West Coast goalsneak Ryan Neates is happy to be crowned King of the Midgets, and is determined to prove height is no obstacle in AFL ranks.
Standing at just 169cm, Neates is the shortest player currently running around in the league.
Little men across the nation were given reason to cheer last week when Neates made his AFL debut in West Coast’s 61-point loss to Essendon.
Neates managed just five possessions after coming on as a sub in the second quarter.
But the 20-year-old was just happy to get a taste at the elite level after enduring a frustrating run of injuries since being taken by West Coast in the 2010 pre-season draft.
“I had four major surgeries in the first 19 months or so,” Neates said ahead of Sunday’s clash with St Kilda at Patersons Stadium.
“I had elbow injuries, hernias, dislocated fingers, broken fingers, shoulder reconstructions.
“They were my main challenges … but thankfully I’ve been able to string a few games together (in the WAFL) and it’s been really helpful.”
Clubs have been reluctant in the past to select short players.
But Neates feels that trend has changed in recent years, with the likes of Fremantle’s Hayden Ballantyne (174cm), Hawthorn’s Cyril Rioli (177cm) and Carlton’s Eddie Betts (173cm) making big impacts.
“That’s the great thing about AFL football, it’s the fact that someone like Nic Nat or myself can be just as effective on the football field,” said Neates, who grew up idolising 175cm Fremantle and North Melbourne star Peter Bell.
“We’ve all got our strengths to bring.
“I’ve always had confidence in my football ability and never seen height as a barrier.
“I’m happy to take the crown or the king as the smallest player in the AFL.”
What Neates lacks in height, he certainly makes up for in humour.
Asked who he liked to compare himself with as a player, Neates quipped: “Shaun Rehn. Polly Farmer maybe?”
Neates is eager to play as many games as possible for the Eagles this season, but is likely to struggle for opportunities once players return from injury.