FOR WESTERN Bulldogs defender Dale Morris, being named All-Australian ranks with the most prestigious of individual accolades.
The 25-year-old was almost lost for words at Monday night's function in Melbourne when he was named in the back pocket of the 2008 team.
The dependable defender, whose hard-working nature is best reflected in the tough path he endured to reach the elite level, could not believe his name will forever be associated with fellow honoured backmen Matthew Scarlett and Tom Harley.
"It's definitely a huge honour. I never thought I'd get the opportunity to be standing up there with this calibre of blokes, so I'm just very, very excited," he said, after learning of his achievement.
"It definitely feels good, but as I said up there when I accepted the award, the team makes the individual so I owe all of that to the team.
"If it wasn't for the team, I wouldn't be here. It's just the way it works with every club."
Morris' career commenced after solid performances at VFL level, after then-coach Simon Minton-Connell encouraged him to try for an AFL rookie spot as a 17-year-old.
He initially missed out, and took up playing in the lower league for four years while persevering with a parallel aim along the way.
His efforts attracted the attention of the Dogs' coaching staff, and having sacrificed a social life in his bid to be noticed, it began to pay off.
Morris was rookie-listed in December 2004, was elevated to the senior list the following year, and in 2008, became a member of the leadership group and among coach Rodney Eade's first-picked players for each of his side's 24 games.
He's been assigned forwards big and small, and relishes the chance to line up on Lance Franklin, Brendan Fevola and Nick Riewoldt despite conceding size in the process.
"It's been a mixed bag this year," he said of the opponents he's been asked to man.
"I'll take whatever comes and I love the challenge. I'll take the best and I'll take whoever Rocket gives me."
This week, the Bulldogs face a formidable opponent when they take on reigning premier Geelong in Friday night's preliminary final.
The two sides last met in round 16 at Skilled Stadium, when the Cats produced a ruthless second-half display to win by 61 points.
But Morris said there will be no fear when the Dogs line up on the MCG.
"I'm feeling good about it. It's a big task, but we're more than up for it so we'll take it head on," he said.
"At this time of year, it's hard to choose the underdogs because it's the pointy end of the season, but they're definitely the team to beat so we'll give it a crack."
