Morningside utility Jarrod Price will join the ranks of an illustrious group when he runs out for his 100th game against the Western Magpies this Sunday at the Jack Esplen Oval.
In a career that has had many highs and lows, Price will have his name alongside some of the greats of the club such as the Edwards boys - Brad, Dean and Craig - Daryl Bourke and Terry Johnston to name a few, as well as current teammates David Lillico, Jacob Gough, Glenn Conroy, Nick Clark, Nic Tomlinson, Kent Abey and recent inductee Hayden Wilson.
Price, who has played in just about every position on the field, notched his first senior game for Morningside against Redland at Victoria Point in 2001.
“I remember coming on and playing on the half back flank. It had been a rollercoaster couple of weeks after being dropped from the State Under 18 team,” Price said.
“Fortunately I found some form in the reserves before coach Warren Ledger gave me an opportunity to play in the seniors. A few weeks later I was recalled back into the State side.”
Ledger recalls being impressed by his strength.
“We were going through a rebuilding phase in 2001 and if I recall correctly Hayden Wilson, Nic Tomlinson and Paul Shelton also debuted that season,” he said.
“Jarrod’s strength from his rowing background made him physically mature to handle senior football.
“I was in constant contact with State Talent Manager Mark Browning and it was good to see him get back into the State team.
“Jarrod also went onto play in the reserve grade premiership later on that year.”
Current coach John Blair took the reins in 2002 and oversaw a successful period building on the foundations laid down by Ledger.
Price played in both the 2003 and 2004 premiership wins over Mt Gravatt and Southport respectively.
“It was certainly a highlight representing the club and sharing those cups with the group of blokes we had around the club,” Price said.
Disappointment was to follow, however, as Price missed the whole of 2005 with a thigh injury.
He came back the following year and played a handful of senior games before being part of the 2006 reserve grade premiership.
“That team featured current Lions listed players Scott Clouston and Adam Spackman, as well as Grogan Medallist Nathan Kinch, and current senior players Mark Rootsey, Jack Lawler, Ryan Holman, Matthew Logan and Brett Connell,” Price remembered.
“The next wave of young players were coming through the club and it took me a season to get my confidence back into my game and my body.”
Price bounced back in 2007, finishing equal fifth in the Devery-Kelly Medal for the club best and fairest.
“I started at full-back and had some great tussles with the likes of Ben McEntee (Southport), Korey Fulton (Broadbeach) and Paul O’Brien (Mt Gravatt) which always kept you on your toes,” he said.
“The coaching staff sent me forward in Round 18 against the Lions at the GABBA and I was fortunate enough to kick seven goals – I had learned a bit by playing on those players.”
The 26-year-old also listed beating Southport at Southport as another memorable moment to come out of a 2007 season in which Morningside made the preliminary final.
Price has played with many talented players in his time at Morningside who have represented State teams and AFL clubs
“We were going through a purple patch in talent with future AFL players Tom Williams (Western Bulldogs) Courtenay Dempsey (Essendon), Scott Harding (Brisbane Lions),David Armitage (St Kilda).Gavin Urquhart (North Melbourne), Scott Clouston and Adam Spackman (Brisbane Lions) and John Williams (Essendon) all getting opportunities. I was fortunate and enjoyed playing with all those boys and keep a close eye on how they are going,” he said.
This season Price is again enjoying a consistent year having played a multitude of positions already.
“Each week could be different but I am enjoying the challenge and the experience,” he said. “We have a good squad, so consistent performances are key if we want to play a prominent role come finals time.”
Club Development Manager Jack Barry said that Price looked to have a good life balance.
“He is proud of his young family, son Cooper and wife Laura, who incidentally is expecting their second child later in the year.
“Jarrod is a very relaxed person to be around and he has played a prominent role with the likes of David Lillico, Jacob Gough, Glenn Conroy, Nick Clark, Hayden Wilson and Kent Abey in the success of this football club and they have contributed substantially to some of the young players who have gone into the AFL system.
“I hope some of those boy’s never forget that, because it’s those solid foundations that allows them to flourish in a good team.”
Price concluded “I am proud and honored to join the centurion club at Morningside and feel very privileged to of had the opportunity to wear the Morningside jumper and play in premierships with a great group of players.
Last Modified on 10/06/2009 15:59