Former Cat Steve Johnson has labelled Corey Enright "the best half-back flanker the game has seen in the past 20 years".

Johnson paid tribute to his former teammate, who will become Geelong's games record holder when he runs out to take on the Western Bulldogs on Friday night, in a column published in The Age newspaper over the weekend.

"He is a footballer with the lot," Johnson wrote of Enright. "He's smart, he makes good decisions and he's courageous.

"But there is so much more to him than Boris the player and so many reasons he is valued so much as a person – as well as a footballer – at Kardinia Park.

As a person, Boris is as humble as they come. With everything he has achieved you could forgive him for having a bit of a strut, but there isn't even a hint of one.

"I think when the individual accolades come along he gives a quiet little fist-pump and takes it in his stride.

"He's a competitive person who wants to be the best player he can be, but what he wants more than anything is what's best for the team."

Johnson and Enright played alongside each other for the best part of 15 seasons.

Both were key players in Geelong's 2007, '09 and '11 premierships.

"He's one of those player you trust completely on the field," Johnson added. "As a forward, there are times when you look up the field and realise you have hung your backs out to dry.

"Boris has so often been the one out in space trying to mind the most dangerous small forwards, but you had so much faith in him to win the ball back even when it seemed impossible.

"And when he isn't winning the ball back under pressure against his direct opponent he's so good at dropping off when they are no longer dangerous and giving the key backs a chop out.

"His instincts are as good as anyone I've ever seen or played with." 

Johnson was also full of praise for the way Enright looks after his body and analyses the game.

"He's also one of the most professional players I've come across," Johnson said.

"Whether it's extra beach sessions, sitting in an ice bath or working on his weaknesses in the gym, he is willing to do whatever he needs to.

"One day he could make a very good coach. He studies opponents, trains hard and is fully invested in day-to-day life at the footy club.

"Boris was going to leave a lasting legacy at Geelong even before this milestone, one that will mean a lot to everyone at the club as well as friends and family.

"He's synonymous with Geelong. He's admired by so many people.

"He'll go down as a big part of the club's history and deserves every bit of recognition he gets."