Mark Snowball from Lucindale, describing him as a man mountain.

Lambert rates Penola’s Brad Bryant as a player he admires.

“He is committed and the dedication to the club is second to none,” he said.

In recognition of Lambert’s many years of service to the club, playing life membership was awarded to him in 2014 and league life membership in 2016.

Lambert has played in most positions throughout his career, but his favourite is in the ruck. He said this was most likely the reason he had probably kicked less than 50 goals because he was not known for his goal kicking.

Lambert also captained the A Grade from 2011 to 2014 and co-captained with Matt Merrett in the 2013 premiership side. He said he had received fantastic support from his family right throughout his career.

“Footy is a family day out for us and I enjoy watching my daughter Lucy play netball, and son Jack play footy,” he said.

When asked how long he will continue on with his football, Lambert said he would like to think he has a few more games in him yet.