“Is this your last year?” I asked. “Yep, yeah, definitely,” laughed Corey Enright.

It was an interview I did for Channel 7 earlier this year on the eve of the Cats round one clash against the Hawks.

Enright had made up his mind this season would be his last.

During the second week of the finals Enright will turn 35 years old.

But like the majority of Geelong fans, I hope this isn’t Boris’ last hurrah.

On Saturday night against the Crows, Enright will equal the Cats all-time games record held by the great Ian Nankervis of 325 senior games.

“It doesn’t really faze me too much, I’m more driven by the team success.” Enright said.

During his 17 years at Kardinia Park, Enright has won three AFL premierships, two Carji Greeves medals and five All Australian honours; he is one of the most decorated players to play the game.

His courage, never-say-die attitude and nerves of steel have won him the adulation of his teammates, opponents and fans alike.

No one could blame him for retiring at the end of this season.

But here are the reasons why Coach Chris Scott and the list management team should be doing everything they possible can to convince Boris to go around again in 2017.

When you analyse the statistics Enright is Mr Consistent.

Credit: Champion Data

Credit: Champion Data

It’s clear to see despite Enright being classified as a veteran, he is still elite. If anything his performances are on the way up and certainly don’t show any sign of dropping.

Over the past decade AFL clubs have been far too quick to retire players off.

It used to be when you turned 30 you were classified as over the hill and would be quietly tapped on the shoulder and moved on.

Now the older brigade is leading the way. Sam Mitchell (33 years old), Luke Hodge (32), Shaun Burgoyne (33), Brent Harvey (38) are all still going strong.

With modern day medical treatment, better physio and recovery methods AFL players are proving age is no barrier – Essendon’s Dustin Fletcher played until he was 40-years-old and the way Enright is going he could too.

Of the top 10 all-time games record holders for Geelong – seven have played in the 2000s.

So if Corey Enright has his mind set on hanging up the boots at the end of the year good on him, he owes the club and us supporters nothing.

But if there is a way of persuading the rebounding defender to continue on for an 18^th season, Geelong should do it.

Corey Enright has changed his mind before – let’s hope he changes it again.

Sean Sowerby

Channel 7 News Weekend Sports Presenter/Reporter

Proud Geelong FC Member

@SeanSowerby7