Jackson Mead says he is not fixated on a career at Port Adelaide as SA closes its national championships in Melbourne
Jackson Mead’s dad Darren is a Port Adelaide great but as he prepares for the final game of SA’s under-18 national championships on Wednesday, he says he’d be happy to play AFL at any club.
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South Australian draft prospect Jackson Mead would like to walk in his father Darren’s footsteps at Port Adelaide but says he is open to an AFL career anywhere.
Mead is in Melbourne with his SA teammates for the final game of their under-18 national championships against the Allies at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday.
They are hoping to finish on a high after beating WA then losing to Vic Metro and Vic Country — by just one point — in the past two weeks.
Jackson is the son of Darren, a three-time SANFL premiership player with the Port Magpies and who also played 122 games for the Power where he won its inaugural best-and-fairest in 1997.
“If I get chosen by Port that’s up to them but if other clubs want me I’m open to anywhere that I go, it’s out of my control,” he said.
“I’ve done gym sessions (there) once a week last year and this year a bit more vision work but haven’t been there as much.”
The 17-year-old is eligible as a father/son selection for Port Adelaide this year and has been part of the club’s father/son academy which was established in 2018.
He has played as a midfielder/forward during the championships and hopes to crack the Woodville-West Torrens’ league team later in the year.
“The last two games have been a bit disappointing especially that Vic Country game but we’ve got to keep playing our best footy,” he said.
“I think I’ve played some decent footy so far, probably not the best I’m capable of but I think I’ve showcased some potential of what I can do.”
His SA teammate Will Gould has shone during the carnival, playing mostly half-back and with a short stint forward against Vic Metro.
“I feel like I had a little bit of a slow start but Friday against Vic Country I think I was able to show my game and play some stronger footy,” Gould said.
“Bangers (coach Tony Bamford) has been really positive and supportive, he’s seen the last few years it has taken a bit of time for the boys who have been playing senior footy to come back in and play, so all of his feedback has been awesome.
“Everyone was pretty heartbroken after the Vic Country loss but we’ve regrouped and are ready to finish strongly.”
Gould’s aim is to play more senior footy with Glenelg in the second half of the year with a finals appearance looking increasingly likely.
“That will be the focus, to go back to Glenelg and try to play consistent footy there,” Gould said.
“Hopefully (that includes finals), the boys are going alright so it would be exciting if that eventuates.”
reece.homfray@news.com.au