A year out of the game has done little to shake the pure football ability of Peel Thunder’s Leroy Jetta, who was named to the WAFL’s initial state squad this week.
Jetta served a 12-month suspension last year following the Essendon supplements saga, but he has hardly missed a beat in his return to league footy in the WAFL with Peel, booting 16 goals in the opening six games.
His forward presence and natural scoring ability has been a welcome return in the Thunder’s front six as he leads the side’s goal kicking, one ahead of the Fremantle-listed Matt Taberner.
Jetta is the sole Peel representative among the 37 players named to the side.
South Fremantle have contributed the most players to the squad with nine, while Subiaco has pitched in seven.
The squad will be trimmed down in the coming weeks for the WAFL’s highly-anticipated game against the Victorian Football League state side at North Port Oval in Melbourne.
WA coach Michael Broadbridge and assistant coaches Paul Johnson, Steve Malaxos, Clay McLernon and Garry Moss selected the 37-strong squad.
Broadbridge said players had been selected in consultation with their WAFL coaches based on current form in the roles that would be required to tackle the VFL at North Port Oval.
“We’re obviously expecting a certain style of play from the VFL on that ground so we’ve taken the approach of selecting players in the roles we’re likely to need,” Broadbridge said.
“We’ve been out watching players at the WAFL each week and all of the senior coaches have been very supportive and given us great feedback on which players are in form in the roles we need and who is most worthy of consideration.
“Overall, with the size of the ground at North Port, the opposition, and the chance it could be a bit slippery means we’re looking at players with bigger bodies who are strong over the ball and strong at the contest, which we’ll look to compliment with a bit of flair.
“We’re also looking at players who we think can adapt well, have some experience playing in the conditions against similar opposition and are mentally strong.”
Jetta could find his niche in the final team thanks in large to his ability to play as both a tall and small forward.
His ability to rove the ball on the ground and create goals from little opportunity is profound, but the forward pocket can also contest for marks when needed to.
The game against the VFL will be held on Saturday, May 27.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
