Jared Brennan arrived at the GC SUNS as a high-profile recruit and delivered a consistent season.
The athletic utility got through all 22 games last season despite playing many with a shoulder injury that required off-season surgery.
Not surprisingly, Brennan had his fingerprints all over Gold Coast SUNS wins in 2011, with a best-afield display against former club Brisbane Lions in round seven the highlight.
Hailing from Darwin, Brennan grew up playing both rugby league and AFL, but his rare talent for the latter eventually shone through.
He co-captained Northern Territory at the 2001 National Championships and achieved Under 18 All Australian selection in the same year. He debuted for the Lions in Round 4, 2003 but despite flashes of extraordinary brilliance as a pinch-hitting forward, early inconsistency robbed him of the chance to stake a claim for a regular senior spot. However a timely switch to the midfield in 2008 saw Brennan prove himself as a capable clearance player and deceptively quick and creative playmaker.
His form earned him selection for Australia in the 2008 International Rules fixture against Ireland. A superbly built and agile athlete who is capable of playing anywhere on the field – even in the ruck – Brennan is best known for his physical presence (he stands an imposing 195cms) and a flashy, devil-may-care attacking style.
Player honours: International Rules Series 2008; NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2003.
Brownlow Medal: 2011 votes 3; career votes 30.
Previous AFL club: Brisbane Lions (2003-10: 119 games, 75 goals).
Draft history: 2002 National AFL Draft 1st round selection No. 3 overall (Brisbane Lions) traded by Fremantle for Des Headland; 2010 NAB AFL Draft traded by the Brisbane Lions for No. 5 (Jared Polec), No. 25 (Patrick Karnezis) and No. 28 (Ryan Lester).
