Jared Brennan

Jared Brennan
Jared Brennan
	Brennan at training with Brisbane in December 2008
Personal information
Full name	Jared Brennan
Date of birth	28 July 1984 (age 40)
Place of birth	Darwin, Northern Territory
Original team(s)	Southern Districts (NTFL)
Draft	No. 3, 2002 National Draft, Brisbane Lions
Height	195 cm (6 ft 5 in)
Weight	95 kg (209 lb)
Position(s)	Utility
Playing career1
Years	Club
2003–2010	Brisbane Lions
2011–2013	Gold Coast
Total
International team honours
Years	Team
2008	Australia
	1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2013.
Career highlights
	Inaugural Gold Coast team; Rd 7 2011 Marcus Ashcroft Medal; 2003 AFL Rising Star nominee;
	Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Jared Brennan (born 28 July 1984) is a former professional Australian rules footballer, who last represented the Gold Coast Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He also previously represented the Brisbane Lions.

Early life

Brennan was born and raised in Darwin in the Northern Territory, where he played rugby league^[1] and Australian football at junior levels. Brennan grew up a passionate rugby league supporter, but also supported the Essendon Football Club in the AFL.^[2]

Brennan was first identified as a potential AFL talent during his All-Australian performance at the AFL Under 18 Championships and was co-captain of the Northern Territory side. Brennan's unique ball skills and agility displayed his indigenous heritage with a liking to Daryl White.

He played senior football with Southern Districts where he was drafted to the AFL as the third draft pick in the 2002 AFL Draft.^[3]

AFL career

Brisbane Lions career (2003–2010)

Brennan made his debut for the Brisbane Lions in Round 4, 2003 against Collingwood.^[4]

Inconsistent form in his early career led to speculation that Brennan would be traded to another club. Coach Leigh Matthews, switched him to the forward line in mid-2007, and against West Coast Eagles in Round 14, Brennan appeared to come of age, leading the charge with four goals.

He followed it up with a personal record of 7 goals against the Collingwood Football Club in round 17.^[5]

Season 2008 was arguably Brennan's most consistent to date. Used predominantly as an impact player in the midfield, Brennan proved himself to be a capable clearance winner and played a decisive hand in several close victories. Brennan capped off his 2008 season with a top 5 placing in the 2008 Brisbane Lions best and fairest and selection in the Australian International Rules squad.

Brennan is well known for his flashy, unorthodox playing style and his tendency to carry the ball in one hand. He is often compared to former Brisbane premiership player Darryl White due to a similar playing style and the ability to play different positions.