Jacob Surjan

Jacob Adam Surjan (born 15 August 1985 in Perth,Australia) is an Australian Rules Footballer and current player of the Port Adelaide Football Club.

Early career

Jacob began his football career for Cockburn Junior Football Club at the age of 13 before transferring to South Coogee Junior Football Club. Both clubs are part of the South Fremantle Bulldogs development district zone in Western Australia.

Jacob was scouted as part of the South Fremantle Warriors WAFL development program playing for South Fremantle. He progressed from the under 13's through the colts (U/18's). In 2003, Jacob made his league debut as a 17 year old playing for the South Fremantle Bulldogs. His best performance was a 4 goal, 16 possession, 8 mark haul against Perth. In the same year, Jacob won the Mel Whinnen medal for his best on ground performance in the South Fremantle Colts 2003 WAFL premiership side. He averaged 31 possessions for the season at Colts level.

Jacob was part of the WA U/18 Teal Cup squad, putting in 2 very good performances at the carnival, before injuring a calf and having a reasonably quiet 3rd game. It was said that Jacob was unlucky not to be selected in the U/18 All Australian squad.

AFL career

After being touted as a potential top 20 pick, putting in many impressive draft camp results, it came as a shock to many when Jacob was overlooked in the 2003 National Draft. It was then that Port Adelaide pounced and selected Jacob as the number 10 pick in the 2004 AFL Pre-season Draft.

Jacob made his AFL debut in Round 1, 2004 against Essendon. He went on to play 5 of the first 7 games, before a knee injury cut his season short after showing much promise.

In 2005, Jacob had an indifferent year due to injuries. A switch from SANFL clubs Central Districts to Port Adelaide Magpies was a welcome change, with "Surj" running into form in the second half of the season with the Magpies, with a plethora of BOG performances.

The hard chasing, strong tackling midfielder and small defender was nominated for the AFL Rising Star award in 2006 for his 26-disposal game from half-back against Hawthorn in Round 11. [http://portadelaidefc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/8475/playerId/14411/teamId/41/typeId/2/Default.aspx] In his 15 games in Season 2006, he averaged 14 disposals and won an above average 36% of those in a contest. [http://au.sports.yahoo.com/afl/clubs/port-adelaide/110/jacob-surjan/240074]

In season AFL 2007, Jacob played 24 of a possible 25 games, totaling 417 disposals at an average of 17.4 disposals per game, 5 marks and 3 tackles. He finished 7th in the Port Adelaide fairest and best and was top 3 in both the one-percenter and most improved awards.

Jacob's game has been typified with explosive pace, ferocious tackling and an ability to win the contested football.

Talented Sportsman

Jacob is an accomplished sportsman, having been a talented athlete and basket-baller. He is a former junior national long jump champion and handy sprint hurdler.

Jacob's older brother Erik Surjan, is an Australian decathlon champion.

External links

* [http://portadelaidefc.com.au/TheClub/Players/PlayerProfile/tabid/8475/playerId/14411/teamId/41/typeId/2/Default.aspx/ Official AFL Website of the Port Adelaide Football Club - Official Player Profile]
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