Jed Anderson out to repay the faith for North Melbourne trade

NORTH Melbourne paid a high price to get Jed Anderson from Hawthorn, and the small forward is well aware of it as he plans to repay the faith in Saturday night’s elimination final.

Jed Anderson gets a handball away. Picture: Sam Rosewarne

JED Anderson has endured a frustrating first season at North Melbourne but Saturday night’s knockout final looms as his time to shine.

Anderson, 22, will run out against Adelaide for just his 10th game in Roos’ colours set on taking the first of many steps towards repaying the faith shown in him by the club.

The Roos invested heavily at the trade table (pick 15) last year to acquire the former Hawthorn speedster who had struggled with injury.

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That wretched run continued this year as Anderson missed 13 games after shredding his hamstring early in the first round.

The injury compounded the pressure Anderson was under given the price North Melbourne paid for him.

“At the start of the season it really weighed on my mind a little bit, and then getting injured didn’t really help,” Anderson said.

“But I sat down with the club and they were really happy with how I’d gone over the pre-season and getting injured was (just) unfortunate.”

The past nine games have been more positive, but far from satisfactory, averaging just 10 disposals and three tackles a game.

“I’m really growing and trying to secure my spot in this team,” Anderson said.

“I think my game’s growing each week — I’ve taken the confidence the club (put in me) and want to give it back.”

Jed Anderson moved from Hawthorn to North Melbourne in exchange for pick 15. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Anderson has enjoyed learning from mentors Brent Harvey, Daniel Wells and Lindsay Thomas, who play similar roles.

“Wellsy’s composure around the ball — he’s in and out — and how Boomer gets going forward and really creates his opportunities to kick goals,” Anderson said.

“I’ve taken a bit of both of those and really using my speed and agility around the ball to do those things.”

Those attributes will be crucial if underdog North is to upset Adelaide and progress in the finals series.

“We want to really open space for us to work into and work back and forward and isolate our one-on-ones so that the Adelaide backline can’t come over and impact with their spares.”

The winner will play the loser of Saturday’s qualifying final between Sydney and Greater Western Sydney at the SCG or Spotless Stadium next week.