Blair returns the favour
Hands on: Jarryd Blair with kids from Tarwin Lower Primary after the footy clinic at Foster last week.
WONTHAGGI young gun Jarryd Blair is going sensationally in his second year with the Collingwood Magpies AFL team after making his debut midway through the 2010 season.
Since then Jarryd has slipped into life as an AFL footballer fairly well.
“It was a bit of a surprise at first and I was happy just to get one or two games but after I got into the swing of things I adapted pretty well,” he said.
“It really is a great lifestyle, doing something I love and I also get a fair bit of time to myself, which is good.”
His 16 possession debut match against West Coast Eagles back in 2010 opened up many doors for the young rover.
Last year saw Jarryd play 12 games, four finals and a premiership medal which isn’t too bad for a first year in the big time.
Blair’s dream debut keeps getting more and more exciting for him, with his role on the field now secured in the Pies line-up.
Jarryd’s thoughts aren’t only on football though and like many other 21-year-olds he is studying for the future.
“Last year I did a business course and this year I’m doing a management course, which is all organised by the club,” he said.
“We have time out of our training to study and have sessions with our teachers.
“Before I was drafted I was about to enrol in a teaching degree but that’s been put on hold.”
Blair was drafted into the Collingwood rookie side in 2008 after a stellar performance in the TAC cup Under 18 competition in which he won best and fairest.
Since his debut in the big time, Blair has played 18 games, nabbed 19 goals and has secured himself a spot in the Collingwood Seniors side.
The Pies had the bye last weekend and Jarryd spent his days off with his family.
He and a number of Collingwood teammates also conducted a number of clinics at schools throughout the area.
“I just plan to get home and watch my brother and sister playing for Wonthaggi and also spend some quality time back at home,” Jarryd said last week.
“It’ll be nice to get back home for a while.”
Collingwood is looking to be an unstoppable force this season, aiming to make it back to back premierships for 2010 and 11.
They are facing a massive test this Friday night when the two undefeated sides, Collingwood and Geelong face off in what should be a 90,000-plus crowd at the MCG.
But Blair is used to big occasions, playing in two grand finals and recently the massive Anzac Day clash between the Bombers and the Pies.
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