Jay Neagle

Infobox afl player


firstname = Jay
lastname = Neagle
birthdate = birth date|df=yes|1988|1|17
birthplace =
originalteam = Gippsland Power (TAC Cup)
heightweight = 191cm / 98kg
dead = alive
deathdate =
deathplace =
debutdate = Round 22, 1 September 2007
debutteam = Essendon
debutopponent = West Coast Eagles
debutstadium = Subiaco Oval
playingteams = Essendon (2006-present)

8 games, 11 goals

coach = notcoach
coachingteams =
statsend = 2008
careerhighlights =

Jay Neagle (born 17 January 1988) is an Australian rules footballer with the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League.

The son of former Bomber Merv Neagle, Jay was drafted under the father-son rule at the end of the 2005 AFL season. Jay was drafted as a very raw, underage prospect.

His first season was rather forgettable, having to endure a number of injury setbacks, primarily with his ankles.

2007 was a similar story, however Jay broke through for his first game in Round 22, which also happened to be Kevin Sheedy's last game as coach of Essendon and James Hird's last game as a player. Despite lacking in fitness, Jay was very impressive with his leading and marking and kicked an impressive first goal.

2008 has seen Jay develop rapidly. Despite missing large amounts of the pre-season and still having problems with his ankles, Jay appeared 7 times in the Essendon senior side and kicked 10 goals, including 3 against West Coast and two against both Carlton and Port Adelaide. His accurate goal kicking and strength in marking contests has been a large feature of his game.

Jay is seen as the most likely replacement for Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd at Full Forward.

He is contracted at Essendon until the end of the 2009 AFL season.

External links

* [http://www.essendonfc.com.au/team/player.asp?id=102 Jay Neagle profile on Essendon Football Club official website]
*AflRleague|ref=J/Jay_Neagle.html