Reilly O’Brien draws high praise for producing career-best footy despite selection pressure and media speculation over his spot
Reilly O’Brien has drawn high praise for his breakout season which has come under selection pressure from Sam Jacobs and speculation the Crows will target Brodie Grundy.
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Adelaide’s ruck revelation Reilly O’Brien has been praised for producing career-best and arguably team-best football under selection pressure from Sam Jacobs and against the backdrop of media speculation surrounding Brodie Grundy.
O’Brien came into the Crows’ team in Round 3 when Jacobs hurt his knee and has been in the side ever since.
He has more than held his own in the ruck while racking up big numbers including 27 disposals and a team-high 17 contested possessions against the Bombers on Friday night.
That came just hours after the club announced he had signed a two-year contract extension to remain at West Lakes.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind for big ROB,” teammate Hugh Greenwood told The Lowdown podcast.
“Obviously he’s had to bide his time and we all know the story, he’s been behind the big Sauce for a couple of years and finally got an opportunity and taken it.
“Even when he was playing so well there was all this chat about the Grundy stuff so his ability to play consistent and strong footy knowing he’s got a capable ruckman on his heels in Sauce and all this speculation that ‘even though how well he plays will we still go after Grundy’ and this and that.
“To be able to block all that noise out, play good footy and a huge role - he’s gone over and above and has been arguably our best and most consistent player since he’s come into the side other than a couple of the big name, it’s been pretty cool.
“To see his development and where he’s come from it’s exciting and he’s certainly deserving of those two years.”
reece.homfray@news.com.au