Western magpies young gun, Jake Heard, is the player of the week.
Magpies youngster Jake Heard proved he was ready for senior football in the side’s round one win over Mayne.
Heard kicked four goals, including three in the final quarter, as the home side ran out to a 39-point lead.
As well as his impressive return in front of goals, Heard showed plenty of pace in the match, leaving opponents in his wake on more than one occasion.
Playing with such maturity, it’s hard to believe that Heard is only 16 and in his first year of senior footy.
A Sherwood junior, Heard was elevated to the senior squad this year and senior coach, Craig St John, reckons there’s plenty more where last weekend’s performance came from.
“He’s got plenty of potential. He’s got blistering speed and beautiful skills,” St John said.
“We just need to get him around the contest more.”
Relatively quiet by nature, St John said Heard’s opening performance would help him feel more at home with the senior players.
“He’s trained with us all year, but he probably doesn’t feel like he’s fit in yet.
“I think after [this game] you’ll see him perform better.”
St John earmarked Heard as one of the club’s potential rising stars this year and it seems the youngster is already living up to his massive potential.
After such an impressive debut, Heard will definitely be one to watch in the Allied Pickfords Cup this season.
