Backyard with brothers made Dale Morris

Western Bulldogs defender Dale Morris has credited a fiesty sibling rivalry as a key part of his ascension to All-Australian status this year.

Morris was named in the back pocket in the team of the year after his stellar year with the `Dogs.

The versatile defender was given jobs on the opposition’s best forwards and despite fighting well above his height and weight he was rarely beaten.

Morris, 25, who stands at 190cm and weighs 92kg, kept power forwards Nick Riewoldt and Daniel Bradshaw to two goals apiece in rounds 11 and 12 and then shut down goal sneak Daniel Motlop in round 14 after the elusive Port forward had kicked six goals the week before.

Morris admitted his greatest attribute was his never-say-die attitude forged in countless sporting battles with his older brother Dean and younger brother John, who plays for VFL team Coburg.

“I just never give up - I’m real competitive,” Morris said.

“I’ve got an older brother and a younger brother and all through my childhood we’ve competed against each other, whether it’s backyard footy or cricket, no-one wanted to lose and I guess that’s where it comes from.

“Christmas times are a fun thing when we go and play some mini cricket out the back, sometimes it gets a bit full on but that’s just the way we are.

“I actually took my older brother last night … I guess I’ll cop it later on, they will say (the award) is all due to them competing against each other.”

Morris’ rise to All Australian ranks is a story of perseverance.

He spent four years playing for Werribee in the VFL before he was rookie-listed by the Bulldogs in December 2004.

`Dogs coach Rodney Eade liked what he saw and early the next year Morris was elevated to the senior list.

After a breakout year in 2006, Morris has lifted his game to another level this year.

He became a member of the leadership group and would have probably played in the Hall of Fame Tribute match had he not been injured.

But Morris admitted he was surprised to be named in the All-Australian squad let alone being named in the team.

“It’s a huge honour, (but) I’ll save the celebrations until after the season,” he said.

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