It's in the Bloods

Jarrad McVeigh says he still has improving to do. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph

IF you want to know why the Swans can go back to back in 2013, all you need is a few minutes with Jarrad McVeigh.

You see where belief is born and what the famed "Bloods" culture is about.

McVeigh is modest. So are the Swans.

That's their style.

But just like every team in pre-season training, McVeigh has his goals.

"My finals series will be my benchmark games now," McVeigh said. "I can become a better player from playing in those games."

He won't talk about another premiership, it's not his way, or the Swans' way. But you come to understand why the red-and-whites value the 28-year-old as a leader.

Who could forget that image of McVeigh and his wife Clementine after last year's Grand Final, when they cradled their baby daughter Lolita-Luella in a post-match celebration. That photo now hangs on the wall of McVeigh's Paddington home.

It's a reminder of what McVeigh has been through after the sad death of his baby daughter Luella 12 months earlier, and why he's a stronger man today.

"As a coach, you're teaching players but, quite often, they teach you," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

"He (McVeigh) taught me how to handle a role at the football club and to handle his role with his wife and immediate family.

"To grieve for himself and his wife and family and then to come to the football club under the most tragic of circumstances and do what he did was amazing.

"Macca and Clementine were strong for each other."

McVeigh just might be one of the most underrated players in the competition.

When you share the co-captaincy with a player like Adam Goodes, it's hard to step out of the shadows.

But within the Swans' organisation there is no underestimating his value.

"What the public doesn't see is Macca's ability to drive himself and others," Longmire said.

"When I took over as coach, he was one person I thought needed an opportunity in a leadership role.

"He understands the game really well and sets very high standards for himself and others."

McVeigh will also enjoy having his older brother Mark nearby after 15 years of living in different cities.

Mark is back in Sydney following an outstanding 232-game career at Essendon and working for the NSWAFL and the Swans academy.

"It's a bit different but it's good to have him around," Jarrad McVeigh said.

"He had a great career, I'm proud of him and I'm sure he's proud of me." While he's been busy with his own career, Mark has been a close watcher and admirer of his brother's talents.

"His endurance is up there with the elite in the competition," Mark McVeigh said.

"Another thing that stands out for me is his disposal.

"I think most Swans fans relax when Jarrad has the ball in his hands because he makes a good decision.

"He's clean in the contest and is a one-grab player who disposes of it well."

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

It's in the Bloods

Dengan url

http://burungdadara.blogspot.com/2013/02/its-in-bloods.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

It's in the Bloods

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

It's in the Bloods

sebagai sumbernya