2019 was a year of ups and downs for Jayden Laverde, but the promising Bomber showed glimpses of his elite talent throughout the back half of the season.
After putting together 30 games and booting 19 goals in his first four seasons at The Hangar, missing out on the opening nine games of the 2019 season due to a combination of injury and team balance was a frustrating start.
But the hard-working forward broke his way back into the line-up in round 10 and ultimately took part in a career-best 10 games, booting 11 goals (also a career-best return).
Laverde played with some real confidence during that period, attacking the ball with venom and bringing his teammates into the game.
He finished the season ranking equal-second at the club for average tackles inside 50 (1.1) and goal assists (0.9), third for average marks inside 50 (1.4) and fifth for average score involvements (5.2).
Laverde celebrates a crucial goal against the Giants in round 15. (Image: AFL Photos)
KEY STATS
Games: 10
Goals: 11
Average disposals: 11.4
Average score involvements: 5.2
Average marks inside 50: 1.4
Average goal assists: 0.9
BEST PERFORMANCE
Laverde proved dangerous against Collingwood in round 23, standing up in the absence of several experienced Bombers in a promising display on the big stage.
He took two marks inside 50 and booted two goals, but he also impressed as he pushed further up the ground with two clearances and four inside 50s, finishing the match with six marks and seven score involvements from 11 disposals.
Laverde impressed against the Magpies in the final round of the home and away season. (Image: AFL Photos)
MIGHTY MOMENT
One of the greatest moments of the year was Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s last-gasp goal to snatch victory from North Melbourne in round 17. But ‘Walla’ wouldn’t have had the chance to be the hero if it weren’t for Jayden Laverde.
Laverde competed brilliantly all day and his effort to get the Sherrin out to McDonald-Tipungwuti with just over 20 seconds left on the clock was terrific.
Gathering the ball deep in the pocket, Laverde showed incredible composure to weave through traffic, sell some candy and fire off a tidy handball to the fan favourite who did the rest.
2020 VISION
Getting his body right has been a concern for Laverde, but he showed enough when on the park to suggest that he can be an important player for the Bombers going forward.
If he can find some continuity through a fit body and consistent opportunities in the senior side, it wouldn’t surprise to see the athletic Bomber explode with some big performances next year.
