Jaeger O’Meara burst onto the AFL scene in season 2013 with a debut year to rival those of the best in the game’s history.  Having grown up in the small country town of Dongara, three hours north of Perth with a population of only 2,500, Jaeger has already made a name for himself in the footballing world.

“I owe a lot to my parents for having to drive me to Perth once a week for footy training, it was pretty tough on me and them and my sisters”.

Playing for the Gold Coast Suns, Jaeger has thoroughly enjoyed being under the guidance of Coach Guy McKenna and Captain Gary Ablett.

“Something I have learnt from ‘Bluey’ McKenna is to not count your disposals but make them count”.

“Something I have learnt from ‘Bluey’ McKenna is to not count your disposals but make them count” – Jaeger O’Meara

“I learned a lot off him [Gary], the way he trains and his attention to detail”.

Not only has it been an exciting year for himself but also for the Suns, who have beaten some of the bigger, established clubs in the League, including St Kilda, North Melbourne Collingwood, which was arguably the best win in the club’s short history in Round 17 at Metricon Stadium.

“We’ve shown a lot of improvement so far this year, we still have a lot left in us, which is pleasing because we have played some good footy so far and for us to be able to play four quarters. I think we’re going to be a pretty tough team to beat in the future”.

Living on the other side of the country to his family and friends and far from the centre of AFL in Melbourne, Jaeger relishes in the little media attention on the Gold Coast.

“I feel like I am still a nineteen year old kid, getting down to the beach once a day and having a surf when I feel like it, I’m really enjoying it”.

With outstanding role models around him, a passion and dedication for the game, Jaeger is sure to continue his success in 2013 well into the coming seasons.

Words by Zoe Dunstan