Surjan arrives for new year of training

blackdiamond

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Thread starter #1
courtesy of www.portadelaidefc.com.au

Surjan arrives for new year of training



The Power resumed pre-season training after a two-week break on Tuesday morning at Alberton Oval. It was the first session for 18-year-old Western Australian Jacob Surjan, who the Power picked up at no. 10 in the pre-season draft last month.

Surjan was introduced to his new teammates prior to the 9am skills session after arriving in Adelaide for the first time on Monday evening.

“It was really good, it was good to meet all the boys and have a run with the guys and I’m just looking forward to (training) tomorrow now,” Surjan said.

The fast midfielder said he was still pinching himself after being overlooked in the National Draft in November.

“After not getting (taken at the National Draft) but then getting (picked up in the Pre-Season Draft) it’s a big thrill because (experts) tip you to go in the top 30 and then it doesn’t happen, it just makes you a stronger person to join the AFL another way. And this way is probably better because I know I’ll have to work a bit harder,” he said.

“You don’t give up hope (of getting drafted). If you give up hope then there’s no chance you’re going to make it is there? You just have to stay positive and I’m really grateful that Port picked me up.”

Surjan, who represented WA in the U18 carnival, said he was happy with the 12 league games he played for South Fremantle last season and was looking forward to a season predominantly in the SANFL.

“I’m playing with Central District and I’m hoping to play league footy most of the year and then if I could get a game or two in the AFL that would round off the year, I’d be pretty happy,” he said.

“But I just want to develop myself into an AFL footballer first, put on a bit of muscle and then go from there.”

Surjan (pronounced same as surgeon) is 179cm and 75kg and is known for his pace, his overhead mark and creativity around goals.

Almost the entire Power squad completed Tuesday’s session, the only obvious omission being Roger James who had his first run in some time prior to training and then rode the exercise bike.

James is still recovering from groin surgery he had at the end of last year after suffering from chronic groin problems in 2003. The powerful on-baller will be given every opportunity to fully recover for the minor round, meaning playing pre-season matches won’t be a priority.

Josh Francou (knee) and Matthew Primus (knee tendon), who combined for just 11 matches in 2003, are in full training and both are likely to be part of pre-season matches.

The Power’s only trial will be an internal trial on Saturday 14 February at Alberton Oval. It starts its Wizard Cup campaign against Geelong in Cairns on Saturday 21 February.

Eight-year service players Gavin Wanganeen and Jarrad Schofield are taking the extra holidays they are entitled to so were not at training.
 

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mic59

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#3
I was about to nickname him "Doc" when I found a post in another thread where Porthos had beaten me to it.

Damn you, Porthos!
(Originally said by Cardinal 'Stan' Richelieu).

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :D :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
 

Sandola

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#6
Originally posted by footballphantom
Ooooooooooooo he is gorgeous.
Yup. His Biggest Fan in Fremantle says he is very much in the Shane Crawford mold. (I wouldn't want to read too much into that :D )

Move over, Dew, Salopek, et al. (The Burgers need move over for no man :D)

Crawf's looks and skills, Akers's attitude and skills -- we got ourselves a superstar!
 

Sandola

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#8
Originally posted by Porthos
Either that or an 18 year old Jarrad Schofield.
:D :D
Very good. Yeh, no, I'd be jealous too.

This time of year, they're all superstars until proven otherwise. Hope is springing eternal -- It's a long time until round 4 against Melbourne (when reality, no doubt, will strike).
 

Macca19

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Moderator #10
Originally posted by Porthos
Either that or an 18 year old Jarrad Schofield.
Id rather Surjan turn out like an 16-20 disp per game, capable of kicking plenty of goals, excellent foot skilled Jarrad Schofield than a 5 disposal per game, dodgy kick but perfect mix between speed and endurance Michael Stevens!
 

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PAfolwr

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#12
Originally posted by Porthos
I agree on that.

Pettigrew apparently has a unique blend of speed and endurance though. Hopefully its not fatal.
Perhaps that's what frightened everyone first time round. :p
 

dasler

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#14
How's your first impressions on Surjan? I know Collingwood and Brisbane supporters are quite happy with Moody and Hall.

FWIW I rated Surjan as the best of those 3.
 

blackdiamond

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Thread starter #15
Very happy but first impressions can be deceiving, like every player starting out they all have potential but its what they do with the potentional that leaves a lasting impression.

My only concern for him would be that he is at Central Districts as it is not the easiest team to break into for an 18 year old. Also if he does make the side he probably doesn't need to earn his kicks as much but I guess it has to be better than North Adelaide or those pretty boys at the Eagles.
 
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