MICHAEL O’Loughlin was just happy to contribute in his 300th AFL match and says the day itself was about more than one man.

Sitting alongside coach Paul Roos after the Swans belted Richmond at the MCG on Sunday, the club’s only 300-gamer deflected much of the adulation that came his way – despite the man known as “Magic” having earlier shown he still had plenty of tricks up his sleeve.

O’Loughlin had 19 possessions, took 10 marks and booted two goals for the match, one which many in red and white had travelled from far and wide to see.

“To come out today and do what we did was a great effort, again,” O’Loughlin said afterwards.

“I’m exhausted now, exhausted. Mentally, it was a big week.”

Before the match, several of the club's past players gathered in the Swans’ dressing rooms to wish O’Loughlin well on his big day.

Peter Bedford, John Heriot, Matthew Nicks and Simon Arnott were among those urging the premiership player on, while former club games record holder John Rantall presented O’Loughlin with his match jumper.

“I got a bit of a shock when I walked in,” O’Loughlin said.

“So that was sort of organised behind my back a bit, but it was great seeing those guys. All the well-wishers I’ve had throughout the week has just been amazing.”

The one-time South Australian admitted to being “humbled” by the adulation that has come with his milestone, before declaring the day had great significance for the club for everyone who had made it their home.

O’Loughlin was drafted to Sydney as a teenager after growing up in Adelaide. On Sunday, the 32-year-old ran through the banner with children Taya and James, while partner Emma, mother Muriel and brother Ricky watched from the stands.

He said he didn’t think he’d be at the Swans so long. Now, and being “a little bit embarrassed” by the spotlight, he believed his achievement represented a raft of individuals.

“The club’s been around for so long and had its ups and downs,” he said.

“This is not just about me, this 300th is about all the players that have come to this club and worn the red and white.”

His coach also acknowledged the magnitude of the day in the club’s history.

“I think it was a symbolic day for the club,” Roos said.

“We wanted to put on a very, very good show for our fans and obviously a show for Mick but also for the past players and everyone that’s come before us.”

Co-captain Craig Bolton said O’Loughlin, who will hang up his boots at the end of 2009, would be remembered as “one of the greatest legends this club has ever produced”.

O’Loughlin’s teammates’ feelings toward him were evident in the third quarter when, after marking, the man in the spotlight played on and kicked his first goal.

Nearly every Swan on the ground ran to celebrate the moment.

“I was actually buggered trying to get them off me,” O’Loughlin joked.

“Obviously the fitness isn’t what it used to be and they were all bringing me down.

“That’s what our club’s about, that emotion … I think that’s why we won the grand final that year (in 2005).

“It just brought about so much respect and pride for each other … thank god I came to this club.”