Eagles ruckman Jordan West’s challenged by football and basketball commitments
Woodville-West Torrens ruckman Jordan West will be seriously tested when he leads the ruck against Norwood and then fronts in a basketball elimination final just hours later.
WOODVILLE-West Torrens ruckman Jordan West faces an imposing challenge this afternoon when he goes toe-to-toe with inform Norwood counterpart Sam Baulderstone in Woodville.
West, shouldering the ruck duties in the absence of injured Marc Borholm, is still learning the craft while hard-working Baulderstone is arguably the best exponent of the position in the state league.
But if that assignment is not demanding enough, less than four hours after the final siren West will front for the West Adelaide Bearcats in the premier league basketball elimination final clash against Sturt at Port Adelaide Stadium. It is a gruelling double sporting act he has had to adapt to many times this season.
“It’s pretty tough. You get some food and rehydrate between games,” West said. “The legs can be pretty dead after the footy, but once you get going the basketball is all right.
“Some games I’ve played all right, but others not so good because of the footy. Footy comes first and basketball is a bit of a bonus on the side.”
West joined the Eagles this season after playing with Sydney club St George last year.
The nephew of Jim West, who played with Norwood and Glenelg, Jordan had a four-year stint playing college basketball in the US before returning to Australia to focus on football.
“I’m still learning each week, it is about getting more league games under my belt and coming up against different ruckman,” West said.
“It will be a big challenge against Norwood. I’ve watched some of Sam Baulderstone and he is one of the best in the competition.
“Hopefully we can come up with a win. They are the only team to have beaten us this year.”
The Redlegs conquered the Eagles at The Parade in round seven and a repeat of that success will significantly boost their hopes of a top three spot as the finals loom.
Gun forward Michael Wundke and classy onballer Jared Petrenko will end lengthy stints on the sideline due to injuries when they return for the Eagles, while defender Paul Stewart is also back. But the Eagles have lost Patrick Giuffreda and Angus Poole.