THE 100-game milestone has been a long time coming for Matthew Lobbe.

The combative ruckman will become an AFL centurion on Sunday — 974 days after playing his 90th game.

Despite the hard slog to finally get to the milestone, Lobbe said he always had the self-belief that he’d be able to achieve it.

“I’ve been in the 90s for a while. You definitely have doubts but I’m determined to keep going,” Lobbe said.

“You just keep chipping away.”

Having initially started his career at Port Adelaide as a first-round draft pick, Lobbe played 92 games at the Power before making the switch to Ikon Park at the end of 2017.

With Sunday just 10 days shy of the nine-year anniversary since his debut, Lobbe said there had been “ups and downs” along the way.

“It’s been a long journey, getting to 100. It feels like it’s been a long time but I can also remember my first year very clearly,” he said.

“There were a few years where I’ve played the whole years and others where I’ve only played a few games, due to injury and other reasons.”

With five finals under his belt at Port Adelaide, Lobbe has taken on a mentoring role with the likes of Tom De Koning and Harry McKay since crossing to Ikon Park.

He said working with the up-and-coming youngsters had reminded him of his love of the game.

“It sort of reminds you of the reasons you play, to enjoy it and compete,” he said.

“I’ve loved my time here so far… I love stepping out there on the field, I’ll enjoy doing that on Sunday.”

Lobbe enjoyed his first win in the Navy Blue against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium late last year: understandably, he’s hoping for a similar result in game No.100.

He’ll also share the milestone game with Liam Jones, who shared a similar journey in crossing to the Blues after starting out a different club.

“50 club games for ‘Jonesy’ is pretty special,” he said.

“He’s had a big impact on me since I’ve been here. He plays footy with such a freedom that I love watching, I’ll enjoy spending the milestone with him.”