Ryan Houlihan became the 31st player to play 200 AFL games for Carlton in Friday night’s 18-point victory over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

Carlton President Stephen Kernahan made a presentation to ‘Hoops’ in the Carlton rooms after the game and Carlton’s number 33 displayed real emotion as he responded to the kind words from Kernahan.

Houlihan thanked his family, in particular him Mum and Dad and also his Auntie, who he lived with when he first came to Melbourne in late 1999. He also mentioned his team-mates, coaching staff and everyone at the Carlton Football Club which has been his second home for the last 12 years.

Houlihan was the Carlton substitute for his 200th game but was given permission by the AFL to run onto the ground without the green vest in recognition of his milestone. He had to wait until the final quarter before entering the game but it didn’t dampen the celebrations with the entire team joining in, showing the team spirit and the high regard for which he his held in by his fellow players.

Perhaps it was his final comment in the presentation that best displayed the spirit within the group when he said he was looking forward to playing finals with this fantastic group of players.