Like most 250-gamers, 35-year-old Dale Morris has had plenty of challenges over the journey.

Morris started his AFL career on the Western Bulldogs’ rookie list in 2005 and quickly established a role in the Bulldogs’ back six.

At 190cm, Morris is shorter than most key position players, but he has always found a way to hold his own against the game’s power forwards.

“In each of the four years I spent at Werribee I tried out for the rookie spot at the Dogs and each year they said: ‘you’re close, go back and we’ll keep an eye on you’,” Morris said. 

“The good thing about playing for Werribee was that I was able to line up on AFL-listed players and perfect my craft.  I knew that if I could beat them, I could play in the AFL.  I was lucky to be able to play against some great players just in the VFL.

“I really built my confidence and belief from there, and I knew that if I got a shot, I would be ready.”

Morris has built a career on selflessness, courage and resilience, having overcome several serious injuries.  He badly broke his leg in 2011 and, famously, he played with a broken back in the Bulldogs’ 2016 finals series. The following season he broke his leg and arm, while in February this year he partially tore his ACL.

“I think I’ve had nine broken bones over my career, which isn’t great,” he said.

“In my first seven seasons I raced to 150 games - I only missed a handful of games - and then in my next seven seasons I only just made (another) 100 games. 

“It’s been a hard slog in the back half of the career, but it is what it is.”

Morris and his wife Gemma have two children, Riley and Charlie.

“The injuries I’ve copped are all impact injuries and they do take a toll on the family and the kids,” he said.

“I think that was the hardest thing to take, when your kids come up and ask, ‘do you have to go and play football?’ because they know that it hurts Dad.” 

Despite the challenges, Morris’ passion for the game remains strong.

“I just love the game of footy, I always have,” he said.

“The chance to better yourself as a footballer, a better person, to learn from all of these guys coming through.

“I’ve seen the list turn over completely from when I started.  To see young guys come through and become men is something pretty special.”