NEAGLE, Jay

Jay Neagle was recruited in 2005 with pick 39 under the father-son rule, his father Merv was a premiership player at Essendon in 1984.

He was a big strong player who marked well and could kick goals. While it was hoped he might be a successor to full-forward Matthew Lloyd he suffered early ankle problems and other injuries throughout much of his time at Windy Hill.

He made his debut in the final round of 2007 in a heart-stopping 8-point loss to West Coast Eagles in Perth where a win would have secured the Bombers a finals berth. It was also the last game for two Bomber legends coach Kevin Sheedy and player, later coach, James Hird.

Neagle played seven games in 2008 and was usually among the goals, his best return was three goals against West Coast in Round 12. He played 12 games in 2008 kicking 19 goals four times kicking three goals in games.

He was delisted at the end of 2010 when he failed to meet the Club’s fitness targets but was given a reprieve and was redrafted onto the Club’s rookie list with pick 29.

Neagle didn’t add to his 28 games tally in 2011 and was delisted at the end of the season.