Jason Krejza has a lot to thank the AFL's Penrith Region for his selection in the Australian Test side. A recent story in the Daily Telegraph and the MSN website exposed his links with the area.
."The story of Australian off-spinner, Jason Krejza's rise to stardom is the stuff of sporting folklore.
His introduction to cricket began with an uninvited knock on the front door when he was in primary school.
Standing outside his family home in Lurnea, near Liverpool, was neighbour Garth Nolan.
The junior coach from Prestons cricket club was seeking recruits and enquired about young Jason.
Up until then Krezja played soccer, sometimes in nearby Amalfi Park alongside Mark Bosnich. A professional footballer during his former life in Czechoslovakia, Krejza''s father George knew the Bosnich family well."
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Garth Nolan, who is now on the coaching staff at Emu Plains/Glenmore Park Lions recently confirmed that he was the cricketers original coach.
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The story continues with the Rams connection and mentions the day at Greygums Oval where Jason was "prompted" into a sporting career change.
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"In 1999, Krejza joined brother George at the South West Sydney Magpies. Secretary Ian Granger is still adamant his former centre half forward could have reached AFL level. At 184cm, Krejza gave away serious height to opponents. Again, it was his big hands that grabbed everyone''s attention.
"He could take a mark," Granger said. "And boy could he kick. He kicked goals from 55 and 60 metres as a 17-year-old.
"I''ve got no doubt he would have been picked up by the Swans or another AFL club if he''d stayed."
Krejza improved so rapidly that he booted 53 goals in just 18 top-grade appearances. When the Magpies travelled to Grey Gums Oval to meet Penrith midway through 2000, scouts were taking notice.
"Jason did his knee that day," Granger said. "It was just a normal contest for the ball, but he came away badly and was taken to hospital."
On top of his dodgy back, Krejza now had a serious anterior cruciate injury to contend with. It spelled season-ending surgery that would finish his AFL career."
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The full story can be found here
Last Modified on 20/04/2010 19:11