Danny Meyer finds his niche
Andrew Capel | December 18, 2008
A BOLD move from goalkicking forward to rebounding defender has helped salvage the career of Port Adelaide rookie Danny Meyer.
After struggling to make an impact as a small forward in four years with Richmond, Meyer was shuffled back to defence midway through the season and showed enough form with VFL side Coburg to catch the eye of several clubs, including Port and Hawthorn.
His ability to play a Lindsay Gilbee-type role and set up play from half-back didn't save his career at Punt Rd but it earned him a second AFL chance.
The Hawks, with whom Meyer had trained for five weeks before a three-day hitout with Port, had guaranteed to take him in Tuesday's rookie draft before the Power pounced.
"Hawthorn made a commitment to me but Port took me with an earlier pick (No. 20) and I'm absolutely rapt to be back here," Meyer said.
The 22-year-old was a Glenelg junior before being drafted by the Tigers in 2004. Richmond rated Meyer so highly it took him with pick 12 in the national draft, the selection acquired from Geelong in a trade for Brad Ottens.
Meyer played just 17 games, his progress set back by two hip operations to repair cartilage damage.
"The injuries definitely held me back but I'm ready to train hard and show what I can do," Meyer said.
"I don't doubt my ability as a footballer and firmly believe I've got something to offer Port Adelaide."
So does Power recruiting manager Blair Hartley.
"He has that X-factor that we like," Hartley said.
"We can see him playing multiple roles for us, and while training with us he's shown he can use the ball really well off half-back."
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24815991-19742,00.html
