38. Jarrod Atkinson [Archive]

DaSawx

14th December 2007, 08:25

needs a thread also

boms

21st December 2007, 18:22

Jarrod gets AFL call-up

http://bendigo.yourguide.com.au/articles/1102859.html?src=topstories

METRICON Bendigo Bombers defender Jarrod Atkinson was picked up by Essendon in yesterday’s AFL rookie draft.

The 22-year-old, who had been taking part in pre-season training with Essendon, was taken with pick 21 in the second round of the rookie draft.

Atkinson was the only player from Bendigo selected yesterday.

Highly-rated Bendigo Pioneers skipper Grant Ford missed selection as did Bendigo Bombers ruckman Tim Plummer.

Originally from the Rumbalara Football Club in Shepparton, Atkinson was rewarded by his former Bendigo Bombers coach Matthew Knights for a consistent VFL season this year.

Atkinson impressed in the VFL with his hard running and creativity across half-back.

At 192 cm and 88 kg, Atkinson has the build to cope with senior footy should Essendon need to promote him to its AFL list next year.

Bendigo Bombers general manager Jeff Brennan said Atkinson’s selection in the rookie draft was a feather in the club’s cap.

‘‘It’s fantastic for Jarrod and the club,’’ Brennan said.

‘‘Jarrod had one year in our system and has been given an opportunity at the next level.

“That just proves to the younger guys on our list and to other prospective players that there is a pathway through the Bombers to an AFL club.

‘‘The bonus for us is that Jarrod was picked up by Essendon, but he’ll still get to play with the Bendigo Bombers next year.’’

Yesterday’s pre-season and rookie drafts didn’t hurt the Bombers.

With Ford missing selection he’s likely to join the Bendigo Bombers, while a number of Gippsland Power players are now expected to make the move to Bendigo after failing to get picked up by an AFL club.

New Bombers coach Adrian Hickmott led the Power to the minor premiership in the TAC Cup this year.

Only one Power player, ruckman Ben Connelly, was taken in the rookie draft yesterday.

‘‘Now that the pre-season draft and rookie draft is over we can go after the players we’ve had listed as recruiting targets,’’ Brennan said.

‘‘We’ll be chasing players who are still young enough to come into our system and improve their game and give themselves the chance of being picked up by an AFL club.

‘‘We expect to add 12 to 15 TAC Cup players to our list this year.’’

iluvessendon

22nd December 2007, 07:39

Good pick up.

GoDons

22nd December 2007, 18:06

He's certainly a good news story for the Rumbalara area.

Let's hope a few can follow in his footsteps.

goodgolly24

19th January 2008, 11:39

can anyone tell me how he's been going down there?

loopy_cam

16th February 2008, 21:18

Really impressive tonight.

Pawtucket Patriot

16th February 2008, 21:23

Really impressive tonight.

Very calm under pressure and good speed for a guy his size.

Johnnyprinias

17th February 2008, 07:53

I like him, very calm, quick and sklllful

thebigboy

17th February 2008, 10:48

He was pretty good like the other rookies.

hulld

17th February 2008, 18:52

looks ready made for afl footy. a handy guy to have on the rookie list if we have a number of injuries

Merv Neagle

7th March 2008, 10:05

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news_imagesize.asp?imagefile=/images/07/jarrod_atkinson.jpg (http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/07/jarrod_atkinson.jpg)

Jarrod Atkinson at Windy Hill
Atkinson adds name to record books

Thursday, 6 March 2008
First-year rookie Jarrod Atkinson has caused his teammates, coaches and the wider football community to stand up and take notice this year after displaying some impressive form in the NAB Cup competition over the past three weeks.

This week, Atkinson continued to show he is out to make the most of his opportunity at Essendon, putting in a sensational performance to secure the club sprint record over 20m with a time of 2.73 seconds. He broke the previous record of 2.75 seconds that had been held jointly held by Alwyn Davey, Courtenay Dempsey and Leroy Jetta. The man himself was surprised with the result.

“I am over the moon to hold a record here, especially in my first year,” Atkinson said. “I have only been here for two or three months and to break a record in that time is a real surprise for me.

“When I had finished all of the boys started clapping and cheering and everyone was just as excited as me that I actually broke the record.

“I don’t think anyone really thought that I had that speed aspect of my game and I had to actually prove myself to the team and the trainers so it was really good when I came through with the record.

“I think it puts me in another category where people know I can turn on the pace and be quite quick and match the kind of blokes like Jetta, Davey and Dempsey."

Over the past three weeks of the NAB Cup, Atkinson has shown he has the size and speed to make it at the elite level. Atkinson was just grateful for the opportunity to play on the main stage.

“I was pretty excited and was glad that Knighta went with a younger team instead of just playing all the senior blokes,” Atkinson said. “He gave us all a chance to have a go and I was just over the moon to be honest.

“It was exciting to actually get out there and play one game - let alone three games. It was great to be able to get a taste of it and know what is expected in senior football and play on senior AFL players and get that experience and see how they play.

“It would have been good to play with Dustin Fletcher because he is a senior player and a champion of the game but just to play in any AFL team is excitement in itself and I am really glad I was give the opportunity to get out there and play.”

Atkinson is hopeful that his impressive start to the year may lead to the opportunity to play senior football this year but understands he must be patient as he waits for his chance to play.

“I’d really love to have the chance to play in the seniors again this year,” Atkinson said.

“I guess I am in the running just like any other rookie but I just have to wait for the opportunity to come and then I will give it my best crack.

“At the moment though, I am just trying to live and learn off everyone – especially the senior guys who have been here for a while."

Atkinson played with Bendigo last season so new Bomber senior coach Matthew Knights got a good look at his development.

“I had to work just as hard to get on the list,” Atkinson said. “I don’t see myself benefiting just because he coached me last year. I still have to work just as hard and do just as much work as any other player," he said.

“I played with most of the boys at Bendigo so the transition part of it was a lot easier than a lot of the other guys.

“But I am still training as hard as I can and getting used to everything and look forward to an opportunity in the coming year or two.”

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=5616

kelvin_sheedy

7th March 2008, 11:33

He looks a likely type. Good size and pace and skills are ok.

He could be a late bloomer and if he can keeps on improving then he might get a few games later this year.

The only problem I see is that we have too many of his hbf type in NLM, Nash, Welsh, Slatts, McVeigh.

He needs to regularly dominate VFL games this year.

marcuz

7th March 2008, 12:16

Slattery_20

9th March 2008, 09:58

How does his size compare to Wellman? Looks about the same to me, bit quicker, not as classy with disposal

hulld

9th March 2008, 12:44

he'd be a inch or two shorter

Longy413

11th March 2008, 09:47

Sean Wellman was 193cm's.
Atkinson is 185.

Slattery_20

11th March 2008, 13:00

He looks a lot more than that.
Club site has nothing...
Jarrod gets AFL call-up
....
At 192 cm and 88 kg, Atkinson has the build to cope with senior footy should Essendon need to promote him to its AFL list next year.

???
from the first page of this thread... where did 185 come from Longy?

Longy413

12th March 2008, 08:05

AFL website, Footywire...

Slattery_20

12th March 2008, 13:42

7cm/3 inches is a fair discrepancy between sources

Dare we suggest the Bendigo article was doing a bit of spruiking? You expect a cm or two, but 3 inches is a fair old whack

To the naked eye, he looks about 6'2" to me, sorta Welsh height

whirl

12th March 2008, 23:12

I agree, he looks a lot more like he's in that 185 -188cm range than he does 192cm.

goodgolly24

2nd May 2008, 21:59

Congatulations Koala Bear on getting elevated. give'em hell Bros!!!!:thumbsu::thumbsu::thumbsu::thumbsu::thumbsu:

silk

3rd May 2008, 10:51

Congatulations Koala Bear on getting elevated. give'em hell Bros!!!!:thumbsu::thumbsu::thumbsu::thumbsu::thumbsu:

I can handle him having a bad game, AS LONG HE HURTS SOMEONE.

J/k sorta..

Good luck to him, if he puts in 100% effort he will have a good game. Really hoping he takes this chance, as he can stay all season with davey out, provided he shows he wants to be there.

windyhill

3rd May 2008, 10:54

Finally. Good luck J.A

Schmick

3rd May 2008, 13:06

We have no really good small defenders in our team yet, so I think the best thing Knights could do with Atto would be to use him as a small defender who can shut down the likes off Didak, Farmer ect. It's the only position I can see him making it as he'd have great pace and agility to go with these guys, and he has a strong body that will allow him to win the contested situations aswell. His decision making and disposal is average at best running off half back so I really can't see him becoming a running half back because of this.

Good luck Jarrod :thumbsu:

forever green

5th May 2008, 17:59

I really liked the look of this kid... why don't they try him in the midfield and see if could show something...does anyone think that he miht keep his spot in the team...
and (Itsa) is his nickname

goodgolly24

5th May 2008, 18:08

I really liked the look of this kid... why don't they try him in the midfield and see if could show something...does anyone think that he miht keep his spot in the team...
and (Itsa) is his nickname

His nickname is actually Koala Bear, but why do you go with ITSA??

The_Young_Gun

5th May 2008, 18:12

Who cares what his nickname is, he's a gun!

S.C[BANKS]

5th May 2008, 18:37

Who cares what his nickname is, he's a gun!

Did I miss something here?

The Donners

5th May 2008, 18:40

Who cares what his nickname is, he's a gun!

Yeah, loads of potential, at the mo is a bit of a tearaway, poor decision making etc. His explosiveness could be handy around stoppages if he runs straight through the line, good sized body for it... could be used until perhaps the more, shall we say, highly fancied youngsters bulk up?

Deledio2Tambling

5th May 2008, 18:49

I was very impressed with what I saw from the mature age rookie. Definetly has the tools to make it. Good pick up, Bombers :thumbsu:

Slattery_20

5th May 2008, 19:25

Did something, didn't look like the finished article but good leap, pace & hands
I would have him on the main list next year

WindyHillWatcher

7th May 2008, 10:26

I'm impressed with Atkinson's effort on sunday. Good luck mate and raise some hell on the field!

windyhill

9th June 2008, 21:24

Was good today v box hill, too good to playing at this level.

The Dustbin

9th June 2008, 22:01

Played well today against moderate opposition. Still needs to work on his disposal and decision making.

windyhill

9th June 2008, 22:34

Spot on re. the opposistion, very poor the b.h.hawks.

Bombers42

14th June 2008, 00:52

Personally i thought he struggled against the eagles

goodgolly24

15th June 2008, 12:38

I thought he did well in only his second home and away match, and i hope he gets another shot against carlton

hulld

15th June 2008, 21:24

should never play another afl game again. he was a liability

daffo

17th June 2008, 12:47

Doesn't deserve his spot in the 22 this week, but will push again with strong Bendigo performances.

hulld

17th June 2008, 20:09

the thing is that he never really tore it apart for bendigo anyways. just wishful thinking from knighta. he's nowhere near our best 22 without all the injuries

Slattery_20

18th June 2008, 10:08

Disagree, even if he doesn't play another match I think he's been well worth the gamble. Only taking up a rookie spot for 1 year

football_legends

18th June 2008, 10:17

geez the bombers are asking us supporters to pick a team? oh well~ back to the drawing board! but i reckon with the players we have coming back not many with injuries now!can we still make the 8? the way we have started to play and with a Neagle,Loyd,Lovett,Lucas,McPhee,Lonergan,Johns, Forward line who everelse, should be one of the best forward lines in the AFL! once in form! so still believe in Matty Knights and reckon outside chance to make 8!:thumbsu:

hulld

18th June 2008, 10:42

Disagree, even if he doesn't play another match I think he's been well worth the gamble. Only taking up a rookie spot for 1 year

i didn't say he wasn't worth the gamble. he has certain attributes that look attractive to a football club. i don't blame us for putting him on the rookie list.

all i was saying that it was very evident from friday night's game that he just isn't up to it. his not 18 either, so his room for improvement would be minimal compared to that of our draft picks from the previous couple of years.

Slattery_20

18th June 2008, 10:59

Not necessarily, a heap of guys don't kick on until they're 25, let alone 23
He was playing VFL only & country footy the year before that, so he's shown he can improve himself.
The question will be how much, it won't be by much either way

Longy413

19th June 2008, 09:13

Don't see him playing another senior game for the club.

goodgolly24

18th July 2008, 18:39

Despity "longys" prediction, Jarrods been given another call up. some might say it's out of lack of options other might say it's due to his form in the VFL, but I for one am just glad to see he's been given another opportunity. I also hope Magin evetually gets blooded but i think i'll just go on record and say that although i hope Jarrod plays a blinder of a game, and regaurdless of wheather he does or not hope the boys come away with another WIN!! GO BOMBERS!!!

windyhill

18th July 2008, 22:04

Would love it if he could turn it on tomorrow.

bruce29

26th July 2008, 20:23

Starting to like him.

had an indiffernt debut v port, but these last couple of weeks have been good

good disposal, run, pace, tackling, good finishing and a bit of spunk

anyone think he will keep his spot when all the injured guys are back?

Bombers42

26th July 2008, 20:29

Must admit i was critical of him early, and theirs still work, but he seems to be improving with every match. As for his place when the injured guys get back i'm not sure, who would he be contending with?

bipolarbeaR

26th July 2008, 20:32

Had an incredible first quarter. unfortunately I think that Lovett will steal his spot back.
Really would like to see more of him though.

dirtywhitepacker

26th July 2008, 21:59

A good depth player. I'm a fan of him definitely, but I don't think he'd make the best 22...

silk

26th July 2008, 22:59

played on didak most of the game too didn't he?

carmi99

26th July 2008, 23:09

Had an incredible first quarter. unfortunately I think that Lovett will steal his spot back.
Really would like to see more of him though.

In the short term maybe so but they play completely different positions so there is a spot for Atkinson in defense if continues to shine.

warney7

26th July 2008, 23:17

Seems worthy of a promotion to the senior list next year on a 1 yr contract.

Of course he's going to improve when he gets games under his belt..........I would have thought that's pretty normal.

Don't see why we would drop him just yet.

He was better than Layock, Michael, Rama at least...

hugorune

27th July 2008, 10:26

This guy looked the goods yesterday, got his hands on the ball and generally used it pretty effectively. Definitely worth keeping in the mix.

Slattery_20

27th July 2008, 10:43

Keeps his spot and wins a contract for me, crying out for a good back pocket after trying so many other options through there earlier (Rama, Winders)

timbo3195

27th July 2008, 10:50

Keeps his spot and wins a contract for me, crying out for a good back pocket after trying so many other options through there earlier (Rama, Winders)

Agree fully, He could be that small defender we've needed.
He was our best player in the first quarter behind Welsh!

Embers

27th July 2008, 11:00

I think he looks a very good player. Only criticism id have is his kicks are floaters. Other then that his defensive work is brilliant.

Spikey

27th July 2008, 11:20

Had a great first quarter. He was on Didak too wasn't he? Hopefully he gets promoted at seasons end

Longy413

28th July 2008, 11:04

Despity "longys" prediction, Jarrods been given another call up. some might say it's out of lack of options other might say it's due to his form in the VFL

Some might say a lot of things, but if anyone says anything other than he got a game because we have so many injuries, then they are wrong.

His VFL form wasn't all that good at all.

But he did play a good game on Saturday, he was very good.

I still wouldn't give him a position on the list next season. I reckon what we saw on Saturday is his optimum level and I don't think he has much scope for improvement. Can't see him being in our best side next year and I'd rather invest in an other kid rather than hold him for depth.

Darealrath

28th July 2008, 21:16

Some might say a lot of things, but if anyone says anything other than he got a game because we have so many injuries, then they are wrong.

His VFL form wasn't all that good at all.

But he did play a good game on Saturday, he was very good.

I still wouldn't give him a position on the list next season. I reckon what we saw on Saturday is his optimum level and I don't think he has much scope for improvement. Can't see him being in our best side next year and I'd rather invest in an other kid rather than hold him for depth.

He gives the impression he'll turn out a poor mans NLM.

hulld

29th July 2008, 10:38

much improved game from jarrod on the weekend. i reckon the coaches must have given him a wake up call after the west coast game. he has a much better attack on the ball now.

HighettBomber

2nd August 2008, 21:11

Unsure about him, he's very quick and strong which certainly gives him a chance. I want to see more of him, I hope he gets at least one more year. If he can get the ball a bit more and keep improving his kicking he could be a very valuable player given that we have been cut up by quite a few small forwards this year.

Windas_Magic

2nd August 2008, 21:16

His last couple of weeks have been pretty good. One thing he does have to work on though is his kicking to our player's advantage. He put it on top of forwards heads a bit and kicked it to the wrong side.

The Dustbin

2nd August 2008, 21:35

He was pretty good again today. I had my doubts, but you can't knock his recent form. His disposal and decision making has been surprisingly good.

Keep up the good work JA. :thumbsu:

Crumpler83

3rd August 2008, 18:53

Yeah Jarrod seems to be getting more comfortable playing in the 1's with every game.

He definitely has ability, gave the team some great dash off half back yesterday, just needs to work on his disposal by foot a bit more and we might have ourselves a handy player. :thumbsu:

daffo

4th August 2008, 13:07

WindyHillWatcher

4th August 2008, 14:04

I'm really happy with how Jarrod's coming along. Seems to be growing in confidence and not looking so nervous out on the pitch anymore. I liked his run out of defense and he's got a strong body which will come in handy alongside reimers to protect out little guys in the future! ha