ROHAN Bail’s ability to reach 50 AFL matches is a testament to his character.

His milestone might not get the notoriety as Shaun Burgoyne, Sam Mitchell or Drew Petrie – three outstanding players set to play their 250^th AFL match this round – but Bail can be justifiably proud of the fact he will reach the half-century against the Sydney Swans at the MCG on Saturday night.  

For the 25-year-old, his journey to the highest level has been far from smooth-sailing. But his ability to keep fighting has been a reason for Melbourne’s persistence with the versatile runner.

“I’m very excited and proud [to be playing my 50^th AFL match]. It’ll feel pretty special, considering six or seven years ago I didn’t even think I was going to play AFL,” Bail told melbournefc.com.au.

“With some of the hardships along the way, you have your doubts, but it’ll be a special moment and hopefully we can play in front of a good crowd and get a good win, against good opposition.

“It’s taken me a while, but that’s part of the journey. I thank the coaches over the journey for picking me and helping me get there eventually.”

Drafted as a mature-age player at No.64 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft – after being overlooked in several drafts – Bail made his AFL debut in round 19, 2009 against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium. But his first appearance for the Demons was far from the perfect start, when he suffered a quadriceps injury in the warm-up.

But that start to his career was put clearly into perspective, when he was struck by personal tragedy in his first season, when his mother passed away due to cancer.

“My first year, I struggled a bit with off field stuff,” he said.

But his ability to string games together proved challenging.

Aside from a strong 2012, when he played most of the season, injuries have interrupted every year.

“The second year I blew out a quad, broke my cheek bone and managed to play a few games late in the year,” Bail said.

“In my third year, I did my PCL in my knee, which kept me out for 12 weeks. In 2012, I managed to have a consistent year and played 18 games, barring four that I missed with concussion.

“The pre-season of 2013, I spent six weeks without doing contact, which meant my pre-season was heavily disadvantaged. I came in and played OK, but then it fell away due to that lack of preparation. Some poor form and injury kept me out for the last half of last season.

“But once this pre-season came around, I really tried to do all the right things and give myself the best chance of getting in the side.”

And so far, it has gone to plan.

Bail has played every match for the Demons in 2014 and has shown he can add elite running ability, defensive forward pressure and the ability to hit the scoreboard to Melbourne’s game plan. 

Born in Victoria in June 1988, Bail moved to Queensland when he was seven years old. He was recruited from Mt Gravatt, but now considers his long-term future in Melbourne.

“I love Melbourne, the city and the club, and it’s a privileged position to be able to play footy. I try to take the opportunity with both hands,” he said.

“There’s been a fair few ups and downs, and that comes with the journey – not everyone has it easy and you’ve got to take the little milestones when they come and enjoy them.”

Reflecting on his time so far at the Demons, Bail was at pains not to forget anyone, who had helped him along his journey, but he spoke of several past and present Demons who have been pivotal.

“Early on Brad Green was a really big help. He used to drive me to training a lot and just provide some support, and we spent a lot of time together,” he said.

“Nathan Jones has been a really good friend of mine throughout the journey and Clint Bartram was also good support early on and Jared Rivers as well. Some of those senior guys were good friends.

“I’m also close with a few of the younger boys at the club like Howey (Jeremy Howe), Trenners (Jack Trengove), Wattsy (Jack Watts), Jordie [McKenzie] and Pencil (Jake Spencer), but I don’t want to leave anyone out.”

As he prepares for his 50^th match, Bail is determined there will be plenty more and he is eager to fully cement his position.

“In 2012, I played a lot more in that forward role and that’s carried on into now,” he said.

“It’s a role I really enjoy because it requires a lot of hard running and getting your set ups right. I roll through the wings these days, which is good, but not so much in the middle.

 “I’m doing all the right things and getting my body right, and Roosy (Paul Roos) has shown faith in me, and I’ve tried to play my role. I love every position I play and wherever they play me, I’m happy to play and try and do the job.”