The big re-Veale: New Students recruit set to shine in homecoming

Former Swans Academy member and now Sydney University player Jake Veale is raring to go ahead of his return to the NEAFL, with the 190cm utility coming off of a stellar two seasons with Sturt in the SANFL.

In his debut SANFL season, Veale won Sturt’s reserves best-and-fairest off only 12 matches, played five games at senior level as well as being a crucial member of the reserves’ 2017 premiership.

He carried the strong form into 2018, averaging 17 disposals at senior level in the first half of the year before a knee injury and broken thumb saw him sidelined and subsequently looking elsewhere for the future.

“I loved my two years there (at Sturt) and it was definitely hard to say goodbye,” he told neafl.com.au.

“I think being from Sydney and living on the Northshore it did make sense to move back to Sydney and to think of Sydney Uni as a viable option.”

Veale plays as a running half-back/wingman with the ability to use his athleticism through the midfield.

Amid a plethora of contract offers nation-wide, it was Sydney Uni’s drive and ambition that made signing for the Students an offer Veale, “couldn’t resist.”

“They’ve established a great program. The goals and initiatives ‘Morro’ (coach Tom Morrison) was keen on just really resounded with me,” he said.

“The big thing was just obviously the disappointment Sydney Uni had last year and the new foundations put in place to make sure that 2019 was a successful season and that they could really bounce back from last year that really appealed to me.”

Veale’s return to the NEAFL was a decision contributed to by a number of factors, with a number of former Academy graduates ready to welcome him at the Students.

“Darcy Baron-Hay has been one of my best mates ever since I was young,” he said.

“And then Ned Reinhard, Luke Robertson, Sam Barkley, they’re all blokes I’ve grown up playing footy with. There was a big lure there, playing with mates you learned to play the game with, it’s been great so far.”

The long-lasting relationships built at the Swans Academy were only a sliver of the benefit of the program for Veale.

Veale’s father Rob, was a former Sturt player himself during the 1980s, as well as a dominant footballer in Sydney, and is the core midfielder in the Northshore FC ‘team of the century.’

Jake attended Knox Grammar, one of the most prominent rugby schools in Australia, so with opportunity to play Aussie Rules slim, the Academy was a crucial part of Veale’s development.

“There was no one really playing it (AFL) in Sydney, so when the academy came around and that opportunity arose, I was inducted into that first year,” he said.

While the opportunity for athletic development was immensely beneficial to Veale’s career, he’s adamant that it was the off-field lessons he learned were the most important ones.

“Chris Smith in particular and Micky O’Loughlin were huge on how you present yourself off the field,” he said.

“They were huge on getting good marks at school and being a respectable person, helping out with your family and friends.

“The coaches and the staff really took pride in making sure that they developed young kids that weren’t just good footballers but good people.”

Veale was among the first batch of Swans Academy alum, alongside names like Callum Mills and Isaac Heeney.

In the midst of his fourth year of university, studying a Bachelor of Law at Macquarie University, Veale reflects on the “footy, footy, footy 24/7,” ether that surrounded him in the SANFL.

“Adelaide’s sort of like a big country town,” he explained.

“Everyone follows the SANFL very closely and knows who you are. It’s just as big as the AFL over there. Playing in front of big crowds, and even just walking down to the shops, people recognise you, coming up to you, chatting about the game.”

While Veale more than enjoyed his time in Adelaide, he’s relishing the return to his hometown.

“With all my family and friends here, it’s been a very comfortable transition back to Sydney. I’ve loved being able to get down to the beach and surf, playing golf and continuing my studies.”

However, there’s little time for rest with round one just around the corner, and Veale is excited for what’s to come.

“There’s been a lot of turnover at the club, they’ve lost a fair few of ex-AFL listed players and a real superstar. It’s a young list but it’s an exciting list,” he said.

“The main goal that Tom’s been preaching is to have fun and learn, and if we can bring that each and every week, we’re going to hold ourselves in good stead to win plenty of games this year.”

Veale similarly notes the competition for spots within the side.

“Everyone on the list is going to be fighting for their position each week. There’s no complacency,” he said.

And with such a fierce battle for senior football, Veale is determined to put his best foot forward for round one and beyond.

“No.1 is just to play the absolute best level of footy I can each week, whether off half-back, the wing or in the midfield,” he said.

“I’d love to lead and lead by example for the young fellas coming through and hopefully share a bit of my experiences over the past few years with the Swans and then with Sturt and really take them under my wing.”

With 2019 kicking off shortly, Veale and the Students are confident they can push all the way to the top.

“The ultimate goal that everyone’s striving for is to win a premiership, so if I can play my part in that in any way then I think that’ll be a successful year.”

Jake Veale and his new club Sydney University will take on the Aspley Hornets in Blacktown on Saturday in Round 1 of the hotly anticipated 2019 NEAFL season.