Former Fremantle Docker Daniel Bandy says Collie teen Jackson Broadbent was dropped in the deep end at Peel

Former Fremantle Docker and new Peel Thunder ruck coach Daniel Bandy has shed some light on the circumstances which led to a shock WAFL debut for Collie’s Jackson Broadbent. The 16-year-old ruckman, who also played senior games for the Collie Eagles this season, was parachuted into the Thunder’s senior team for the round 17 clash with South Fremantle. He then held his spot for the next three games, before Fremantle players returned from quarantine. He had nine hit-outs and a goal on debut, against former Harvey Bulls ruckman Hamish Free. Speaking on The West Australian’s Hard Ball Gets podcast, Bandy said league footy was a steep learning curve for the impressive youngster. “Poor Jackson, he sort of got thrown into the deep end, purely because we had a lack of talls down at Thunder this year,” Bandy said. “What ended up happening was the Freo footy club went into their hubs and couldn’t release any players. “Because of that we had to put some kids in positions, or put them up a few grades just to fill the side.” “He’s raw, he’s tall and he’s quite athletic for his size. “He really was a baby against men, so he has got a lot to learn but a huge, huge upside.” At just 16, Broadbent is not yet eligible for the draft, but Bandy, who played 150 games across an 11-year career with Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs, said he expected the youngster would find his way on to an AFL list. “I could see him getting drafted in a few years for sure,” he said. “He is about six foot eight (2m), he moves well, and rucks quite well as well. He is one of those players who is hopefully going to play a bit of league footy for Peel, but no surprises if he moves on somewhere else in the big time at AFL level.” Broadbent featured three times for the Eagles in the SWFL this season, kicking three goals in the club’s round 17 thumping of Donnybrook.