Jarrod Witts makes debut for Pies
by James Raptis
Witts’ elevation represents a triumph of Collingwood’s recruiting department, with the Sydney-born big man spotted in 2008 via the New South Wales scholarship program and formally recruited in 2011.
Having played rugby union extensively as a junior, Witts was a latecomer to the game, and since being drafted in 2011, has developed his skill set and game sense extensively to force his way into the senior reckoning after less than 18 months on the senior list.
He recently signed a three year contract that will tie him to Collingwood until the end of the 2016 season.
Witts represented NSW as an over-age player at the U18 National Championships, winning his state’s MVP for an outstanding performance at the carnival.
He also managed to play three VFL matches towards the end of the season before he was placed on the senior list in October as a pre-listed NSW scholarship holder.
He kicked three goals against Bendigo in round 20, and averaged 11 disposals and four marks per game.
He was officially drafted to Collingwood with pick 67 in the National Draft, and travelled to Arizona for the club’s training camp.
Collingwood v St Kilda
Friday 3 May
Round Six
Etihad Stadium, 7.50pm