Stiller burst onto the scene in 2006 after being elevated from the Lions’ rookie list, and went on to play 35 senior matches across his first two seasons - including 33 in succession.
Throughout this time, he earned an AFL Rising Star nomination and boasted statistical averages not dissimilar to those of Simon Black, Daniel Rich and Jack Redden in the early stages of their careers.
The local Queensland product has since become somewhat of an unsung hero during his seven seasons at the Lions, being largely entrusted with the types of on-field roles that earn praise from his coaches and team-mates, but not necessarily the wider football public.
2012 has presented Stiller with a fresh challenge, with the rapid development of his younger team-mates making positions in the senior team increasingly hard to come by.
After losing his place in the senior team after Round 2, it has proven a long and hard road back for one of the Club’s most consistent performers.
Reserves Coach Nathan Clarke said that Stiller has been a consummate professional in dealing with this latest setback - but expected nothing less of the 26 year-old.
“Cheynee getting his 100th game has generated a big buzz for everyone around the Club,” Clarke said.
“He’s just been sensational and hasn’t let the fact he hasn’t been playing seniors get to him at all.”
“He’s been terrific with the reserves all season and thoroughly deserves his chance.”
Now, after a great deal of hard work and patience, Stiller’s contribution to the Club will now be forever immortalised on the No.32 locker-room door, courtesy of his upcoming milestone.
His name will be etched alongside former greats Shaun Hart (273 games), Clen Denning (159 games), Russell Crow (158 games), and Jason Baldwin (125 games), whose names greet him every morning at the Gabba.
Stiller will also become just the 30th player in the merged history of the Brisbane Lions to play 100 games this Saturday evening against the Swans.
