Every time the Gold Coast SUNS play GWS, Jaeger O’Meara must give Giants fans nightmares after the Sydney side couldn’t get its hands on the 17-year-old back in 2011.
O’Meara had 25 possessions in both wins over GWS last season, but he lifted a notch on Saturday as he racked up 30 touches, laid 10 tackles and sent the ball inside-50 on seven occasions as the GC SUNS easily accounted for the Giants at Metricon Stadium by 40 points.
Gold Coast gave up its highest pick in the 2011 AFL Draft – selection No. 4 – to its fellow expansion side so the SUNS could get hold of O’Meara, who came to the club via the GWS Giants Incentive Rule Selections that same off-season.
The young SUN spent most of the yesterday’s match going head-to-head with fellow West Australian and good mate Stephen Coniglio. No doubt the latter would love to be playing alongside O’Meara in Giants colours, rather than seeing him dominate his team wearing yellow and red.
“It was a bit funny we were playing on each other,” O’Meara said.
“He’s obviously a good mate of mine.
“But once you cross the white line, he’s just another footballer so it was good to play against him and good to get the win.”
The SUNS have already looked ahead to next week, with in-form North Melbourne lying in wait at Etihad Stadium.
“They had a good win over Freo yesterday,” O’Meara said.
“They’re playing some really good footy and it’s going to be a great test for us.
“Hopefully we can hunt them and get the win over them.”