It’s been a long road to the 50-game milestone for Matt Flynn, who will reach the mark in West Coast’s round 18 clash with Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Now in his 10th AFL season, the 27-year-old says the achievement is one he holds close, even if teammate Jamie Cripps’ 250th game as an Eagle has taken top billing this week.

“’Crippa’s’ 250 overshadows it a bit,” Flynn said with a smile.

“It has been a journey. Going into my 10th year, I’ve spent a fair while on the list to get here, a few ups and downs on the way, but it’s something I’m very proud of.”

Originally drafted by Greater Western Sydney, Flynn spent the majority of his early years developing behind established ruckmen and working through injuries, including an ACL tear in his third year.

However, those challenges helped shape his perspective and his role both on and off the field.

“In my first couple of years in Sydney I was a long way off it, just a young kid trying to find my way,” he said.

“Doing my ACL was a real turning point. I was in rehab with Callan Ward at the time and learned a lot about myself and how you can lead without playing.

“I focused on things away from footy, building relationships, learning the game plan and mentoring the younger guys.”

That mindset has continued into his time at West Coast, where Flynn has played a key mentoring role in a developing midfield group featuring the likes of Harley Reid and Elijah Hewett.

“It’s really exciting  we’ve got Hewett and Reid doing incredible things, and Brady Hough who’s transitioned into the midfield really well,” Flynn said.

“Then there’s Jack Hutchinson and Ryan Maric on the wings.

“It’s a young midfield, but there’s so much talent and a real desire to get better. It’s starting to click and we’ve seen that over the last couple of months.”

After being dropped following round one, Flynn has worked hard to establish continuity in his game, both mentally and physically.

“My focus this year was on consistency. That’s something I was lacking, and I knew I needed to find a better balance both on and off the field,” Flynn said.

“I’m someone who thrives on routine. I’ve had that sporadically across my career but now, being a bit older, it’s something I’ve made a priority.”

Away from football, Flynn is studying a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences - a field he says gives him perspective and, jokingly, the occasional edge against opponents.

“I’ve been studying for a few years now, not exactly sure where it’ll take me, but we’ll see,” he said. 

The team showed their support for veteran forward Cripps at training on Tuesday, donning custom t-shirts to honour his 250-game milestone.

“’Crippa’s’ done some amazing things for the club,” Flynn said.

“As an older player, he’s helping guys like Malakai Champion and Noah Long up forward, developing their game and leading by example.

“He’s such a loved person here, so I’m sure the boys will want to bring the energy and put on a show for him this weekend.”