Alastair Lynch pens on open letter to Sydney veteran Jarrad McVeigh about his future

“DEAR Jarrad, I’ve recently heard you are keen to play on next year but could be squeezed out at the Swans.” Alastair Lynch pens an open letter to Jarrad McVeigh.

Jarrad McVeigh in action for Sydney against Geelong.

THERE are some champion players across the AFL who have reached or are nearing the end of great careers and it has made me think, how can the Brisbane Lions tap into this resource?

With that in mind I thought it was worth touching base with Swans’ veteran Jarrad McVeigh via an open letter.

Dear Jarrad,

I’m a past player of the Brisbane Lions and although I don’t have an official role at the club, I’m passionate about seeing them succeed.

STAR SKIPPER: BEAMS NEVER MORE EXCITED BY LIONS

MATCH REPORT: WOUNDED DOGS ESCAPE BRAVE LIONS

YOUNG TALENT: LIONS LOOKING TO FINISH SEASON STRONG

The reason for my note is that I’ve recently heard you are keen to play on next year and there’s been speculation you may be squeezed out at the Swans as they continue to develop a successful list.

If things don’t go to plan at the Swans, I feel you should consider a move to Brisbane.

You’ll always be an icon of the Sydney Swans but I think the Brisbane Lions can help you transition into life off the field and there is no doubt you could play a key role in launching our next successful era.

Jarrad McVeigh reportedly wants to play on next season.

We have a group of highly talented young players on the rise that if we can retain and develop, we will be successful in the very near future.

We have a great depth of young key position players such as Harris Andrews, Eric Hipwood, Dan McStay, Josh Schache, Michael Close and Sam Skinner.

With young guns Jarrod Berry, Hugh McCluggage, Alex Witherden, Cedric Cox, Rhys Mathieson and Lewis Taylor added to experienced high quality midfielders in Dayne Beams Dayne Zorko, Tom Rockliff, Daniel Rich, Allen Christensen and Stefan Martin, the next few years look exciting here in Brisbane.

I am urging the Lions to offer you a contract where you play for as long as your body and form allows and then are guaranteed a further three years as an assistant coach.

The playing offer would be an average wage which may be slightly under what you are currently on but is still good coin.

I can see you playing across half-back where your experience would be crucial in developing an exciting back half. This will also allow us to push Rich back into the midfield.

Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry in action for Brisbane.

Why do I think you’re the perfect person for the role?

You’ve played 15 years for Sydney who I respect as the best sporting club in the country and I have a couple of good mates who have been involved with you at the Swans and they speak highly of you.

You’ve grown up and played in a non-AFL state and throughout your career the Swans have been more than relevant on and off the field.

Brisbane has the youngest list in the competition and you would be an enormous asset for these young players, a great mentor for our leadership group and an extension of our coaching staff on the field.

Whether it’s coaching or football administration that you want to get into, I’d suggest a move away from the Swans is recommended.

I’m sure if you were keen to ultimately end up at the Swans in either role, they’d endorse the philosophy of gaining experience on the outside first.

Anyway Jarrad, congratulations on a stellar career to date and if the opportunity arises that you’d look outside the Swans to play next year, please sing out.

Cheers, Alastair

Originally published as Alastair Lynch pens on open letter to Sydney veteran Jarrad McVeigh about his future