A revelation in Fremantle's forward line since his unorthodox ascension to league ranks, Isaiah Dudley looms as a possible game-breaker against the Brisbane Lions in Saturday's grand final.
"I build my game around my pressure and being tough," the 168cm goal-sneak told AAP.
"Obviously I'm a small bloke and I'm at my best when I'm close to the ground.
"But I love the big moments and getting in and winning the ball for my team, and if not, then creating a contest. I love the pressure and the contest."
Plucked from Central District in last year's supplemental selection period, Dudley showed off his big-game capabilities with three goals on his AFL debut in the cauldron of a western derby.
He kicked 15 goals in his first season and has danced his way to more than double that output with 32 majors in his second.
It is the highest tally of any Docker this year behind the 'big three' key forwards Jye Amiss (62), Josh Treacy (56) and Patrick Voss (46).
Dudley was goalless in the Dockers' qualifying-final horror show against Hawthorn, but bounced back with two goals in each of the knockout finals against Geelong and Sydney.
The second against the Swans sealed an extraordinary comeback from 28 points down, as Dudley latched onto a quickfire Murphy Reid handpass and charged into an open goal.
"It was the best feeling in the world. Once I put that one through I knew we were going to a granny," Dudley said.
Unlike elite junior talent Reid - a first-round draft pick two years ago - Dudley didn't take the traditional path to the big-time.
The 23-year-old was overlooked at the 2021 AFL draft, with recruiters at the time suggesting his fitness and lifestyle were not up to professional standards.
Taking on board the feedback, he worked hard on improving his conditioning at Centrals and enjoyed a breakout 2024 SANFL season before the Dockers came knocking.
Dudley credited Fremantle recruiting boss David Walls and coach Justin Longmuir for putting their faith in him.
"It's pretty special where I came from (overlooked) a few years ago, playing in the SANFL and now I'm going to a grand final" he said.
"I'm so grateful. It's the best thing. I love Wallsy and that - they've gave me my opportunity to fulfil my dreams. I just took it with both hands.
"I owe them a lot and I owe JL for believing in me."
Dudley's teammates love what he brings to the table, and hope to see plenty of his trademark fancy footwork at the MCG on Saturday.
"He's a pretty cool story, isn't he? He came in and made an impact really quickly," fellow forward Sam Switkowski told AAP.
"He's someone that's got a lot of talent, but he's also worked incredibly hard over the last 12 months ... and he's just a fun guy to play with.
"He brings an awesome energy to the group."
Dudley, by virtue of his dancing feet and trickery around the goals, has already established himself as a cult hero amongst the 'Purple Army'.
"He always has a lot of fun. Everyone loves him," Switkowski said.
"He's just one of those guys ... when the player profiles come up pre-game, he often gets the loudest cheers because he's just a bit of a fan-favourite."
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