His side lifted for the occasion, defeating top-of-the-table Subiaco 127-84 at Leederville Oval on Saturday.
He now hopes the side will replicate the result for his 200th WAFL game against East Fremantle, where they will fight it out in the annual Joyce Allan ” Kerry Coates Cup (Motor Neurone Cup) on Saturday.
The 30-year-old began his career at the club in 2002 at just 18 and, according to the fullback, he has seen many changes during his time.
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READ NOW‘To start off with, the way our team is being coached has changed dramatically,’ he said.
‘I debuted under John Todd in 2002, and his style was very direct and old school and of course as the years have gone on the game has become a lot quicker, and players more athletic.
‘There are far more utility players in the game that can have the ability to play in more areas than one position on the field and everything is becoming more youthful and athletic and of course with that comes the pace increases.’
Having grown up in Bassendean, Ames has always followed the black and whites.
He said he had seen many highs and lows and remembered the hard times which made the good times even more memorable.
‘You always hold your debut in your memory: that was against East Perth at Medibank; we got belted by 90-odd points,’ he said.
‘The club was almost in turmoil but with the support of some sponsors and our fans we were able to turn things around; it was great.
‘But my strong memory is of the 2010 Grand Final.
‘If you get the opportunity to play in one and win one, to be a part of that is etched in my memory forever.’
Ames rated Brad Smith as his toughest opponent and hoped to play another season with the Swans.
Chief executive Tom Bottrell said Ames was the best key defender in the league and probably the best fullback of the last 20 years.
The cup clash will also mark teammate Ryan Davis’ 100th game and the 1984 premiership reunion.