Jared Brennan (born 28 July 1984) is a former professional Australian rules footballer, who last represented the Gold Coast Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He also previously represented the Brisbane Lions.

Jared Brennan
Brennan at training with Brisbane in December 2008
Personal information
Full name Jared Brennan
Date of birth (1984-07-28) 28 July 1984 (age 40)
Place of birth Darwin, Northern Territory
Original team(s) Southern Districts (NTFL)
Draft No. 3, 2002 National Draft, Brisbane Lions
Height 195 cm (6 ft 5 in)
Weight 95 kg (209 lb)
Position(s) Utility
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2003–2010 Brisbane Lions 119 0(75)
2011–2013 Gold Coast 054 0(26)
Total 173 (101)
International team honours
Years Team Games (Goals)
2008 Australia 2
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2013.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Early life

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Brennan was born and raised in Darwin in the Northern Territory, where he played rugby league[1] and Australian football at junior levels. Brennan grew up a passionate rugby league supporter, but also supported the Essendon Football Club in the AFL.[2]

Brennan was first identified as a potential AFL talent during his All-Australian performance at the AFL Under 18 Championships and was co-captain of the Northern Territory side. Brennan's unique ball skills and agility displayed his indigenous heritage with a liking to Daryl White.

He played senior football with Southern Districts where he was drafted to the AFL as the third draft pick in the 2002 AFL Draft.[3]

AFL career

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Brisbane Lions career (2003–2010)

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Brennan made his debut for the Brisbane Lions in Round 4, 2003 against Collingwood.[4]

Inconsistent form in his early career led to speculation that Brennan would be traded to another club. Coach Leigh Matthews, switched him to the forward line in mid-2007, and against West Coast Eagles in Round 14, Brennan appeared to come of age, leading the charge with four goals.

He followed it up with a personal record of 7 goals against the Collingwood Football Club in round 17.[5]

Season 2008 was arguably Brennan's most consistent to date. Used predominantly as an impact player in the midfield, Brennan proved himself to be a capable clearance winner and played a decisive hand in several close victories. Brennan capped off his 2008 season with a top 5 placing in the 2008 Brisbane Lions best and fairest and selection in the Australian International Rules squad.

Brennan is well known for his flashy, unorthodox playing style and his tendency to carry the ball in one hand. He is often compared to former Brisbane premiership player Darryl White due to a similar playing style and the ability to play different positions.

Gold Coast career (2011–2013)

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On 7 October 2010, a complicated three-way deal between the Gold Coast Suns, the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood saw Brennan traded to the Suns.[6]

At the end of the 2013 season Brennan retired from the game.

References

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  1. ^ Folau will deliver Archived 19 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine by GREY MORRIS for Northern Territory News 3 June 2010
  2. ^ Jared Brennan stays with Brisbane Lions by Grey Morris From: Herald Sun 25 October 2007
  3. ^ "Brennan is round four National Rising Star". afl.com.au. 22 April 2003. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  4. ^ "Lion pack enters new territory". lions.com.au. 3 September 2009. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  5. ^ "Lions notch record win". Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2007.
  6. ^ Suns' deal for Brennan
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