Alison Smirnoff pays tribute to this week’s milestone player, Jordan Bannister, who will play his 50th AFL game on Saturday night.

 

Like team mate Andrew Carrazzo, the road to 50 games hasn’t been an easy one for Jordan Bannister. However, this Saturday at the Dome when Carlton takes on Port Adelaide, Bannister will achieve this long-awaited milestone.

 

Originally from the Calder Cannons in the TAC under-18 competition, Bannister was drafted by Essendon in the 2000 National Draft with pick 47. He made his AFL debut for the Bombers in Round 12 of the 2001 season against the Adelaide Crows. In a strong Essendon squad that was pushing hard for an elusive premiership, Bannister found it difficult to establish a place in the senior team. During his three seasons at Windy Hill, Bannister would play just 14 senior games, and at the end of the 2003 he was released by the Bombers.

 

He was given a second chance at AFL football when Carlton selected him with pick 69 in the 2003 National Draft. In 2004, his first season at Carlton, he performed well playing in 17 of Carlton’s 22 matches that year. He finished in tenth place in the John Nicholls Medal count and also received the Past Player’s Association Encouragement Award.

 

One of the highlights from his 2004 season would surely have to be the Round 22 match against Collingwood. Bannister put in a match-winning performance on Magpie captain Nathan Buckley, effectively shutting him out of the game. Bannister’s magnificent performance was recognised on Brownlow night when he was awarded two votes for that game.

 

Bannister’s next 17 senior games would be spread over the 2005 and 2006 seasons, playing five and twelve games respectively. In the first half of the 2006 season Bannister performed solidly for the Northern Bullants and eventually swapped his red guernsey for a Navy Blue one and played in 10 of Carlton’s last 11 matches for the year. His season ended prematurely in round 21 due to suspension.

 

For the first nine rounds of the 2007 season, Jordan missed out on senior selection; however, he received a surprise promotion for the Round 10 match against the Western Bulldogs. After Brad Johnson had proved too elusive for both Andrew Walker and Bret Thornton; the coaching panel moved Bannister onto the dangerous Bulldogs skipper and he closed him down comprehensively.

 

At 190cm with pace to burn, Bannister is extremely versatile and able to fulfil a number of roles. He is a particularly strong overhead mark and, as he proved against the Bulldogs last Sunday, is able to kick a long goal from outside 50. During the hectic final term he pushed forward off Brad Johnson and received a pass from Marc Murphy just outside the 50 metre arc directly in front. He ran back and coolly slotted the 60 metre goal which steadied the Blues in the midst of a Bulldogs surge. In such a young side, Bannister’s maturity and strength should not be underestimated.

 

It has been quite a journey to 50 games for Jordan but his persistence and professionalism should be commended. When faced with difficult times he has stayed positive and continued to work hard for his next opportunity. Congratulations on your 50th game Banno, enjoy this fantastic achievement, you have certainly earned it.