Veteran Ryan Kinnear to become just the second Royals player in history to chalk up 250 league games

Decorated Royals wingman Ryan Kinnear will become the second player in his club’s history to play 250 league games when he runs out to face Denmark-Walpole on Saturday. Kinnear will join good friend Mitch Curnow as the only Lions players to reach the milestone. A five-time premiership player and former Lions captain, Kinnear made his debut in 2003 and has spent much of his 16 senior seasons with the club roaming up and down a wing with his lethal left foot. The 35-year-old would be closing in on 300 games if not for two seasons playing cricket overseas in 2005-06 and a one-year stint with Busselton in 2013. He will lead his team out at McLean Park in the final round of the Great Southern Football League season. “I think it will mean a lot more when I reflect and finish up,” Kinnear said. “With all the hard work put in, it will mean a lot to family and friends. “It’s a pretty good achievement and I’m pretty happy with it. “The heart says I have two or three seasons left but the head definitely says there’s not much time left, so I’m just trying to make the most of it. “Footy and the footy club means so much to me, all the people that help out makes it such a great place to be around. “For me, later in life, it’s made me sort of realise how important footy clubs are.” The Lions will finish on top of the ladder and be out to secure a 14th win of the season to celebrate Kinnear’s milestone in style. “It’s a good test again with Denmark, I’m sure they will come in full strength,” he said. “Hopefully, we will get Micky McGlade back and few others and that will be our full side, it’s looking good going into finals. “The family will be around and I will have a few mates and hopefully we will get the win and have a few drinks afterwards to celebrate.” Kinnear and Curnow have played football together for most of their careers and Kinnear was honoured to reach the mark. “We started at colts and before that at juniors so to go through it with Mitch, it’s great,” Kinnear said. “For me to join him is such a great thing, he’s pulled me along the journey a bit when I’ve lacked and it’s just great to be there with him.” In the other round 15 fixtures North Albany will host Mt Barker on Saturday in a dead rubber while Albany host Railways in an intriguing match at Centennial Stadium on Saturday between two finals bound teams.