Witts tapping his way in the right direction
By Jack McAnespie
Quality ruckmen are considered to be a rare commodity throughout the AFL in this day and age, so it is somewhat surprising that Jarrod Witts has managed to fly under the radar on his journey to the highest level of AFL football.
Hailing from Sydney’s North Shore, it’s as if Collingwood has managed to steal Witts from the teeth of Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS heartland.
Taken by Collingwood at pick number 67 in the 2011 National Draft as a NSW scholarship player, the Magpies could hardly believe their luck when they stumbled across the wiry Witts as a 16 year-old.
Playing for St Ives Junior Football club in 2008, Witts caught the eye of Magpie recruiters in just his third game of Aussie Rules.
At the time, Witts’ 195cm, 100kg frame had no trouble collecting the ball below his knees. Along with this, his agility and power helped him stand out from a young age.
Six years later, both Witts, and the Magpies are still enjoying what could be described as their honeymoon period.
Standing a monstrous 209cm, and tipping the scales at 113kgs, Witts has now amassed 14 senior games, and has entrenched his name in the minds of Collingwood selectors.
His ability to not only play as a first- or second-sting ruckman, but to swing forward and impact the scoreboard, has left Magpie coaches and fans jittery with excitement.
Although battling injuries throughout the 2012 and 2013 seasons, Witts has managed to play six matches in season 2014, impressing with his ruckwork, and work rate around the ground.
Collingwood fans can be sure that they will be seeing much more of Witts in the future, and he stands to only improve with time and experience under his belt.
Witts and the Magpies will be looking to return to the winner’s list, when they face the Eagles this Saturday afternoon at the MCG.
