Two years ago Jed Brain was playing U16s for the Noosa Tigers in the AFL Sunshine Coast Junior League, now he is playing for the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup.
Formed in 1992 the TAC Cup is considered the most elite Under 18 competition in the country with 16 teams that include four interstate teams.
Brain made the move down to Rochester in country Victoria, 40 minutes drive from Bendigo, at the end of 2012 as a 16 year old with his brother James to work and play football for Rochester in the Goulburn Valley Football League.
Juggling full time work as an earthmover and his football, Brain had a solid year with Rochester in 2013, starring for the clubs Under 18 side, playing a number of senior games and being named best on ground when representing Goulbourn Valley at interleague level.
As a result, Brain was noticed by TAC Cup scouts and invited to do a pre season with the Bendigo Pioneers.
Sunshine Coast Regional Manager, Paul Tresise said that it is great to see Sunshine Coast AFL players making it in the AFL heart-land of Victoria.
“Brain was always a talented player, featuring in our SunCoast Power teams as both a bottom and top age player in Under 14s and Under 16s but by no means was he a stand out, missing Queensland selection on both occasions,” Tresise said.
“He was a consistent on-baller with a never say die attitude that provided a lot of reassurance through our mid-field in our talent program.”
Brain made his TAC Cup debut in Round Three against the North Ballarat Rebels after eight weeks out with an AC shoulder joint injury.
Named on the half forward line collecting 11 possessions, seven handball receives and kicking one behind in his debut Brain didn’t disappoint.
“It was probably the most nerve racking game of his life,” Brain said.
Brain backed up his debut the following week against the Dandenong Stingrays with his first goal which he said was a “great feeling to know all the hard work he has been putting in is starting to pay off.”
Brain relinquishes this opportunity to play footy at a high level and realises the hard work and commitment to get where he is today and still has a lot more hard work to go to reach his final goal of playing AFL in the national league.
Brain now has a belief that he is now on the right track and with continuous hard work and improvement in his game he can make the highest possible level.
Living away from home is no easy feat and with 12 brothers and sisters the Brain name is featured around the Coast with Jed admitting his misses his family, friends and the beach.
“Being able to wake up and walk to the beach is something I miss but I wouldn’t give up playing country footy in Victoria for the Pioneers,” Brain said.
Last Modified on 24/09/2014 10:58