Matthew Lloyd remembers a lightly framed teenager arriving at Essendon and immediately leaving some of its most accomplished forwards red-faced.
Tayte Pears was a 17 year old second round draft pick.
The coaches spared him no sympathy, often assigning him the role of marking Scott Lucas during intra-club matches.
“He was breaking even with him at that age and we just thought what a competitor we’ve got here, he’s going to be our key defender for the next ten years,” Lloyd said.
That practice match form carried in to the main season as Pears quickly adapted to life in the AFL.
“Four years ago, Tayte was one of the most exciting defenders in the competition,” Essendon Coach James Hird said.
“He took the best forward, beat him, rebounded off him as a 19-20 year old."
But a string of injuries slowed Pears’ progress and after playing 38 games in his first two and a half seasons, he’s played only 30 in the five seasons since.
“He’s had one issue after another,” Lloyd said.
“He would have doubted that he’d ever get back to playing an AFL game again so it’s just fantastic to see him get another opportunity.”
Pears will line up in defence for the Bombers against the Crows and his role will be important to the final outcome.
Taylor Walker and Josh Jenkins are dangerous tall forwards, while Tom Lynch is also having a strong season.
Such is Pears’ versatility he could line up on any of those players.
“It’s been a terrific effort for him to come back through considerable injury last year, off-season surgery, so we’re very pleased for him personally and for the team,” Hird said.
“We hope he gets a clear run for the next little period, that he can play the last four games and show us what he’s got.”
