Just like a Porsche, Sam Gibson has roared from 0-100 in stunning style.
The midfielder notches up his hunderedth game on Sunday against West Coast, remarkably without being dropped, injured or suspended since his debut.
The unbroken run is a feat achieved only by nine players in over a century of AFL/VFL history.
Given Gibson wasn't given a chance at senior level until age 26, the 30-year-old said he was delighted to reach the milestone.
"There was a fair portion of time when I didn't think I'd play one," he said.
"I haven't had the luxury of being able to look too far ahead but in the last season it's been a goal of mine to get there.
"When I run out on Sunday it will be pretty good for me and also the people that have had an influence, like my family."
Gibson could be forgiven for having deja vu at Domain Stadium.
The hard-nosed Kangaroo also reached a century with Hawthorn's reserves affiliate Box Hill before being given his chance in the AFL with North.
Gibson said a dressing room with 400-gamer Brent Harvey and captain Andrew Swallow, who plays in his 200th game on Sunday, kept the scale of his achievement in perspective.
"Someone like Andrew who gets banged up every week, to front up for 10 plus years and do it ... I can only begin to fathom how hard that is," he said.
North Melbourne's trip West is the first time the club has visited Perth since their preliminary final loss last year.
While Swallow said the result "still burns", Gibson said he is focused on what a win could do for the Kangaroos' season and not on settling old scores.
"At the time it stings and you still have memories of it ... but footy moves pretty quickly and you've got to move on pretty quickly," he said.
"I don't see it as retribution this weekend.
"In the scheme of the season and our season it's pretty important that we have a good result."
