Aarts brings the energy By Nick Creely
Pakenham Gazette
14 AUG 2018Beaconsfield boy Jake Aarts will be one to watch in the state combine this year. Tackling, chasing and providing a ferocious, infectious energy at ground level – it’s the mantra of Richmond’s plethora of small forwards at both VFL and AFL level.
For former Beaconsfield player, Noble Park listed player and emerging leader of the Tigers’ VFL program Jake Aarts, he has all three components of his game in spades – it’s the reason he is on the radar for many AFL clubs come draft night later this year.
Hard work and an opportunity to grow his game at Punt Road for four years have now culminated in the dynamic forward being chosen as one of the 13 VFL prospects to take part in the state draft combine after an impressive year at state level, which will be held in October.
Turning 24 later this year, Aarts said he didn’t expect to be chosen for the combine, but understands the footballing landscape – every player pulling on a VFL jumper has ambitions to take the next step to the elite level.
“It was pretty surprising at the time, to be honest – I sort of hadn’t been thinking about it at all lately, and when I got the call from our footy manager, I was surprised, but it was a good result for sure,” he said.
“I wouldn’t say it (getting drafted) hasn’t crossed my mind at all – the last couple of years playing VFL I’ve thought about it more, but this year it’s been more about the footy and trying to make finals.
“I haven’t really focused on whether clubs have been looking at me, but it’s great, for sure.”
It’s often spoken about that the culture down at Punt Road is rock solid, and that it allows each individual involved with the VFL and AFL program to flourish and play to their strengths – Aarts is testament to that, he lives and breathes it on a weekly basis.
“The culture at Richmond has been really good since I got to the club – in my first year (2014), there was always got a bit of divide between the VFL and AFL boys, but each year I’ve been there it’s got better and better – it’s something we work on each year, and it probably started four years ago,” he said.
“It hasn’t just started; it takes a long time to get a good connection which is something we talk a lot about with the AFL boys as well. When you get a good system, and a strong culture, everyone buys into it, and all the boys have.
“With the success of the AFL boys last year, and to an extent the VFL boys, it’s had a big impact on me, and it makes you want to keep playing, the hard work is all there is to it for us as a club.”
Aarts plays to his strengths; he applies extraordinary pressure with the likes of AFL-listed players Tyson Stengle, Shai Bolton, Liam Baker and Sam Lloyd often around him at ground level suffocating opponents with their intensity – it’s the Richmond way, and Aarts is right at home.
“The way I play my footy, it’s not really changed since my junior days,” he said.
“I love bringing energy and tackling, and you’ve got to defend as well, it’s not all offense, and being a small forward at Richmond, they need that in our team defence – it helps the midfield and backline with our forward pressure, so that’s what we work on.
“Nothing’s really changed for me, it’s just how I play.”
In last year’s state combine, the likes of Dom Barry (Port Adelaide), Bayley Fritsch (Melbourne), Zac Langdon (GWS Giants) and Liam Ryan (West Coast) impressed enough to earn an AFL opportunity.
Aarts will use those examples, plus a number of others flourishing at AFL level, as inspiration for what’s ahead in his footballing journey.
“It sort of hasn’t been until late I’ve realised (the impact of mature age players) – Lambo (Richmond premiership star Kane Lambert) obviously came into the system until he was like 23 and has had a big impact straightaway, and you look at Geelong with Tim Kelly, he’s been amazing,” he said.
“Lately I’ve noticed all these things, and the impact they have at AFL level, so you do sit there and think that you could make an impact at AFL level, because you’ve already done the four years of playing at a high standard of footy, that’s how I see it.”
In a recent game against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, VFL coach Craig McRae praised the potentially AFL-bound Aarts in his VFL report, a big indication of his potential.
“(He’s) such a terrier. Low possessions, but just his tenacity was unbelievable. He’s a really, really good leader in terms of his competitive nature. We love him in our team. He was one of our best players on the day,” he said.
It’s been a strong four years for the Beaconsfield product, and in 2019, anything’s possible for the tenacious forward with a strong appetite to run, chase and tackle
https://pakenham.starcommunity.com.au/gazette/2018-08-14/aarts-brings-the-energy/
