Curnow played his 300th football match for the Spencer Gulf League last Saturday in front of a large crowd at Central Oval.

The footballer has been loyal to Central Football Club, sticking with the side since he started in the league in 1988.

Curnow started playing for the club when he was 17-years-old in the junior league.

However, Central’s team manager Deane Adams said it did not stay that way for long.

“He only played a couple of games and went straight to A grade, he definitely showed potential,” he said.

Adams said Centrals were not the only team at the time trying to entice Curnow to play for them.

“He definitely came with a reputation,” he said.

With a list of achievements as long as his career, it is no wonder Curnow has played for so many years.

He took away the Madigan medal in 1991, and came runner up in 1992.

He has also been the recipient of two Transcontinental medals, two SGL Best on Ground Awards, five club best and fairests, and the Barry Robran medal.

His wife Chez said along the way came a few operations, broken bones and minor injuries.

Adams said that Curnow’s career had been pretty consistent, but his best years were probably around when he won the Madigan medal.

“He’s still going strong so lets hope there’s a few more in him,” he said.Present coach Ray Hayes said that reaching 300 games was a feat only a handful of players in the league had achieved.

“You need to be very disciplined, and keep yourself in great nick, which he’s done well,” he said.

After Saturday’s match in which Central’s defeated Somontown, Curnow’s team mates carried him off the field.

“He a loyal and respected footballer, and the kind that clubs are built around,” Adams said.