GSFL OPINION: Why Jayden Woods is the most influential player in the competition right now

A key ingredient to Denmark-Walpole challenging for a premiership, is securing a top two finish and a vital finals double chance. It appeared that a costly slip up to Mt Barker last Saturday might have put that in jeopardy as the Magpies struggled in the opening half at Sounness Park. However star player Jayden Woods had other ideas. Woods has been back with the Magpies for the past two seasons and whatever they are paying him to travel down each week – it is worth every cent. It was a performance that we have come to expect week in, week out from the damaging midfielder but one that should not be underestimated. Woods dragged his Magpies teammates with him as he changed the game after half time and helped the visitors hit the front, and ultimately hang on for what could be four crucial premiership points. His work at centre bounces in particular was simply outstanding and went a long way to turning the momentum of the game. The Bulls simply had no answer for Woods in the middle of the ground, as he got separation on his opponent and won the ball time and time again. He would share by hands with another teammate and most of the time get it back again to give the Magpies a deep forward 50m entry. The Bulls had the lead in the third quarter before two decisive plays in terms of the final result, both involving Woods. Woods broke clear of an opponent and kicked a brilliant goal on the run and then in the very next centre bounce won the ball and linked up with Tyler Stone and Shayne Zanetti that led to Ash McGrath slotting a major that put the Magpies in front. Woods finished with the match ball in Talk To A Mate Round and most certainly three more Kleemann Medal votes. For mine the 31-year-old, who spent time in the WAFL with Claremont and South Fremantle, is the most influential player in the competition right now. He is extremely hard to stop at stoppages with his evasiveness and lighting pace and his skills by hand and foot are a level above. Like all good midfielders Woods has the ability to go forward and kick goals as well. If teams allow Woods to have the majority of his 25 to 30 touches a game forward of centre, then I’m backing the Magpies to win nearly every one of those. The Kleemann Medal race will be interesting at the ‘half way mark’ if you want to call it that. Michael McGlade deserves some recognition for his superb season thus far and if we are talking about impact on games, then this powerful clearance player is also right at the top. Cameron Allison and David Parker have also been very good for Royals, a team that last week lost their first game of the season. Logan Stubber’s return from a serious knee injury has been encouraging and he will have at least six Kleemann votes to his name for Railways. Despite losing the majority of their games, Scott Price has caught the eye for the Bulls as a goal kicking midfielder. Cameron Jones has racked up plenty of coaches votes and is enjoying a really consistent season with Albany and Jacob Crowe is a name that we may hear a few times in voting for North Albany in the first half of the year.