IT WASN'T that Port Adelaide young gun Jake Neade became arrogant after his debut season; he just severely underestimated the work required to stay at the top.
The AFL's smallest player at 170cm and 64kg in 2013, Neade's courage, evasiveness and goal sense turned him into a cult hero.
Nicknamed 'Candy Man' due to his ability to dance around flat-footed opponents, he returned home to Elliott after the season with 16 senior games and an Oscar-worthy highlight reel in his back pocket.
He took his foot off the pedal during the break though and paid dearly; Neade wouldn't cement his place in Port’s senior line up until round 20 the following year.
He received a message from both the coaching staff and Port's leadership group and his actions since have made it clear he listened.
Neade returned from his recent time at home – halfway between Alice Springs and Darwin – in brilliant touch and was one of several Power players to notch a personal best time in the 3km time trial.
"Last Christmas I took some things for granted, like in my first year I played 16 games and then my next year only playing once up to round 20," Neade told AFL.com.au.
"It was a big eye-opener for me – I've learned my lesson.
"Even the coaches spoke to me about it and the leadership group.
"They were saying that I inspired the group and take them up to that next level and they wanted me to start driving the team from the start of the season.
"I'm just looking forward to this year now, working real hard on the track and everything's going well so far."
Whereas his urban-based teammates are able to gather and train together, at home in Elliott, Neade is utterly reliant on self-motivation.
The 20-year-old said that over the Christmas break he simply stuck to the guide that high performance manager Darren Burgess provided him and had felt the benefit.
"'Burgo' sends out a schedule for your pre-season, just something to keep you going, I've just been doing that," he said.
"This time last year I was out of energy and a bit flat, but this year I'm feeling fine.
"Not only me but the whole playing group's looking in good nick too."
