AFL Sydney is pleased to announce that the 2016 Round 3 Rising Star is Jack Patten from the Pennant Hills Demons.
Eighteen year old Jack Patten made his Premier Division debut in Round 2 this season against St George. After just a week of getting used to the pace and physicality of senior football he hit the park running in Round 3 against Manly Warringah and was clearly amongst Pennant Hills’ best that day. Showing great poise and game sense far exceeding his experience he was a pivotal link between the Demons defence and attack, turning many rebounding clearances into forward entries.
Jack is a local junior, having played 5 seasons of footy with Pennant Hills Juniors culminating in the Under 17s in 2014 when he was team Captain, U17 Association and team Best & Fairest, a representative player and member of the Swans Academy. In 2015, his first season with the Demons senior club, Jack was Runner-Up Best & Fairest in an Under 19 team chock full of talent.
Although still eligible for Under 19s footy this season, Jack’s obvious talent and leadership potential has justifiably been rewarded with his spot in Premier Division. Coach Chris Yard remarked that “Jack is highly skilled with both hand and foot and he has great game awareness, all the more remarkable given his limited experience. Despite his light frame, Jack is not afraid of the ‘crash and bash’ of contested footy and his willingness to tackle bigger opposition is inspiring.” Yardy also notes that Jack is the fittest player at the Club and his speed and endurance are obvious attributes.
A bright football future beckons. Congratulations Jack!
Last Modified on 20/04/2016 10:41
