37 Patrick Wearden

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Introduction
Patrick Wearden is natural forward who can kick the ball long, take a strong mark, and is dangerous in front of goal. He also reads the game well and shows great athleticism (good repeat speed) which could see him potentially develop into a future midfielder.

Background
• Country Victorian Patrick Wearden played the majority of his junior football with Kyabram FC and joined the Murray Bushrangers' TAC Cup side as a 14 year-old.

• He played nine games and kicked eight goals as an under-age player with the Bushrangers in 2010, and went on to play a further 14 matches, kick eight goals and average over 17 disposals per game in 2011.

• Throughout his final season with the 'Bushies', Wearden was also selected -  under the '23rd man' rule - to play three matches with Collingwood's VFL affiliate side.

• His form attracted enough interest from prospective recruiters to be invited to the 2011 AFL Draft Combine at Etihad Stadium.

• Wearden's hard work paid off in November 2011 when the Brisbane Lions selected him with their fourth selection (Pick No.47 overall) at the AFL National Draft in Sydney.

What Lions National Talent Manager Rob Kerr says...

"In terms of build, he reminds me a lot of Paul Kelly. Paul wasn't as tall but I think he is an exciting prospect."

"Living where he was, his pre-season was one night a week and during the season was two nights a week. The country boys have got a good margin for improvement, simply because they don't get the intensity of work the city boys do."

What Murray Bushranger Regional Manager Andrew Carson said...

"Terrific size for a half forward/winger, Patrick has been through our program right from under-14s. He is a left footer who finds a lot of the footy and can really run and break the lines."

"He is a versatile player similar to Jack Crisp, and can play at each end of the ground as well as through the midfield."

What AFL National Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan says...

"From Kyabram FC, Patrick is a long kick and strong mark."

"He reads the game well and can be dangerous around goals. Very athletic player with good repeat speed."

2011 TAC Cup Statistics
Total games: 14
Total goals: 8
Avg kicks: 10
Avg handballs: 7.6
Avg marks: 4.3
Avg tackles: 3.9