Former Murray Bushrangers player Jarman Impey is the Round Eight NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
Impey, the sixth former TAC Cup player to gain a rising star nomination this year, was selected by Port Adelaide at pick 21 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.
He played junior football for the Shepparton Swans before joining the Bushrangers in the TAC Cup, and was also part of the AFL Victoria Kick Start program for junior indigenous footballers.
Impey represented Vic Country in the 2013 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, was a member of the 2012 AIS-AFL Academy – Level One squad and was also part of the inaugural Laguntas Program
The rising star nomination came after the small utility played a crucial role in the Power’s 18- point win over Fremantle last Saturday by restricting Hayden Ballantyne to just nine touches and keeping him goalless.
The 18-year-old debuted in Round One and has played every game this season. He has played forward on occasion and kicked two goals.
In just eight games he has shown his pace, great foot skills and hardness at the ball.
Murray Bushrangers coach Darren Ogier wasn’t surprised to see his former player nominated given his outstanding form so far this year.
“It’s just fantastic to see, he has exceeded all expectations already and will continue to grow and develop as a player,” Ogier said.
With a cheeky and fun loving personality, Impey was well loved by all at the Bushies, but it was Impey’s speed, power and overall athleticism that really stood out to Ogier.
At the 2013 NAB AFL Draft Combine Impey recorded the fastest reaction time and was second in decision-making speed.
A truly versatile player, Ogier knew that wherever he used Impey, be it in the middle, on the wing or up forward, he would have an impact with his exceptional ball handling skills.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is also pleased with Jarman’s versatility.
“From the start of the pre-season in Dubai until now he’s really earned the trust of his team mates and he’s playing really strong footy,” he said.
“We’ve played him different spots over the past eight weeks, we’ve had him in the forward line, the midfield and back, we’ve had him on Betts and we’ve had him on Ballantyne. We’ve given him some big jobs and he just does what the team needs and he just gives his absolute all for the whole team.
“He’s a real competitor and the very best competitors are the ones that want to win the most but they also understand how much hard work they have to do to be good.”
Last Modified on 13/05/2014 23:45