Dockers Star Jaeger O'Meara Earns WA Origin Nod
Fremantle midfielder Jaeger O'Meara has been selected to represent Western Australia in the AAMI AFL Origin clash against Victoria on February 14.
Despite O'Meara's personal uncertainty regarding his recent form, his strong pre-season training block convinced WA selectors and Dockers' coach Justin Longmuir, who is also a WA assistant, to advocate for his inclusion.
O'Meara, a 31-year-old with 200 games played, has been a standout for the Dockers during their summer training.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to don the WA guernsey in the latter part of his career, acknowledging the honor of participating in the game.
Versatility and Team Focus
O'Meara plans to bring versatility and a team-first approach to the Black Swans, having trained in wing, half-back, and inside midfield roles this summer. He demonstrated strong performance in a recent match simulation, moving effectively through the midfield and kicking well.
He emphasized the importance of exploring flexible roles during pre-season for the upcoming year and for the Origin match.
Strategic Pre-Season
A key factor in O'Meara's pre-season success has been his load management strategy, which includes substituting mid-week contest training with boxing and cross-training.
This approach aims to prepare him for a strong year following hamstring and foot injuries in the 2025 season.
Driven by Premiership Hopes
O'Meara, a member of Fremantle's leadership group, is driven by the pursuit of a premiership, especially after a narrow finals exit last year.
He indicated that this year, his contract year, could potentially be his final season, and he is committed to giving his utmost effort.