MATT Spangher isn’t yet allowing himself to dream of the possibilities next week might hold, with his focus firmly on Saturday’s Preliminary Final.

The AFL journeyman will play his 50^th career game against the Power, a feat that has taken nine years and stints at three different clubs.

But as he finally reaches the milestone, ironically in a big final boyhood dreams are made of, it has taken a backseat.

“It’s been too long but it’s nice to get there, to limp there almost,” Spangher joked.

“In the scheme of this week it doesn’t really (mean) a lot but we’ll see at the end of my footy journey.

“You have to tick off the milestones but this week there is obviously bigger fish to fry.”

A win on Saturday against the MCG would see the Hawks advance to their third successive grand final and the first time Spangher would be in the box seat to earn himself a place in Hawthorn’s team on grand final day.

That would be a special moment for the former Eagle and Swan, given he has been part of the 2006, 2012 and 2013 premierships but not earned the elusive premiership medal himself.

He was forced to watch on as his then-Eagle and Swan teammates salute, while he looked on from the stands as the Hawks were crowned the premier team last year.

While his dreams could finally become a reality if the Hawks are in front at the final siren on Saturday, he’s not letting that hope cloud his focus.

“Not as yet, no,” he told hawthornfc.com.au about letting himself dream of what could be.

“Maybe at the start of the year I was talking with the boys, talking some absolute dribble saying it would be nice but when it gets to the business end, I’m truly just focused on this week.

“It would mean a lot obviously but I’m not thinking about that just yet.”

Spangher has become an important cog in the Hawthorn machine, providing versatility in being able to fill key posts both in defence and up forward.

His form has justified his place in Hawthorn’s best 22, and for the first time in any season, has played 12 or more games.

What has restricted him there though, is a number of debilitating injuries that saw him miss chunks of football.

Finally though, he says he’s found the right mix of training at Hawthorn for his body thanks to the advice of club medical staff and former skipper Sam Mitchell.

“(My approach) probably changed the most this year because I see myself as someone who has to work his way into the side,” he explained.

“I always do the extras at training but unfortunately, my body hasn’t been able to cope with that sort of workload.

“In talking with the fitness staff here and some of the senior players like Sam Mitchell who has been great, they’ve made sure I’ve toned down my enthusiasm on the track.

“That’s probably been the biggest shift in my mindset. It’s been about taking the time to focus on what you have to do and making that quality work rather than quantity.

“I always thought if you train well then that reflects well on the field, which for the most part is true but if you can’t stay out on the field then what’s the point?”

The point is hopefully, finally, winning your way into a grand final after nine years and three clubs.