Eagles midfielder Jordan Foote named SANFL Player of the Week after win over Norwood

Woodville-West Torrens midfielder Jordan Foote has shone in his debut season with the Eagles, and the SANFL-Advertiser Player of the Week is hoping the form will take him back to the AFL.

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Hard-working midfielder Jordan Foote had to take himself out of his comfort zone if he wanted to return to the AFL system after being delisted by Sydney at the end of last season.

Staying in Sydney where he had played all his football would not be ideal. So he opted to move to Adelaide and sign with Woodville-West Torrens, hoping to use the high quality league as a pathway back to the national competition.

Eagles recruit Jordan Foote beats North's Tom Schwarz to the footy. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Martin

Foote has nominated for the mid-season draft to be held on Monday night. And while he is uncertain what will eventuate, the onballer has done all he could to influence AFL recruiters.

While the Eagles have performed below expectations, Foote has been a constant with his ability to find the ball and give the side plenty of drive in the engine room.

That was no more evident than at Woodville Oval on Saturday when he racked up 28 possessions, kicked two goals, recorded five tackles and had nine clearances in the upset win over Norwood.

It was a performance typical of his form in his debut season with the club and his efforts have been recognised as The Advertiser/SANFL Player of the Week.

“It was daunting at first moving away from Sydney,” Foote said. “Now I’m settled in and really liking it.

“We didn’t have the ideal start. In round one, winning against North was a good result, but since then was not ideal. So it was good to beat the top-of-the-table team on the weekend and hopefully it is the turning point for us.

“Sam (Lonergan) is a good coach, very knowledgeable. He knows what he is doing and I have the utmost respect for him.”

Jordan Foote celebrates a goal during the state game between WA and SA at Optus Stadium. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Foote’s hopes of keeping his spot with the Swans were hurt by injury problems last season.

With a desire to have another opportunity at the AFL, he needed to play in a competition stronger than could be found in Sydney.

That was his motive for deciding on the SANFL and he is enjoying going to work in a league which he believes suits his style. Foote was also prominent for the state team in its win over the WAFL last week.

“The main idea to come down here was to try and get back to the AFL, to give myself a bit of exposure,” Foote said. “That was unlikely to happen playing Sydney football so I thought I’d give myself a chance while I can.

“I don’t know how likely it is (to get picked up in the mid-season draft). It is a new concept, but I’ve nominated so I guess there is a chance there.

“If not I’ll keep chipping away at the Eagles and try and get in at the normal draft at the end of the season.”