After injury woes, Jake Veide relishing chance to notch 100 SANFL games

IF Magarey Medallist Joel Cross’s pestering is successful, his South Adelaide teammate Jake Veide will be a bald man for his 100th league appearance.

Century up ... South’s Jake Veide evades a tackle by Port Adelaide's Louis Sharrad this season. Picture: Tom Huntley

IF Magarey Medallist Joel Cross’s pestering is successful, his South Adelaide teammate Jake Veide will be a bald man for his 100th league appearance.

Veide will finally achieve the milestone when the Panthers clash against North Adelaide in Noarlunga on Saturday, eight years after making his debut in the top side.

Given his form in recent years, another consistent, quality performance from the committed on-baller, who has thrived as a disciplined run-with player under coach Brad Gotch, can be expected. What is uncertain is whether Veide will have hair for the occasion.

“In 2014, I shaved my head and started to play some half decent footy so I kept going with it,’’ Veide said. “But I’m trying not to be so superstitious and let it grow back.

“But every now and again I go bald.

“Joel Cross is always on my back to get me to shave my head. He reckons if I shave it he will win more Magareys (Medals).’’

Veide played soccer until he was 14, when he followed a mate to the Port Noarlunga Football Club.

After missing out on a game with the Panthers’ under 17s, he returned to Port Noarlunga, only to be back at Noarlunga Oval two years later.

His debut was against Central District when he came face to face with Chris and James Gowans.

“They were absolute madmen and I was in awe,’’ Veide said. “They were yelling at each other, us and the umpires. I did not know what I had gotten myself in for.’’

He admits the century of league games appeared beyond him, having missed 15 games in 2013 following hip surgery as well as twice having surgery on a broken leg.

There was also the shoulder operation at the end of last season.

SANFL SATURDAY, 2.10PM

Sturt v Adelaide

Peter Motley Oval, Unley

Live stream @sanfl.com.au

Eagles v Norwood

Maughan Thiem Hyundai Oval, Woodville

Radio: Life FM

Port Adelaide v Glenelg

Alberton Oval

Live stream @sanfl.com.au

South Adelaide v North Adelaide

Hickinbotham Oval, Noarlunga

live stream @sanfl.com.au

West Adelaide v Central District

City Mazda Stadium, Richmond