Bidding war gets hotter for Jaeger O’Meara

The bidding war for the most prized young midfielder in the country has intensified with claims Jaeger O’Meara has Chris Judd-like qualities.

Greater Western Sydney will trade access to the skilful onballer, who for 12 months has excited AFL recruiters, next Thursday.

But the West Australian teenager remains something of a mystery.

O’Meara 17, who cannot play AFL until 2013, has speed, endurance, balance, vision and skill.

Gold Coast Suns are in the box seat to secure him by offering the Giants pick No.4 in next month’s draft.

The Suns could exchange the mid first round compensation pick it secured from Geelong last year to the Giants.

One veteran recruiter has likened O’Meara’s explosiveness to dual Brownlow medallist Judd.

“His ceiling is very, very high, he has got the tricks and the tools that will make his a superstar,” the scout said.

“He is an upright runner like Judd, and has the same sort of power out of the stoppages.

“He has great speed and agility and the skill level to match. And he is able to generate things from not much.”

GWS can trade access for up to four players, including O’Meara, born between January and April, 1994.

The clubs who offer the most attractive bids will be assigned a pick to use on one of the four players in a mini draft, to be held on Monday, October 17.

A batch of clubs, including Geelong, is in the mix for the second pick, which is tipped to be used on North Ballaratonballer Brad Crouch.

“The other blokes GWS can trade are all very good young players but they’re not anywhere near the quality of O’Meara,” the recruiter said.

O’Meara did not test at the AFL Draft Combine this week because of an ankle injury.

by Buford Balony

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