Star Fremantle midfielder Lachie Neale feared his lack of pace would cost him the chance to realise his AFL dream - but he's thankful the Dockers took a punt on him.
Neale has established himself as one of the league's most prolific ball winners and a vital part of Fremantle's future.
The 23-year-old set a new AFL record last year for the most disposals in a home-and-away season - 737 possessions in 22 games.
Neale's hot form has continued this season, with the 177cm ball magnet tallying 40 disposals, nine clearances, and a goal in last week's win over Essendon.
But six years ago Neale feared his lack of pace would result in him being overlooked in the national draft - with recruiters labelling him too slow.
Neale was eventually taken by Fremantle with pick No.58, and he'll notch his 100-game milestone in Sunday's clash with Richmond at the MCG.
"You see most guys my size in the AFL are pretty quick. I don't have that lightning pace," Neale said.
"That was the main attribute I was missing. (I was) too slow. The word was I wasn't the quickest bloke going around.
"Heading into draft day I wasn't sure at all.
"My management was quietly confident I'd get picked up late, or in the rookie draft.
"It was a really nervous day, but one of the most exciting days of my life as well."
Neale has worked hard to build up his speed in recent years, but it still remains one of his major weaknesses.
"I think my first 10 metres is reasonable," Neale said.
"But then most blokes can run me down after that. So I've got to get rid of the ball after the first 10."
Neale was the subject of a number of trade rumours last year, with some sources claiming he was considering a move to either Adelaide or North Melbourne.
But he put those rumours to bed by re-signing with Fremantle for a further three years.
Fremantle (4-3) have risen to ninth on the table after snaring four wins from their past five games.
Neale has required some injections to ease pain in his knee in recent weeks, but said he pulled up well from the win over Essendon and hopes the issue won't resurface again.
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