Former North Melbourne midfielder Daniel Harris will be forever grateful for the lifeline Gold Coast threw him to keep his AFL career afloat and the chance to reach the 150 games.

Harris had played 149 matches in nine seasons with North Melbourne before a falling out with the Kangaroos at the end of 2009 left his career in limbo.

Then came a call-up from Suns' coach Guy McKenna who asked him to head north, take a back seat for a year and play in the VFL with the aim of being one of the senior players in 2011.

Harris agreed and was a 2010 rookie draft selection, spending all of last year playing at the second tier level as the most senior player in the side.

On Saturday night against Carlton at the Gabba the hard work and patience will have paid off.

Harris will etch his name in history as a member of the Suns' first-ever team while also making his 150th AFL appearance.

"I didn't think this day would ever come to be honest," Harris said.

"When I got a phone call from Bluey McKenna to say they wanted to draft me, ever since that day I thought this is my opportunity.

"Even if it was through the VFL, that was my pathway to get back to AFL footy.

"It seems like it's gone overnight and I can't wait to get out with the boys."

Harris may have been the elder statesman in 2010 but he's far from the most experienced player on the list.

Joining him at the Suns to form the backbone of experience are Gary Ablett (192 games - Geelong), Michael Rischitelli (111 - Brisbane), Campbell Brown (159 - Hawthorn), Jared Brennan (119 - Brisbane), Jarrod Harbrow (70 - Western Bulldogs), Nathan Krakouer (40 - Port Adelaide), Josh Fraser (200 - Collingwood) and Nathan Bock (113 - Adelaide).

With Ablett and Rischitelli the two most proactive midfielders on the list, Harris' time in the midfield could be spent negating the opposition's best midfielder.

If that scenario unfolds then Carlton's dual Brownlow medallist Chris Judd could be his first opponent.

"Not too sure (who I will get), I've not really spoken about my role," Harris said.

"It will be in the midfield and whoever it is, doesn't really matter.

"The way the rotations are you pretty much play on everyone in the midfield.

"If it's Judd, it's Judd."

Harris said the most satisfied individuals on Saturday night will not necessarily be the players.

"It's a great occasion for the whole footy club and I was lucky enough to spend a year in the VFL," Harris said.

"To see the work the people have done at the footy club, it's going to be more rewarding for them, not just the 22 who run out on the ground.

"We want to win and we want to create a winning culture at this footy club."

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