Unwanted Magpie a high flyer
JARROD Witts is happy with his form in his initial year at the Suns as he prepares for his first clash against his old club Collingwood.
Witts played 40 games for the Magpies from 2013-2016 but managed just two last year as the Pies opted for Brodie Grundy as their No.1 ruckman.
Looking for more opportunities, he headed to the Gold Coast where has chalked up 15 games and been one of the Suns’ most consistent performers all season.
Witts, 24, puts his form down to the new ruck rules and greater opportunity and says while the commentary about his form is around him being the recruit of the year, he dismisses the talk.
“I knew I could play at this level, I just needed to get some continuity and build from there,’’ he said.
“I don’t think I have produced anything more than I knew I was capable of or
expected of myself, I just needed a chance. I feel like I have had a solid year but I have a long way to go.’’
Witts said he was relishing the chance to ruck all day on his own.
“You get a feel for it the longer you are out there and you get the opportunity to work over your opponent,’’ he said.
At 209cm, Witts is the second tallest player in the AFL behind Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands.
He said the new rules that prevent a third man entering a ruck contest had helped the taller ruckmen in the competition.