Many thought it couldn’t be done. But in testament to his resilience, commitment and love of Fitzroy, this week Julian Turner – a premiership captain – will notch up 200 games.

The 33 year old first played in a Fitzroy jumper in under 10s, and has never wavered across the decades since, playing three years of under 19s before joining senior ranks in 2012.

“Resilient, Committed,’’ are the two words fellow 200-gamer and close friend, Nathan Ligris, uses to describe Julian as a player and off-field leader.

“Especially as captain he went above and beyond to make sure everyone was welcome, and helping out wherever needed. Even now he’s handed the reigns over he’s still just as committed,” Liga says.

“He always makes the right decision with ball in hand, hard as nails, and leads by example.”

Simply playing footy, and training, is what matters most to Jules.

He’s not keen on the spotlight – a far cry from his best-on-ground performance on an Adelaide footy trip – and says his greatest highlight is playing in A Grade last year.

“I didn't think we'd be able to. I just didn't think it would ever happen to be honest, not in my lifetime, or at least my career, so that was incredibly exciting. I love the fact that we were in it,’’ Jules says.

He also lists the 2018 Grand Final which he captained as a highlight, especially the happiness it brought so many people.

But it was a game he very nearly didn’t make. Premiership coach Luke Mahoney remembers Jules being under an injury cloud.

“In true Jules’ style he did everything he could to play and lead the team that day. After training fully on Thursday night, I knew that Jules would be the first one to put his hand up if he didn’t think he could get through the game,’’ Mahns says.

“He told me he was right and after a fair bit of match committee discussion we backed him in, and two days later he was holding up the cup with me (hamstring intact).”

Injuries have dogged Jules throughout his career. He, and plenty of teammates, joke he could have got to 200 games years ago.

“For a fair bit of my time as coach, Jules’ body did let him down but it was no fault of his. He would do everything he could to rehab or prehab so that he could get out on the park and lead the team on a Saturday,’’ says Mahns.

“His resilience during this time was evident, as many footballers would or have quit off the amount of footy he was missing. At training or match day, Jules was always setting the example of what was expected to get the best out of yourself. That’s why making it to 200 is such a huge effort and great reward.”

Jules replaced Rory Angiolella as captain, the same year Mahoney took the helm. He says he is an outstanding and loyal servant of the club.

“From the moment I arrived you could sense his passion and pride in playing for Fitzroy. He was somewhat of a reluctant leader to begin with, but grew into the role with his engaging, inclusive, caring and integrity leadership trademarks,’’ he says.

Mahoney says on field, Jules is one of the smartest footballers, with the uncanny knack of being in the right position at the right time. He also brings others into the game with quick hands or piercing left foot kicks. He also had a fair highlight reel.

“Clubs that underestimated him did so at their own peril. He was brave, desperate, courageous and loved the contest.”

Over his time, Jules has played with some greats, but says Aidan ‘Lambo’ Lambert, “on his day” was remarkable.

“I don't reckon I've ever seen anyone take over a game as much as he did.’’

But over a longer period, he names Max Ellis and Nathan Ligris, also 200-game teammates as the best.

Playing at Brunswick Street, in front of a real crowd, is one of the things he loves most about playing for Fitzroy.

He’s also always loved being a bit of an underdog against the old boy clubs, especially because Fitzroy players are a bit different, he says. “We still could sort of take it up to teams, and at times they looked like they were off a football production line.’’

It’s that uniqueness that keeps him going, the pride he has in who Fitzroy are.

Even after 200 games, Jules just keeps going.

“I think I still love training. I've always loved training. I love trying to get better. I love trying to make the team better. And getting the sort of opportunity to do that, I feel like every training session that I go to gives me a lot of purpose.”

Hopefully there many more sessions, and seasons, to go.