Gold Coast SUNS recruit Jarrad Grant is not only thrilled with the second chance the club has offered him, but also at the opportunity to once again work with experienced mentor Rodney Eade.
The pair developed a prosperous relationship at the Western Bulldogs where under Eade’s direction throughout 2010 and 2011, Grant kicked 45 goals in 36 games.
“He was my first coach there and I played a preliminary final with him,” Grant told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
“He gave me confidence and backed me to be an AFL player and obviously he has confidence that I can come in and play a role.”
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Although the 193-cm talent admits he was disappointed at being delisted last year, reconnecting with Eade has reaffirmed the former Bulldog's belief that form lapses and inconsistency are a thing of the past.
“I’d like to think my last year was probably my most consistent,” he said.
“Over the last two years my effort, energy and ability to be a consistent AFL player has improved.”
The 26-year-old is aiming to provide Eade options up front after the departure of Charlie Dixon in the off-season.
“I’ll be looking to be that third tall, who can get up and down the ground,” he said.
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Such sentiments are echoed by Eade, who believes the recruit has the ability to add substantial diversity to the SUNS’ forward line and will be a valuable support player.
“He is just so different to what we have got, so I think that’s the thing that is enticing about him,” Eade said.
“He is more of an up and back player compared to Charlie.”