Highlights from the episode:
- How he started footy and people who influenced him
- How Jacob managed to still perform during the challenging COVID interrupted football season of 2020
- What his best footy playstyle looks like
- His key focus during offseason or preseason
- His gym work routine for the week
Melbourne Football Club’s star forward, Jacob van Rooyen, has been making waves in the Australian Football League (AFL) for his impressive performance on the field. In a recent video interview, Jacob shared his journey into the world of football, his upbringing, and his goals for the future.
Jacob’s passion for football started at a young age, around five or six years old. He recalls watching his dad play in local leagues and being mesmerized by the game. He would often join in on backyard matches with his siblings and friends, and it wasn’t long before he joined his local junior team.
Growing up, Jacob’s father was a big influence on him, having moved to Australia from England in his early 20s. He instilled a strong work ethic in Jacob and pushed him to pursue his dreams on and off the field. Jacob credits his father’s support and guidance for his success in football.
Jacob had an all-right season in 2020, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. He played in Claremont’s colts team in Western Australia’s state league and showed his potential as a key forward with his strong marking ability and accurate kicking.
However, Jacob’s focus during the off-season/pre-season was to develop and play with the bigger bodies in the senior team at Claremont, with the goal of being in contention for playing senior footy in round one. He worked tirelessly to improve his strength, fitness, and skills to compete at the next level.
His hard work paid off, as he made his debut for Claremont’s senior team in round one of the 2021 season. Jacob’s talent was on full display, and he quickly became a fan favorite for his aggressive playing style and ability to score goals.
Jacob’s impressive performances did not go unnoticed, and he was selected by Melbourne FC in the 2021 AFL draft. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the league and was determined to make an impact in his first year.
In his debut season, Jacob showed he was more than capable of playing at the highest level. He played in several games for Melbourne, and his powerful marking and goal-scoring ability made him an integral part of the team’s success.
Looking ahead, Jacob is focused on continuing to develop his skills and contribute to his team’s success. He hopes to be a consistent performer for Melbourne and become a key player in the years to come.
In conclusion, Jacob van Rooyen’s story is an inspiring example of what hard work and dedication can achieve. His passion for football started at a young age, and with the support of his family, he has become one of the most promising young players in the AFL. As he continues to grow and develop as a player, there is no doubt that Jacob’s future is bright, and he will continue to make a significant impact on the sport.