Jack Hingert will play his 250th game for Brisbane Roar when they face Western United, with a burning desire to win and make a late run for the A-League Men finals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The 33-year-old, who has won two ALM titles at the club, will become just the second player to reach the milestone for the Roar, following in the footsteps of club legend Matt McKay who featured in 272 games for Brisbane.
"The first four or five years I was here were our most successful times," Hingert said ahead of Friday's clash at Suncorp Stadium.
"I feel like I am part of the furniture, but I never wanted to go away.
"I wanted to make sure we got back to that early success, and hopefully we can while I am still here.
"Brisbane Roar is a massive part of my life. I never imagined when I first signed I would achieve (250 games).
"I don't think it happens much in the league, to find someone show that kind of loyalty. But I have been looked after well by the club as well.
"Hopefully I can mark my 250th with a win."
Acting head coach Ruben Zadkovich, who competed against Hingert in his playing days, described the defender as a "great player, great guy and much loved by his peers".
"In the Ange Postecoglou era that Jack Hingert was a part of, the (Roar success) was an amazing thing to witness from the outside," Zadkovich said.
"The fact that he has stayed. The fact that he is loyal, I find that inspiring.
"We want to work towards bringing back those (glory) days."
The Roar, eighth on the ALM ladder, have almost a full squad to choose from against last-placed Western United, with defender Scott Neville their only absence.
While the Roar have been through tumultuous times this season - Zadkovich is their fourth coach of the campaign - Hingert said playing finals was still the benchmark.
"Regardless with what we have had to deal with this season, finals are a must for us. It is something we are expecting to achieve," Hingert said.
"Western United are always a tough team to play against, regardless of where they are on the table.
"We are back at home, and it was a great win last time we played at Suncorp against Melbourne City. We are hoping to do the same again."
Hingert intends to represent Sri Lanka - the country of his father's birth - in a four-nation tournament in March against Bhutan, Central African Republic and Papua New Guinea.
"It is exciting for me and my family and hopefully I can go over there in a few weeks' time in our international window and get a game," he said.
"It would be a very proud moment."
Australian Associated Press
