AARON Grabau does not think of himself as the face of the Cairns Taipans.

But try telling that to the 5000 fans at the Convention Centre tomorrow who will help him celebrate 400 games in the NBL.
The 34-year-old did not look much different when he joined in the club's inaugural season as its youngest member.
A strict fitness regimen, superior professionalism and a love of the game means he has remained one of the club's most valuable players.
Having won back a place in the starting five this season, Grabau scoffs at accolades thrown his way.
"I don't think I really am the face of the club. I'm just an old chair sitting in the corner doing my bit. If I get remembered after my career that's fantastic," he said.
Coach Aaron Fearne, who was a teammate of Grabau's in that first season in 1999, begged to differ.
"He's a hometown hero and extremely loyal to the club. There aren't many guys around who have played for the same club for that long," he said.
Grabau moved to Cairns from Mackay, after a first taste of NBL with the Geelong Supercats (11 games).
He is today a proud father of four with wife Allison, who he met while she was a Marlins cheerleader.

Taipans v Hawks tomorrow at 4pm.

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