NSW/ACT Player of the Week

By Alison Zell

As one of NSW’s most celebrated and successful footballers, Sydney Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh knows what it’s like to play in big games.

But as his side prepares to face Collingwood in Friday night’s Preliminary Final at ANZ Stadium, McVeigh also knows how hard it is to reach the big games.

“This is the biggest game most of us will play in other than a Grand Final,” he said.

“It’s a massive opportunity; you’ve got the chance to get in a Grand Final and you don’t get in these positions that often.

“I played in a Grand Final in 2006 and haven’t been there since so you don’t want to waste those opportunities.”

McVeigh, 27, grew up in Sydney, playing for Pennant Hills AFC and representing the NSW/ACT Rams in the National Championships.

The younger brother of recently-retired Essendon Bomber Mark, he was a highly rated junior and was selected by the Sydney Swans at pick five in the 2002 AFL Draft.

It took until Round 1, 2004 for McVeigh to make his debut but he wasn’t able to cement a spot in the strong Sydney Swans side, missing the 2005 Premiership.

After playing every game in 2006, including the losing Grand Final, McVeigh developed into one of the Swans’ most important midfielders alongside stalwarts Jude Bolton and Brett Kirk.

He has become one of the most decorated footballers from NSW, winning the Swans’ Most Improved Award in 2007, the club’s Best and Fairest in 2008 and being named co-captain with Adam Goodes in 2011.

As he looks ahead to this weekend’s game, McVeigh is hoping his hometown can get behind the team as they push for their third Grand Final berth since 2005.

“It’s going to be unbelievable to have the home fans on our side,” he said.

“Playing in Adelaide last week you realise that it’s a huge advantage … We’d be disappointed if we didn’t get close to the record crowd numbers we’ve had before.”

The Magpies have beaten the Swans in the last 11 games straight, including the last seven at ANZ Stadium, and McVeigh knows how tough the challenge will be.

“They were really impressive [last weekend],” he said.

“We know what they’re about and their pressure and tackling has gone up to another level … They’re an experienced finals team so we’re really looking forward to it.”

For McVeigh, and his entire Sydney Swans team, it’s business as usual as they prepare for one of the biggest games of their career. But they are hoping there’s a bigger game yet to come this season.

“We know what’s required,” McVeigh said.

“We prepare just as normal, we train just as normal and we go out to act on our game plan.

“We’ve been waiting all week … We’ve been training well and the boys are excited and ready to go.”

JARRAD MCVEIGH

Born: 7 April 1985 (age 27)
Origin: Sydney, NSW
Games: 192
Jumper number: 3
Height: 184cm
Weight: 83kg
Position: Midfield