It was an up and down year for experienced defender Jeremy Laidler after battling a number of injuries throughout the 2016 season.
Laidler started the season in career best form in his third season at the Swans before missing a string of games due to firstly a knee and then a hamstring injury.
Through consistently strong performance in the NEAFL the defender fought his way back into the side for the semi final win over Adelaide at the SCG.
It was his most outstanding performance of the season as he combine with his defensive teammates to hold the high scoring Adelaide to just 12 goals for the game.
Laidler finished the match with 21 disposals and seven marks as he floated across the half back line with ease.
After just 16 matches during the 2016 season the versatile defender will be looking for a big pre-season to get his body into shape heading into 2017.
In his own words
“Looking at my year I was pretty consistent early on and then got a knee injury and hamstring injury so then I couldn't get back in the side because the team was playing really well. All the kids and all the older guys were playing really well so I just went back to the NEAFL and tried to be as positive as I could to try and drive that group. I was lucky enough to get back into the side for that second final to play some good footy before a very disappointing finish to the year.” Jeremy Laidler on SwansTV
Stats
Games: 16
Kicks: 97
Handballs: 106
Marks: 44
Disposals: 203
Through the lens
Jeremy Laidler gets the handball away against Adelaide in the semi final.
Jeremy Laidler runs away from a Hawthorn defender in Round 9.
Laids soaks up the Grand Final parade alongside teammate Kurt Tippett.
