Bruce destined for greatness

By James Matthey

If you’re going to be compared to any former AFL player, you could do a lot worse than be likened to a three-time premiership winning defender.

That’s exactly how former Hawthorn superstar Dermott Brereton sees young GIANTS backman Josh Bruce, who boasts qualities similar to those possessed by ex-Brisbane full-back Mal Michael.

”I played one year at Collingwood and saw a young kid who couldn’t get a game in the reserves called Mal Michael,” Brereton told The Canberra Times.

”I looked at that, and there’s a size and a shape there that I reckon’s worth persevering with, and Josh Bruce has got every bit of that capability.”

The Canberra local has transformed himself into a key cog in the western Sydney team’s defensive line since making his debut in Round 5 last year.

Brereton, who works as a forwards consultant for the GIANTS, often calls on Bruce to mark fellow teammates when taking them through attacking drills.

”I’d say he’s probably 18 months away from standing shoulder-to-shoulder with [Collingwood’s Travis] Cloke and [Geelong’s Tom] Hawkins and those type of fellows,” Brereton said.

Bruce will be hoping to continue his development when the GIANTS take on Port Adelaide at Skoda Stadium this Sunday afternoon.