Ryan Neates

With the likes of Adam McPhee, Joel McDonald and Daniel Bradshaw being guarantees to be selected during the 2009 Pre-Season Draft, the West Coast Eagles surprised many by using their only pick (5) to select one of the smallest players ever to appear on their playing list.

Ryan Neates is a pocket rocket from Claremont, and will literally have to look up to almost everybody in the AFL.

Although Neates stands at just 169cms tall, the inside midfielder is strong and agile around the ball. His explosive pace saw him beat all but one other draftee during sprint tests at this years draft camp.

Neates is a smart, unselfish footballer, with one of his strongest attributes being his ability to bring his team mates into the game.

Neates was also a strong performer for Western Australia throughout the 2009 NAB AFL U18 Championships, averaging 15 disposals and a goal each game.