Overhead or on the deck, in front of goal or up the ground, James Rose has asserted his influence in the 2015 NEAFL season in more ways than one.
Rose, 19, arrived at the Swans this season determined to earn a senior debut – a tough task given the strength and depth of the playing group.
While the dream hasn’t arrived yet and while there’s no guarantees that day will come with eight rounds left in the season, Rose is doing his chances little harm.
The South Australian, selected with Pick 37 in the 2014 National Draft, is an exciting prospect and a valuable member of a side positioned fourth on the ladder with an 8-4 record.
Blessed with speed, an innate goal sense and strong overhead mark, Rose will be called upon again to help the Swans counter Redland in Saturday’s Round 15 clash at Blacktown International Sportspark.
“It’s the first time we’ve come across them this year,” Rose told SwansTV. “They’re placed a couple of spots below us on the ladder but we’ll approach it like any other game – same structures, just different opponent.”
Sorely missed due to injury in the Swans’ loss to Sydney Uni three rounds ago and was one of only two Swans to hit the scoreboard in the big Round 14 defeat to UWS Giants, Rose bounced back with 14 possessions and two goals against Brisbane last weekend.
It was the sixth time in this season Rose has finished with multiple goals.
“It was obviously a massive shock to go down like that against the Giants,” Rose said.
“They really gave it to us and it was a bit of a reality check. They had something like 12 players with AFL experience so it was always going to be a challenge.
“We bounced back massively last weekend, our voice and intensity really picked up which was a positive as that has been our focus.”
Development coaches Jared Crouch and Marty Mattner have taken the good with the bad this week after Thursday’s Match Committee.
Dan Robinson and Dean Towers, omitted from the senior side, are important inclusions while Toby Nankervis, Craig Bird and Brandon Jack will be missed after the trio earned senior recalls.
In another boost, Academy member and highly touted draft prospect Callum Mills will make his NEAFL debut for the Swans on Saturday.
Originally scheduled as a curtain-raiser at ANZ Stadium, the game has been relocated to BISP with the match to commence at 3pm.