Gillbee drafted by Giants

By Kimberly Grabham

GIANTS have pre-listed Balranald local, Jason Gillbee (pictured) as midfielder. He was drafted from Bendigo Pioneers/NSW-ACT.

A true utility, Jason has experience playing both sides of the midfield, and has certainly proven his quality across all parts of the field.

He recently moved to Bendigo to further his education, and in the process has acquired valuable experience with Bendigo Pioneers, and was then named amongst 2022 AFL Academy intake.

He has taken great strides since, turning out 10 times throughout his latest NAB League campaign en route to Team of the Year honours, and earning selection in the Allies squad.

In a one-off quirk, he also represented Vic Country this year prior to the Under 18 National Championships.

He was an inexhaustible ball winner for Bendigo Pioneers in NAB League this season after relocating from NSW.

Averaging 22 disposals and five marks, he is a strong player in one-on-one challenges. These qualities were fiercely showcased for the Allies at the National Championships.

He was amongst his team's top performers against South Australia and Western Australia. He also showed his immense value and pinnacle endurance at Draft Combine, ranking equal-first for the 2km with his time of 5:54.

“Jason was a member of the AFL Academy.

“He’s from Balranald in NSW but moved to Bendigo for his footy three years ago.

“An elite runner, he brings to the table immense versatility. He can play half-back, wing and forward.

“He has already made connections with a lot of the guys we’ve drafted and is a great character who will slot into our group seamlessly,” National Recruiting Manager Adrian Caruso said of Gillbee.

Touted as an out and out running machine, he will certainly be one to watch in the upcoming season.