By Jack McAnespie
The term 'favourite son' gets thrown around a whole lot in modern day footy, but rarely has it been more appropriately used than to describe 150-game Bulldogs veteran, Alex Henderson.
Affectionately known around the Dogs as 'Hendo', Alex joins the 150 club against Wests on the weekend.
And he'll be heading out at Kelso Oval to achieve the same goal he has set for himself in each and every one of his 149 previous appearances - to ruin the opposition full forwards day.
The pillar of UNSW/ES' defence across the best part of the last decade, Hendo is always one of the Bulldogs' most consistent performers.
Anyone who is a premiership player can consider himself or herself a pretty handy footballer, and while he'd never admit it, Alex is certainly more than just handy.
"There is no player I've seen practice the dark art of defending better than Hendo," Bulldogs skipper Joel Robbie said.
"He's a master at it. He's completely selfless, plays his role for the team and wins contests most others wouldn't.
"Because of that, he's always the first name on the team sheet. Personally, I consider myself very lucky to have played alongside him."
Ask him what his favourite thing about playing the great Australian game is, and Hendo will likely say something along the lines of, "tunnelling people," followed by a cheeky smirk and a small head wobble.
A self-confessed gym junkie, Hendo is always the first to pull his wallet out at the bar after a game, and get around the boys with a couple of post-match froths.
"Hendo is the poorest rich person you will meet," Joel went on to say.
"The only banker I know that attends festivals purely for the pleasure of collecting empty cans for the cash back program.
"The only time he goes missing is when it's time to buy a round for the boys, there's a run on the share market, or Alex Foote wants to talk to him."
While the past few seasons have been tough for the Doggies, Hendo's teammates can guarantee the barrel-chested defender will be there on Tuesday and Thursday nights, working hard on his own game and helping those around him improve theirs.
On a serious note however, Alex's popularity and reputation at the club, as well as the high esteem in which his teammates hold him in, is testament to his character.
There is not a person at the club, past or present, who would have a bad word to say about Hendo. His example across 149 games has been nothing short of inspirational, and we're sure there will be plenty more to come.
All the best for your 150th from everyone at the UNSW/ES Bulldogs
Alex Henderson
149 games - 111 Premier Division, 26 Under 18's, 12 Reserve Grade
2012 Premier Division Premiership Team
2008 Under 18 Premiership Team (4 GF goals, named in best players)
2009 Premier Division Grand Final Team (named in best players in GF, PF and SF)
2011, 2012 AFL Sydney Development Squad
Last Modified on 03/06/2016 09:46