TRENT Croad becomes a Hawthorn life member on Saturday when he plays his 150th club game against West Coast.

The 27-year-old has been a strong contributor so far in season 2007, despite missing three games with a foot injury.

Originally recruited from Dandenong U18, Croad spent three years at the Hawks before being traded to Fremantle at the end of 2001. After two years in the west he returned to Hawthorn for the start of the 2004 season.

Reaching life membership sees Croad become the 48th Hawthorn player to play 150 games for the club.

Croad joins current teammates Shane Crawford and Ben Dixon on the life members honour board and will be acknowledged at the club’s Annual General Meeting on December 13 at the Hawthorn Town Hall.

“I am very proud to become a life member of the Hawthorn Football Club and feel privileged to be part of this club,” Croad said.

“It’s fantastic to play 150 club games, but it’s important too for the team to play well on Saturday and have a win.”

Croad hasn’t looked back since rejoining the club. He was named centre half-back in the 2005 All Australian team, an indication of his maturity, work ethic and dedication.

“I’ve had some highs and lows in my footy career, but coming back to Hawthorn and being part of a young team on the rise is very exciting,” he said.