- Nov 23, 2015
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Position: Utility (half-back/wing)
Height: 191cm
Weight: 76kg
D.O.B: 15-05-2004
Teams: NSW-ACT, Allies, Bendigo Pioneers
SNAPSHOT: “A genuine utility with enormous running capacity, capable of playing small and tall in each third of the ground.”
STRENGTHS:
- Character
- Endurance
- Outside run
- Versatility
- Work rate
IMPROVEMENTS:
- Hurt factor
- Inside game
There aren’t many prospects who truly suit the utility tag, but Jason Gillbee is certainly one. Having played both sides of midfield and as a medium-tall at either end of the ground, the Bendigo Pioneers running machine is a proven quantity in all thirds of the field. Hailing from Balranald in the Riverina district of New South Wales, Gillbee made the move down to Bendigo to further his education and football, gaining valuable bottom-age experience with the Pioneers last year before being named among the 2022 AFL Academy intake. He has taken great strides since, turning out 10 times throughout his latest NAB League campaign en route to Team of the Year honours, and earning selection in the Allies squad. In an one-off quirk, he also represented Vic Country this year prior to the Under 18 National Championships.
At the crux of Gillbee's game are his running capacity and versatility. At over 190cm, he models his game on the likes of Nik Cox, presenting as a tall outside player who runs all day, can clunk an overhead mark, and distributes the ball by foot. His endurance is high-level, with the 18-year-old running around the six-minute mark over 2km and using it on-field to offer value in a range of roles. The most obvious fit for him is on a wing, but Gillbee is also an apt intercept or rebound asset off half-back, and a third tall or high half-forward in the attacking half.
Most likely to play as a wingman or dashing defender at the next level, Gillbee has proven himself capable of racking up possessions at an incredibly consistent rate - sitting between 19 and 26 touches per his 10 NAB League games this year. As alluded to, he prefers to go by foot, doing so nearly 65 per cent of the time with Bendigo and 76 per cent with the Allies. He is more an accumulator rather than a burst impact player, usually taking on the kick-in duties and spreading the play from the back half.
Though relatively neat and able to gain good meterage, he is not as damaging a kick as others in the draft pool, even though he takes on those switching and centring options. He went at 59 per cent kick efficiency during his three National Championship games, highlighting the growth he can make in that department. The other area of growth for Gillbee going forward is his contested game. He went at a 77 per cent uncontested rate in Allies colours this year, and is suited to the outside with his light running frame. While trialled on the inside early on, he proved much more effective when carrying the ball in space.Gillbee is the type of character to improve on his deficiencies though, as a spiritual leader among the Bendigo group. He's a standard setter and popular teammate whose willingness to adapt to different roles throughout the season points towards high coachability, something invaluable to AFL clubs.
Prior to the rookie draft, the GIANTS have pre-listed local midfielder Jason Gillbee.
The key details:
Drafted from: Bendigo Pioneers/NSW-ACT
Position: Midfielder
State: NSW
Height: 191cm
Weight: 76kg
Date of Birth: 15/05/2004
Bio:
A rangy and versatile player who can play on the wing or off half back. He was a prolific ball winner for the Bendigo Pioneers in the NAB League this season after relocating from NSW, averaging 22 disposals and five marks. A strong player in one-on-one contests, he is prepared to take the game on with his dash with the ball. These qualities were on display for the Allies at the National Championships, where he was among his team's best against both South Australia and Western Australia. He also showed his competitiveness and elite endurance at the Draft Combine, ranking equal-first for the 2km with his time of 5:54.
What National Recruiting Manager Adrian Caruso says:
Jason was a member of the AFL Academy. He’s from Balranald in NSW but moved to Bendigo for his footy three years ago. He’s an elite runner and adds some versatility in that he can play at half-back, wing and forward. He already has connections with a lot of the guys we’ve drafted and is a great character who will slot into our group seamlessly.
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