SA Footy

ferret wrote:Must point out the Eagles have played seventeen teenagers in their league team this year, plus plenty more in the reserves.

spell_check wrote:I noticed he was afraid to go in and get the ball, despite his light frame. A good first up performance which obviously did not go unnoticed.

wedgetail wrote:Agree with Allmond, a very consistent year. I am told by an extremely reliable source that Polec cannotbe drafted this year which is great for the Eagles.
Re: the 47 players used, whilst I'm all for blooding juniors, I would have thought that Ron would have been trying to settle a side down now so close to the finals. It's not as if experienced players aren't available with 5 premiership players in the reserves this week (albeit some coming back from injury).

Jai Bednall @ Messenger Community News wrote:Rising Star - Jared Polec


Eagles wingman Jared Polec is the Coca Cola
Star Search Award nominee for Round 19.


TWELVE months ago Jared Polec couldn’t make the Eagles’ under-17 side, but a change of attitude and a new dedication to training saw the 16-year-old make his debut against Norwood on Saturday.

And the young wingman made the most of the opportunity, racking up 18 possessions to earn the Coca Cola Star Search Award nomination for Round 19.

It has been a rapid turnaround for Polec, whose future at the club had been questioned last year.

``I was going to get dropped from the Eagles under-17s (squad). They said I wasn’t coping well, was mucking around too much,’’ Polec said.

``I knew I had to start working harder and get my act together.’’

After spending the first nine games of last season back at Seaton Ramblers, Polec was called up to the Eagles under-17s and impressed immediately - he was selected in the state under-16 side after kicking seven goals in one game against Norwood.

Before this season, Polec took aim at securing a spot in the Eagles’ League side, but again found himself back in the under-18s because of concerns with his fitness levels.

He was promoted to the Reserves six weeks ago and after several strong performances earned his call up to the senior side.

``It was just a relief because that was my goal at the start of the year, to get a League game.

``It was looking a bit shaky at the start of the season but I’ve been training a lot better lately.’’

Polec became the Eagles’ youngest debutant since Sam Fairclough in 2006.

He stood four different opponents in the Eagles’ 21-point win at the Parade, including AFL-experienced Kris Massie, Nick Lower and Luke Jericho.

``I was pretty pleased with how I went.’’

The Henley High School student is now focused on securing his spot in the League side, pushing his name in front of state under-18 selectors for next year and being part of the Eagles’ finals campaign.

``That would be a great experience.’’