Shy off-field but a work horse on it - Sturt rising star Jed McEntee puts himself on AFL clubs’ radar
A Sturt rising star who recorded the second best time in the agility test at the state draft combine and is regarded as one of the best for defensive pressure hopes his hard work pays off on AFL draft day.
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Jed McEntee reckons he’s a pretty shy guy who just likes to put his head down and work hard.
But on the football field this Sturt AFL draft prospect hates being beaten and will do everything he can to hunt and win the ball, tackling every opponent in sight.
Double Blues talent manager Michael Higgs says the 18-year-old midfielder’s defensive pressure is his main strength and McEntee says it has always come naturally.
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That showed after McEntee proved to be one of SA’s best-performing midfielders defensively at the under-18 national carnival and helped get him an invite to last month’s state draft combine.
McEntee recorded the second-best time in the agility test at the state combine (7.91sec) and laid five tackles or more in 10 of his 13 reserves matches for Sturt.
It is also why the softly-spoken, 176cm on-baller is on the radar of a few AFL clubs ahead of this month’s national and rookie drafts.
“I’m a shy, very honest person as well as dedicated and hardworking,” McEntee, of Netherby, says.
“But on the footy field I pride myself on my attack on the ball and my tackling.
“I think that’s more mentality than anything – you can't really work on that.
“I think it’s just how you go at the ball and your mindset in every game and trainings.”
The former Mercedes College student’s love for footy began at a young age.
His parents, Mike and Deb, got him involved in Auskick when he was five – and he loved the football in the backyard with brothers Mitchell, now 20, Kobe, 14.
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McEntee played all four matches at the national championships, averaging 15 disposals, six ground ball gets, four score involvements.
He credits SA coach Tony Bamford with his development: “He was really good for me … he tried to get me out of my comfort zone.
“To be able to go over to different states and play footy at AFL grounds with a good group of guys was amazing.”
He says it will mean everything to not only himself but also his family should an AFL club take a punt on him: “I am starting to get a bit nervous, and I think I will be very nervous the week of the draft.
“My parents have also done a lot to help me get to this point so it would be a very proud moment.”