WITH statistics that already read like an AFL player, 16-year-old Trystan Juffs-King is well on his way to reaching that dream following selection in the Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy.

The North Lakes teen, and a member of the Redcliffe Tigers AFL Club, towers over many of his teammates and opponents at 202.5cm — comparable in height with some of the game’s best ruckmen.

Height is an advantage in the ruck, with the responsibility of contesting the centre bounce and stoppages — and something that is firmly in the teen’s favour.

The best ruckmen in 2015 was North Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein at 201cm, while West Coast’s Nic Naitanui measures 201cm and Sam Jacobs, from Adelaide is 202cm.

The only ruckman in last year’s top-ten taller than the local youngster was Freemantle’s 211cm Aaron Sandilands.

The 16-year-old with a size 16 boot has been selected in the Lions’ under-18 Academy squad, bringing him face-to-face with some of his idols, including former Redcliffe Tigers and Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy player Liam Dawson.

“Having the opportunity to train at the elite level with top level equipment, specialised coaches and among the best talent that Queensland has to offer; it’s definitely an opportunity to make the most of,” he said.

“It has taught me so much more about football, on and off the field. It has shown and taught me what it takes to make it in the big league alongside people I have watched on TV.

“It has been very surreal walking into the change rooms and sitting a metre away from senior players, but it has also showed me that playing alongside them is within my grasp.”