IN A DAY and age where team defence and zones are all the rage, you rarely get to see two champions go one-on-one from siren to siren.
Dale Morris remembers the days when he regularly held his for own for four quarters against the game's best forwards over the past decade.
At 33, he's now a key cog in the Dogs' renowned team defence structure, and the ultra-competitive stopper is looking forward to one last match-up with long-time adversary Matthew Pavlich in the Docker great's 353rd and final match on Sunday.
Match preview: Fremantle v Western Bulldogs
"I've played a lot against 'Pav' and he's just one of those players that never gives up," Morris told AFL.com.au.
"To be able to say I've played on him is a privilege and honour because of how good he his.
"He's right up there with the best (key forwards) for sure."
Morris raves about the qualities that see Pavlich a six-time best and fairest, top the club's goal kicking on eight occasions and named in six All Australian sides.
However, he believes the former Docker skipper's standout attribute is that he's a consummate team man.
"He's one of those unique players that have been able to play all over the ground and do it really well," he said.
"He's been an All Australian in every line – backline, midfield and attack.
"As a backman playing on him, if things weren't working up forward he'd go throw himself in the midfield and do some special things in there as well.
"He draws the footy and if he doesn't mark it, he'll give his teammates the best chance for them to get involved."
The respect is mutual, with Pavlich acknowledging Morris has been a constant thorn in his side in the 11 times the combatants have graced a field together.
And he's not expecting the game's best one-on-one player to give him an inch, despite it being his farewell celebration.
"He's someone who's always challenging to play against," Pavlich said.
"I respect him for everything he's done in the game, an All Australian player and he's highly respected.
"When he runs out there and lines up against us, it will be a tough one."
While the Domain Stadium clash will signal the end of Pavlich's celebrated career, Morris is "stoked" to take his career into a 13th AFL campaign next year after the ever-reliable stopper's All Australian form in 2016.
Morris still feels fresh and he puts his vitality down to modifications to his training and diet, and being part of one of the AFL's youngest lists.
"I feel great mentally and physically, so everything is going really well besides my recent hamstring (injury)," said the 225-game veteran.
"I've seen our great players of the club retire over the years like Chris Grant, Brad Johnson, Rohan Smith and Scott West, and I've had conversations with them to determine when do you know when your time is up.
"I've said all along that if I can play a role for the team, help the boys and be a part of this great club, I'll keep playing for sure."
