Jackson's Old Head On Young Shoulders

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday July 6, 2004

By MIKE DRISCOLL

ROOKIE Aaron Jackson make an instant impression kicking three goals on debut for the Wollongong Lions in their 69-point thrashing of wooden spoon-bound Penrith in Saturday's Sydney AFL clash at Dukes Oval.

The Lions leapfrogged into third spot and broke a four-match losing streak with the 19.15 (129) to 9.6 (60) win.

On Saturday, Wollongong host joint third-placed Holroyd-Parramatta in a critical game for both clubs. Just one win separates the Lions and eighth-placed Southern Sharks six rounds before the finals.

Lions coach Leigh Forsyth was pleased with 17-year-old Jackson, who along with fellow under 18s Geoff De Rooy and Dave Goodley was called into the seniors team.

"For a first-game player Aaron did very well," Forsyth said.

"He's got strong hands, led to the right spots and took a couple of good grabs. He got smashed in a contest but jumped straight up which is good to see from a young kid.

"We were still a bit scratchy though, and will need to play better against Parramatta."

The Lions' clash with Parramatta on Saturday at North Dalton Park kicks off at 2.10pm. Entry is free.