Pavlich's professionalism is legendary at Fremantle Oval and he is set to pass former full-back Shane Parker's 238-game mark, having missed just eight games since his debut against Melbourne in round five of the 2000 season at the WACA (when he kicked two goals).
Now in his 12th season, Pavlich might be one of the most versatile players of his generation. He has been named All-Australian six times, at full-back (2002), half-forward (2003), centre half-forward (2005), on the interchange (2006 and 2008) and full-forward (2007).
Fremantle coach Mark Harvey believes Matthew Pavlich's club games record at the end of his career is unlikely to be overtaken, with fewer players able to push towards the 300-game mark in the modern era.
"This might be the last time a player breaks a record like this, the way the game's going," Harvey said.
One can't help but enjoy watching Pavlich play, especially considering his initiative and feel for the game. When the opposition takes the momentum, Pavlich is inevitably in the centre square for the next bounce. When his midfield is on a roll, he is the focus of the forward line. He has led Fremantle's goalkicking seven times.
Pavlich appears to have the licence Essendon's James Hird had - he goes wherever he's needed, his natural leadership skills always on show.
Pavlich, 29, has shown remarkable loyalty to the Dockers in the face of reports constantly linking him to the two Adelaide clubs in his home state.
Since his third season, the No. 4 pick from the 1999 draft hasn't finished outside the top three in Fremantle's best and fairest award, the Doig Medal, winning it in 2002 and 2005-08.
For a big man, Pavlich has extraordinary skill, power and endurance. Above all, he is a pure ball player. He chooses not to waste energy throwing his weight around.
For a player who appeared to grasp early in his career that there is more to life than football, there is little in the game that Pavlich hasn't achieved, bar an AFL premiership.
We know he's doing everything he can to change that.
This story first appeared in the round-three edition of the AFL Record
