Eastern league 2020: Vermont recruits NTFL player Jeffrey ‘Happy’ McDonald
With his speed, skills and ever-present smile, Jeffrey ‘Happy’ McDonald might become a cult figure at Vermont — and a handful for other Eastern league clubs.
Eastern
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His nickname is “Happy’’, and it’s fair to say Vermont is happy to have him as a recruit.
Jeffrey McDonald has made the move from the NT to Melbourne to play in the Eastern league.
McDonald played alongside Eagles premiership forward and regular NTFL fly-in Jake Best at Tiwi Bombers.
He’s living with Best, has found work, and is keen to get fitter and stronger and crack into the powerful Vermont team.
With his speed and skills and ever-present smile, some at Terrara Rd believe McDonald will become a cult figure at the club.
The 20-year-old is from Barunga and, playing for the Arnhem Crows, was the best and fairest in the Big Rivers Football League last year.
McDonald had made his NTFL debut for Wanderers at the age of 15. He was also an Under 16 NT representative.
“He’s only been here for a week but he’s fitted in really well among the group … he’s a great kid,’’ Vermont coach Harmit Singh said.
“We can’t wait to see what he can do. He’s a really skilful forward/wing, he’s got great speed and he’s generally clean around the footy. He’ll be in the gym and get a bit stronger and build up his aerobic capacity … who knows where he’s going to get to.
“There’s no pressure on him at all. We want him to enjoy the opportunity. It’s exciting for him, and it’s exciting for the club. Hopefully we can see more Territory boys come down and play Eastern footy or other competitions around Victoria.’’
Singh is Essendon Football Club’s Academies manager, and last Friday he took McDonald to the clubs, where he watched training and met the players.
Meanwhile, speculation persists about the future of champion Vermont forward Brett Eddy, who is yet to sign with the club for 2020.
It’s believed a VAFA Premier club is keen to swoop on the 2019 league medallist and leading goalkicker with the lure of employment.
Singh said Eddy continued to train with the club.
“Look, obviously we hope he stays,’’ the coach said.
“He trained yesterday. I think we all know how good a player he is, and we hope he remains at Vermont. We’ll see what happens over the next week or two.
“I guess for a lot players now … the amateurs have been incredibly successful in having players move across from the AFL … playing amateur footy rather than EFL.’’
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