JEKA LEARNS FROM SPECIALIST COACHES

By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS 

EMERSON Jeka may not have played in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, but the young gun from Altona Juniors says he learnt a lot from the specialist coaches.

He said being surrounded by such great talent had made him grow as a person and player.

“It was a great experience being a part of such a really talented group of guys,” Jeka said.

“I was selected to play against the Allies, but I suffered an injury at training leading up to the game during the championships, so that was disappointing, but I learnt a lot from all the coaches.

“The specialist coaches such as Travis Cloke helped me a lot with my forward craft.

“Overall, the whole experience was amazing. I learnt a lot from just being there and improving my footy IQ all round.”

Jeka, has this year played seven games with the Western Jets and one game in the WRFL’s Under 17 SEDA Competition.

The 2019 draft prospect has represented the league twice and has pulled on the Big V at the national Under 16 Championships.

Jeka said he has enjoyed playing at the TAC Cup level in 2018.

“It’s great to be winning games of footy. We have a really good group and now I’m looking forward to finishing off the year and playing finals footy with the boys,” he said.

“My goal is to keep developing my game by playing in defence as well as forward.

“Being with the AFL Academy, I am also looking forward to playing in the All-Stars game which will be played at MCG on Grand Final day.”