Jarrod Harbrow’s smooth transition to a full-time midfielder was evident throughout 2013.
At just 25 years of age, Harbrow peaked career-best form with a switch to the middle, averaging 22 disposals and accumulating 147 votes in the Club Champion tally from his 21 Premiership matches to finish in the top 5 Best & Fairest count.
An uncompromising, hard-nosed, mover of the ball – Harbrow frequently danced around opponents through heavy traffic.
When injury ravaged the team’s forward stocks in Round 15 Harbrow was the first player Guy McKenna turned too, placing the lively mid-fielder around goals alongside Centre Half Forward Steven May and goal-sneak Aaron Hall.
Two weeks later Harbrow flexible services would be called upon again, with the North Queenslander named at half-back against Collingwood in a bid to provide from run and carry out of defence.
GC SUNS assistant coach Matthew Primus told goldcoastfc.com.au Harbrow had delivered in spades with his burst of speed and quick decision-making a viable asset around the stoppages.
“Jarrod spent most of the time on the wing and gave us great offensive power, in particularly with his deliveries inside-50,” Primus said.
“He is probably another guy who improved his ball-winning ability, and really played his role for the team.”
“His first 10 weeks were as good as any others, and while he probably dialled it down during the year, he finished on a really strong note.”
Primus said Harbrow’s flexibility and handiness to fill in the “holes” was an invaluable asset in the coaching box on game-day.
“His flexibility to play on the wing, go back when needed, and even parade up forward has become a really viable option for us.”
“We threw him around the ground if we needed holes fixed up.”
“He had a superb year in the middle and will no doubt want to come back even stronger next year.”