Two Peter Jackson VFL players selected in the 2016 NAB AFL and Rookie Drafts stepped out for their new clubs across the first weekend of the JLT Community Series.
Former Geelong VFL key defender Tom Stewart (pictured) staked his claim for a spot in the Cats’ back six for 2017, recording 16 disposals, eight marks, six tackles and five one-percenters from 84 per cent game time in a four-point loss to Hawthorn in Launceston on Friday night. With star backman Harry Taylor mooted to be shifting to the forward line this year and fellow stopper Tom Lonergan in the twilight of his career, an opportunity could present itself for Stewart to seize.
The 190cm 23-year-old finished second behind Tom Atkins in Geelong’s 2016 VFL best-and-fairest count and was selected at centre half back in the VFL Team of the Year after averaging 17 disposals, six marks and three rebound-50s per game in 18 matches. He was selected by the Cats at pick no.40 in the 2016 AFL Draft after only joining the club’s VFL squad from Geelong Football League powerhouse South Barwon over the 2015-16 off-season.
Ex-Coburg midfielder Robbie Fox also made an appearance in week one of the JLT Series. The 187cm 23-year-old kicked a goal and picked up 16 disposals, eight contested possessions and three inside-50s in 69 per cent game time during Sydney’s two-point loss to North Melbourne in Coffs Harbour on Sunday.
Fox was selected by the Swans at pick no.34 in the 2016 Rookie Draft after a season in which he averaged 21 disposals and seven tackles per game in 13 matches and was named on a wing in the VFL Team of the Year.
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Last Modified on 20/02/2017 14:44