It’s been a challenging journey for Jed Anderson so far in his AFL career, but that makes his 50-game milestone an even more significant achievement.
In all, the midfielder has had seven years in the system, and only played over ten games once. But in the past two seasons, he’s really hit his straps.
21 games in 2018 saw Anderson enjoy a breakout year. Now, he’s considered one of the Roos’ most important players.
“Jed has come an enormously long way,” midfield coach Darren Crocker told North Media.
“Obviously when we traded for him, we thought he could really come in and make an impact, otherwise you wouldn’t give up your first-round pick.
“It’s taken him a little while to find his feet, but now that he’s got that continuity and he has got his body right, you can see the impact that he has around the footy and his ability to come forward and pressure has been super important for us.”
Anderson was pre-listed by the GWS Giants in 2012, but was traded to Hawthorn (along with picks 28 and 66) for Stephen Gilham, pick 27 and pick 63.
Injuries and illness plagued his time with the Hawks, with the then half-forward managing just the 10 games between 2013 and 2015 due to shoulder and hamstring issues.
Anderson’s talent was undeniable however, and North Melbourne saw enough to part with a first-round pick to secure him.
Injuries once again dogged the Roos’ number three early on at Arden Street, but a move to the midfield move proved defining.
In the space of one season, Anderson went from the fringes of the best 22, to one of the first names picked and a fan favourite.
His first 25 games took five years; his second 25, a little over one.
“We can be pretty strong and tough in there (the midfield), but he takes it to another level,” Crocker said.
“If the opposition wins first possession, they know he’s around and he’s coming at them. His ability to win the contested footy and help Cunners and those guys in there has been really important as well.
“He brings a really hard edge to that midfield mix.”
Fellow midfielder, and hard-nut Ben Cunnington never had any doubt Anderson would find his groove.
“When Jed first arrived, we knew he had a lot of talent and ability,” he said.
“He’s had a bit of bad run of injuries, but from Scotty (Brad Scott) down to the players, we have always backed his ability and his strengths.
“His attack on the footy and attack on the man is second to none, and he leads the team in that now.
“What he brings to the midfield is vital, and it allows me and Higgo to go to work knowing that Jed is going to do everything he can to protect his teammates and attack the contest.”
Anderson will be key to the Roos’ chances against Carlton on Sunday.
Jed Anderson has has come a long way in his career to date.
