At 202cm Steven King certainly stands out from the crowd. Geelong's talent scouts spotted King's potential and he was drafted at the tender age of 16.

King was drafted in 1995 but spent the majority of the year playing with the Murray Bushrangers waiting for the mid-semester break from school to move down to the Geelong. King was billeted to the Begg's family and played the last six games of the season in the reserves.

In round five 1996 King debuted for the Cats against Richmond.

"I was told by the assistant coach Jeff Gieschen on Thursday night after training that I would be playing on the weekend," King said.

A phone call that night from football manager Paul Armstrong that night confirmed it.

King's family and friends traveled down from Shepparton to watch the match that was played at Kardinia Park.

King started on the field and alternated in the ruck with John Barnes. His first opponent was Justin Charles.

"I got my first possession in the first minute of the game, I kicked it to Buddha (Garry Hocking) and it hit him right on the chest, it was a good start to the game," he said.

The highlights of the match were actually not part of the game.

"It was running through the banner and walking off the ground after the win," King admitted.

The lowlight was an attempt at goal that missed.

King must've made an impression as he was selected to play the following week. King had a successful year being named Geelong reserves most improved player and an AFL rising star nominee. He is now captain of the Geelong Football Club.