Durable wingman Andrew Gaff and his close mate Jack Darling have enjoyed each other’s company for much of their careers.

They each rank in the upper echelon of games played for the West Coast Eagles, with Darling (273 games) and Gaff (271) sitting in the top five in terms of representation across the Eagles 36-year history.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 03: Jack Darling of the Eagles is chaired from the field by teammate Andrew Gaff (left) and Jamie Cripps (right) after his 250th match during the 2022 AFL Round 16 match between the Richmond Tigers and the West Coast Eagles at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 03, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Ahead of them are revered 2018 premiership skipper Shannon Hurn (332), champion ruckman Dean Cox (290) and defensive colossus Glen Jakovich (276).

Tomorrow against Essendon at Marvel Stadium the pairing of Darling and Gaff will play together for a club record 250th time. It is a remarkable union that began when they were each drafted in 2010 – Gaff with selection #4 and Darling at pick #26.

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Witherden 100

Take a look at Alex Witherden's highlights from 100 AFL games

They have each been outstanding contributors, Gaff earning all-Australian selection in 2015 and 2018 as well as winning the John Worsfold Medal in 2015. Darling was afforded all-Australian honours in 2019, has kicked 503 goals (to be third on the Eagles all-time list) and is a four-time leading goal-kicker.

Both will have important roles to play if the Eagles are to unseat the Bombers as they strive to push for a finals appearance.

Alex Witherden shows his elation after venturing forward for a great goal on the run

The achievement of Gaff and Darling will not be the only milestone that is achieved in this game, with defender Alex Witherden playing his 100th senior match.

Witherden will play his 41st game for the Eagles since being traded to the club from Brisbane after playing 59 games for the Lions. He has also been resilient this season, playing 18 games, after missing one match through concussion after a heavy knock in round three against Fremantle.

Jack Darling kicked six-straight goals against Gold Coast

Only Gaff, forward Oscar Allen, defender Jayden Hunt and ruckman Bailey Williams, who have not missed a game, have played more often than Witherden this season.