Who or what makes the typical AFL footballer?

From what I have seen so far this year, I don’t know if there is a typical size or shape.

This season it seems that it does not matter if you are short or stick thin, you can still play footy at the highest level.

There are no greater examples of this than at our club.

Mr Consistent, David Rodan, is small. Actually he is the second shortest in the league, only the Kangaroos Brent Harvey is shorter (although Rodan, Harvey and Essendon’s Alwyn Davey are all listed at 172cm in the AFL’s official book). What he has been able to show this year in particular, is that being short is not an excuse or should it create any barriers stopping you from playing AFL.

His whole football career he has had to overcome many doubters. He dominated at Under 18 level in Victoria, winning the competition’s best-and-fairest, a feat that would have almost guaranteed any other player be selected in the top 10 of the draft. But the recruiters thought he was too short. His determination, speed and desperation have enabled him to stay in the game and have overcome any limitations that may have been placed on him because of his height.

When we first heard about Nathan Krakouer, the wraps were that he was super quick, evasive and a smart user of the footy. However he was only 65kg. The experts suggested that he would take some time to develop and put on size, and it would be a couple of years before he played for the Power. Well he debuted in Round 1 of his first year. Again he was able to overcome his obvious lack of size, by using his strengths – his pace and evasive skills.

Justin Westhoff looks like he seriously needs a good meal. Compare him to any of the other tall forwards in the league and you will quickly notice that at nearly 200cm he is about 15kg lighter than his peers at similar heights. How is it then that he has kicked 7 goals in his first two games of AFL? He knows that he is light but he is very tall, athletic and has a great attack on the ball.

If you were to quickly run your eye over our entire playing list you would be able to list a fault in every player. The quicker that you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, the more you can play the game to your strengths.

If you cannot run, make sure you have good skills and quick hands. If speed is not your strength, use your body to out position opponents and knock them over.

Maybe there is no answer to what is the typical AFL footballers’ body. There is however a common characteristic in them all. AFL footballers are determined and dedicated enough to overcome any obstacle to succeed.

mahns