Jake King is the first to admit he doesn’t expect to go down as one of the all-time greats.

The 29-year-old has learnt to get the best out of himself, play to his strengths, constantly improve, and slowly warm himself to the Richmond faithful.

This Saturday, King will play his 100th game for the Tigers, a milestone which seemed unlikely in a career which has been at the crossroads more than once.

He arrived at Tigerland the hard way – via the VFL, and directly onto the rookie list, at the end of 2006.

The energetic back pocket turned small forward has always found a way to reinvent himself, to the point where he has become a crucial part of the Tigers’ make-up.

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Along the way, he has become a leader in his own right, and a loveable character at Punt Road.

“He’s certainly a guy we love having around the footy club,” said Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.

“He’s not one of those guys that’s not overly blessed with the characteristics of the champion players, but he has a massive heart, and that’s what we love about him.

“That’s why he gets a game in our side, week in, week out.

“It’s a big milestone for him, and it’s taken him a hell of a long time to get there, but I don’t think there’s anyone more deserving at our footy club, that deserves to play 10 games.”

Through his colourful seven-year career to date, King has received mixed reactions from opposition fans, but has disproved the theory that perception is reality.

“He’s one of those team-mates people love having around,” Hardwick said.

“He’s not in our leadership group, but he’s a leader.  He certainly does things for people that a lot of people wouldn’t see.

“Within the four walls of the footy club, he is thought of enormously.”