Laverde lights up defensive role
Jayden Laverde has taken flight in his new position.
Jayden Laverde has been ‘reinvigorated’ after transitioning from forward to defence according to Bombers’ senior coach Ben Rutten.
The forward-turned-defender had a season-best game in Essendon’s 24-point win over Collingwood, with a 21-disposal, 13-mark and one-goal contribution, highlighting how effective Laverde has been in his new role across the Dons’ backline.
After playing six seasons as a forward and overcoming a number of injuries throughout his career, Laverde has featured in all six games for the red and black in 2021.
Reflecting on his early success in a newfound position, Rutten said the decision to send the 24-year-old to the backline came after a conversation at the end of last season when the senior coach identified specific defensive traits which Laverde possessed.
“We had those discussion with Jayden at the back end of last year (to play in defence)," Rutten told Fox Footy’s AFL 360.
"I look at Jayden and I think he’s got really good attributes to be a good key defender. Last year we floated it with him – it’s not a position that’s new to him, he played some junior footy there.
“He spent the summer training there in defence, along with James Stewart as another one (forward) who was training there."
Rutten said a sign of Laverde’s sureness in holding a key position post was evident on Anzac Day, when the 52-gamer owned the defensive half in the absence of noted defenders.
“What we saw with Jayden on the weekend was really pleasing," Rutten said.
"Jordan Ridley was out (with concussion) and Aaron Francis (ankle) went down – and Jayden stepped up.
"He took on extra responsibility that he hasn’t necessarily had so far this year, so I was really pleased for him.
"He’s put the work in (and) he’s working closely with our defence coach (Daniel Giansiracusa) to get to where he’s got to now.”
