DARREN MONCRIEFF
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
HE'S a Rising Star against men so Jed Anderson's selection in the national under-18s All-Australian team should come as no surprise.
The Northern Territorian teenager (pictured) was a standout for NT Thunder during the recent championships, which finished last Friday.
His coach, former Tiwi Bombers and St Mary's mentor, Brenton Toy, said apart from his footy it was Jed's leadership that stood out over the two-week campaign in Melbourne.
The Territory team were five minutes from coming home from the titles winless before snatching a dramatic four-point win over NSW/ACT.
Jed was joined by South Australian captain Chad Wingard, the first Indigenous footballer to captain a SA State side, in the All-Australian team.
"There's a lot to like about Jed; he's a genuine kid, down-to-earth and willing to learn and ask a lot of himself," Toy said. "The way he conducted himself around the group with his leadership was the one thing that stood out for me.
"As for his footy, Jed has this will to compete and has the ability to win the ball in the air and on the ground."
As a 17-year-old, Jed is too young to be eligible for the AFL draft but can be chosen by the GWS Giants as part of its concession package. He was on a school-based scholarship with the Giants last year and played in their TAC Cup side.
This season, Jed joined the senior NT Thunder side in the NEAFL (Northern Conference). He was nominated for the Rising Star Award after an eye-catching round 1 display against Aspley.
This followed his 12 possessions and goal in the Thunder's win against NEAFL rivals Morningside in their first Foxtel Cup match in Adelaide.
Jed, younger brother of former Carlton player, Joe, had a solid season for Darwin Buffaloes in the 2010/11 season.
Despite recording just the solitary win, Toy saw several positives in his young team.
"We were really happy with our 17-year-olds," he said. "Jake Neade was consistent and Brandon McLean and Jarrod Stokes did really well."
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 12/07/2011 23:12