So the football world was surprised in more ways than one when the Bombers announced last Thursday that Tayte Pears would have the difficult job on Carlton forward Brendan Fevola.
On paper it seemed a mismatch, but Pears won the points in the battle with the Blues spearhead, gaining 21 touches while keeping Fevola to just two goals in Essendon's 69-point win. The display earned the young Bomber this week’s NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.
The prospect of playing on one of the best forwards in the league in front of a crowd in excess of 80,000 was playing on Pears’ mind.
“I was very nervous. I grew up watching 'Fev' play footy for years. I used to love watching him, and to get the chance to play on him was pretty big. I was definitely nervous going in to the game,” Pears said.
Pears said the thrill of playing in front of big crowds is one of the highlights of playing for Essendon.
“The crowd roars and it is pretty overwhelming. It was probably one of my best experiences. I’ve been lucky enough to play in both Anzac Day matches in my two years at the club. I’d put that one right up there with them,” he said.
“I try not to think about it too much and just try to concentrate on playing my game. I suppose it was a little bit of pressure, because it was out there and everyone knew the matchup. I just tried to play my own game and tried not to think about it too much.”
After playing five games last year, Pears hasn’t missed a beat in 2009, playing all 13 games so far. But with Darcy Daniher, Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker all looking to secure long-term positions as tall defenders, Pears is not getting complacent about his spot.
“There is competition for spots, and there have been a few injuries which open up some spots. We’ve been playing some alright football and were lucky enough to hold our spots,” Pears said.
“When everyone’s up and going, there will be competition and that will be good - it will be healthy for the team.”
Pears has had some big jobs this year, taking on the likes of Matthew Pavlich, Justin Koschitzke and Jarryd Roughead before standing Fevola last week. Pears said his body has held up well despite spending the season on some of the game’s gorillas.
“Surprisingly I have been very good," he said.
"I am surprised with how my body is holding up. I didn’t get a full pre-season into me, and that might have helped in a way because I might have broken down earlier because of all the running.”
