Bio

Name: Jared Polec
Age: 26
Drafted: Pick 5, 2010 (Brisbane Lions)
Position: Midfielder
Games: 106
Career High: 34 disposals v North Melbourne, Round 6, 2018

Career so far:

Being a highly touted draft pick can be difficult for some, and the start of Jared Polec's career didn’t quite go as expected.

Polec couldn’t replicate his Under-18s form immediately, playing just three senior games in his debut season as a result of form and injury.

Despite limited exposure to the competition, the midfielder showed signs of becoming the impactful player he is today.

His second season as a Lion was more encouraging, and he played the first eight games of the season as a half-forward, before eventually returning back to the NEAFL side for the remainder of the year.

2013 was a major step backwards for the midfielder, who made just the one AFL appearance, meaning he featured in only 16 senior games in his first three seasons in the competition.

Frustrated by the lack of opportunities at the Lions, Polec requested a trade to South Australia, to live out his childhood dream of playing for the club he supported growing up, Port Adelaide.

A complicated three-way trade was facilitated to get the then 21-year-old back home.

From there, Polec lived-up to his potential almost immediately, collecting a then career-best 30 disposals against the GWS Giants in Round 7.  

Making a genuine impact, Polec played each game in a season that saw Port Adelaide make a Preliminary Final and narrowly miss out on a Grand Final appearance.

In 2015, a serious foot injury following Round 5 brought his season to a premature end.

Polec didn’t let the setback get the better of him, returning in 2016 to play 17 games.

Although he didn’t show the flare and explosion that he did in his first season back home, the signs were promising.

2017 saw him play 22 games, including a dramatic Elimination Final against West Coast at Adelaide Oval.

In 2018 he took his game to yet another level, playing 22 games once again, but recording career-highs in disposals, kicks, handballs, marks, tackles, clearances and goal assists.

These jaw-dropping performances didn’t go unnoticed by rival clubs, with many potential suitors quick to enquire about his services.

Fortunately for Roos fans, North was able to secure his signature, which will see him feature in the royal blue and white stripes from 2019.

What they say

“Jared has been an outstanding player and is coming off a career-best year.

“He will no doubt add a tremendous amount of run and class to our list, playing in the midfield and on a wing.”

"He will no doubt add a tremendous amount of run and class to our list, playing in the midfield and on a wing.” - Cameron Joyce, GM Football.

What he says

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity at North Melbourne.

“There’s a build-up of excitement with getting to start somewhere new again.”

“I’m looking forward to learning a new system, a new game plan and a lot more about myself at another club.

“With the extra additions like (Aaron) Hall, (Dom) Tyson and (Jasper) Pittard, we will have some more flair and run.

“I think there will be a lot more creativity about North Melbourne next year.” - Jared Polec