Having pencilled him in as a player to go in the top ten, it was just a formality for the Bombers to use their second pick overall for this Clontarf College graduate who has speed to burn, an uncanny goal sense and excellent evasive skills.
Despite the demanding rigours of AFL often being daunting for a young draftee, the transition to Melbourne has been a relatively smooth one for the 18-year-old.
""I’ve settled in fairly well. My whole family moved over which has been an added comfort for me and has made the whole move a lot easier"", Jetta explained.
""The biggest change for me was probably moving away from my friends back home but Paddy Ryder was one of my best mates back in school so it was really helpful having a familiar face to go to in the first couple of weeks"".
Looking up to the likes of Matthew Lloyd and James Hird in his junior days, Jetta was quickly impressed by the training routines of other senior players since arriving at Windy Hill.
""I was really surprised by Smokey (Adam McPhee). Just seeing the way he trains on the track has amazed me and inspired me,"" Jetta revealed.
""He is meticulous in his preparation and does everything he can to play well at senior level.
""It has just made me realise the importance of doing the right stuff fitness-wise and the added benefits you can receive by controlling what you eat and ensuring you have a healthy diet.""
Not unlike the ‘Band of Brothers’ at the Fremantle Dockers, Jetta is thrilled with the growing Aboriginal contingent at Essendon.
""We probably have a similar thing here at Essendon to Freo with there being quite a number of Aboriginal guys on the list.
""It has definitely made fitting in a lot easier. I get along with all the guys and we share an understanding.
""I guess it is also relieving to know that I always have someone to go and talk to who will understand where I am at.""
However Jetta will be forced to test the brotherly bonds as Essendon take on the Indigenous All Stars in Darwin in the upcoming weeks.
""If I do get called up to play, I will make the most of the fantastic opportunity that probably doesn’t come around all too often.
""I’m pretty keen to just out there and have a kick against the Indigenous guys in a game that is sure to be action packed.""
