Penny has been a Roos stalwart since the 1990s, appearing in eight grand finals with the club for three premierships.

He left for a brief stint with Wimmera Football League’s Horsham RSL Diggers in the early part of last decade, but returned to the Roos shortly after.

Injuries have restricted Penny to four games this season, and he was left stranded on 299 games from Anzac Day until the weekend.

Penny was presented with his life membership by Horsham District chairman Graeme King before Saturday’s nine-point loss to Swifts at North Park, Stawell.

“It was good to get that recognition, but you just play because you love playing footy – not because of the accolades,” Penny said.

“It’s been pretty frustrating over the past month, but I’ve been pretty lucky with injuries over my career, which has probably helped get me to 300.”

Mr King paid tribute to Penny after the game, saying he was a role model for younger players.

“He’s always been a ball player and you couldn’t question his sportsmanship,” he said.

“He’s a fine example of a footballer for our competition, which is what I told him on Saturday.”

Penny said his fondest memory of his time with the Roos was his first premiership in 1999.

He said he would love one more trophy before he finally hung up the boots.

“I would love to be involved in another premiership-winning side, and that’s what keeps me going a bit,” he said.

“Harrow-Balmoral has been a great club to me over the years and there’s a lot of tireless work that goes on behind the scenes with trainers and officials, so I’d like to thank them for everything they’ve done for me.”