Okay, he has done some wonderful jobs deep in defence for Essendon shutting down some of the best small forwards in the competition. But as far as McVeigh the creative, tough-as-nails midfielder goes, this is probably as good as he has been.
""The role I have played recently has been a bit different. I have been playing across half-back rather than deep in defence and that has given me the chance to rotate through the midfield with a few blokes,"" McVeigh said today.
""I don't mind down back but it is the midfield where I really want to play so it has been good to get in there. After missing a bit of the pre-season you sort of play catch up in terms of fitness but I think I am just about there now so that helps.""
And you certainly couldn't question the fitness or commitment of McVeigh. The 23-year-old laid seven big tackles and was a fierce competitor around stoppages all night. His kicking was also a feature of his game.
""I suppose we all just want to do what we can to get into the finals'. I don't think I attacked the contest any harder than usual – I guess if you are in the midfield people might notice it a bit more,"" McVeigh said.
It was an interesting night for the McVeigh brothers who played against each other for the first time. Jarrad – in just his second season with the Swans – had limited game time but enough for big brother to track him down.
""I did talk to him a little bit and manned up on him at one stoppage. I was pulling at his shorts and when he tackled someone I jumped in on top of him and knocked him over. I might have been a bit late but it didn't bother him. He wasn't on that much so we didn't cross each other's path that much,"" McVeigh said.
""It was a real thrill to play against him. We had a lot of family in the grandstand so I think they enjoyed it. Hopefully we can come out in front next time we play.""
