GREYSTANES local Rhys Cocks, 16, (pictured) recently played a record 167 games for the Holroyd Parramatta Goannas AFL club.
The humble teenager surpassed the record that was held by Scott Nolan (166).
But there were no hard feelings as Nolan shook his predecessor's hand as he took the field for his record-breaking game.
"I felt privileged and special because I have played here for so long," Rhys said.
"My brother plays here and my family have, too."
Playing up to three games a week, Rhys reached the milestone at a rapid pace.
The St Pauls, Greystanes, student was caught at a sporting crossroad soon after he took up the sport in 2003.
Continue with league or persevere with AFL?
Both codes were played on the same day so Rhys had to choose one and AFL ended up the winner.
His decision was made long before the Giants decided to set up camp in western Sydney, but with the AFL side's growing presence at the junior level, many more are sure to follow the same path.
The year 10 student who also doubles as a Giants fan said the presence of the AFL side in Sydney's west was a positive move for the sport.
"It feels good that they are so close and just around the corner," he said.
But the battle of the west is the furthest thing from this year 10 student's mind.
His older brother Luke plays for the Goannas division one side and bragging rights are always up for grabs.
Luke may have received the club's Rising Star award last year for his stellar season but younger brother now has his name marked in the club's history books, too.