Season 2016 has been a breakout year for Jarryd Lyons and this weekend the tough midfielder will play his 50^th AFL game.

Drafted in 2010, Lyons has been in and out of the senior side during his career but has cemented his spot this season.

The 24-year-old has played a career-best 14 games this year and told radio station FIVEaa he was pleased to reach the personal milestone but he never takes his place in the side for granted.

“I took my time getting there but I guess it’s nice finally to get over that hill,” Lyons said.

“It’s nice to be in the side and playing good footy and good team footy, and winning games always helps.

“You can never get too complacent but it’s nice to know you’re going to play each week and contributing to the team.”

Lyons credits coaches Don Pyke and Scott Camporeale, as well as the scrapping of the sub rule, for helping him get some continuity in his football.

“I got that opportunity in the midfield from Pykey and Campo and it was nice get an opportunity to play a full game,” he said.

“Just playing four quarters of footy which I didn’t get to do a lot of last year.”

Lyons is averaging a career-best 21 disposals a game this year and is also hitting the scoreboard, kicking 13 goals for the season.

He said that floating forward during games was something that he felt comfortable with.

“I grew up playing more of my footy as a forward than a midfielder so I guess learning that an early age it just sticks with you.”

“With the rotations this year with our midfield we have a few mids spin through the forward line as well so it’s nice to spend some time up there and crumb off the big boys like Tex and JJ and Gov up there.”

With Sam Jacobs under an injury-cloud heading into Saturday’s game, Lyons backed young ruckman Reilly O’Brien to perform if required.

“ROB’s been probably one of our most improved players over the last couple of years,” Lyons said.

“He’s come from not playing a whole lot of footy and come straight in and really putting pressure on Sauce so I think Doc Clarke has done a really good job with our ruck stocks.”