The unheralded, under-rated, no frills defender that puts the clamps on his opponent more weeks than he's beaten.
In the dramatic two-point win over competition leaders West Coast on Sunday, Patfull was primarily responsible for big Eagle Jack Darling, who finished with 12 disposals and one goal.
It wasn't the first time this season he's done a job that's gone largely unnoticed.
Patfull kept Geelong's James Podsiadly goalless in round five on a night when his Cats partner Tom Hawkins kicked six goals.
Although outsiders might not see Patfull's work, those at the Lions know just what he brings to the table.
"He works very hard in defence. His possession count is not high every week but he certainly limits his opponent to not many," football manager Dean Warren said.
Vice-captain Daniel Merrett - who has played alongside Patfull for years in the Lions' defence - shared similar sentiments.
"He rarely gets beaten in a contest," Merrett said.
"I'd hate to play on him because it's tough to get a kick on him. He never gives up on the lead or never gives up on the contest."
Patfull is coach Michael Voss' go-to man when he has a difficult match-up, and that often means playing on talls, smalls and even the occasional run-with role.
The 27-year-old now has 127 games to his name and says he loves the challenges the coaching staff throw his way.
"It's been a petty tough year down back, there's been a fair bit of footy coming down there so we've had our work cut out for us," Patfull said.
"I'll take a tall or a small, I like playing on the different sort of players, it changes it up every week."
Patfull gave away 6cm and 20kg to Collingwood giant Travis Cloke in round seven, but said that did not phase him either.
Cloke kicked two goals in a landslide Collingwood win that night, where Patfull and rejuvenated fullback Matt Maguire shared time on him.
"He got one (mark) on me in the wrestle, a bit much strength, but it's a good challenge, I like playing against all different types, I look forward to it."
Patfull said one thing that had helped his game even more in 2012 was a settled Lions backline.
Along with Maguire and small defenders Mitch Golby, Pearce Hanley and Ash McGrath, Patfull has played all 10 games to date.
"The last few years we've been a bit all over the place, had different guys missing through injury, we haven't been too settled, so it has been good this year to have a consistent line-up," he said.
"Drummo's (Josh Drummond, seven games) been down there, Matty Maguire's played all the games. The more we can play together the better we're going to get.
"You get to know them better and can get a few more third-ins and start helping each other out so it's pretty important for us."
The Lions have a bye this weekend with its players currently on a four-day total break from footy.
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
