EXCITING youngster Jake Bartholomaeus has signed for the Northern Blues ahead of the 2020 season.
Crowned the NEAFL’s MVP in 2019, Bartholomaeus will now chance his arm in the VFL after a breakthrough campaign.
Arriving from Sydney University, the 21-year-old went onto claim top honours in the NEAFL after a consistent year where he averaged 27 disposals per game.
Not dropping below 20 disposals for the whole year, Bartholomaeus – formerly from the Sydney Swans Academy – registered five games with nine or more tackles.
He had been training with Sydney in pre-season and clearly left a good impression with his final game of the season, collecting 29 disposals, 11 tackles and a goal in the elimination final loss to the Swans.
Making strides every year and getting better by the week, Bartholomaeus presents a key addition to Northern’s replenished midfield group.
Joining Jordan Cunico and Cody Hirst as new signings for 2020, Bartholomaeus – according to General Manager Ben Brennan – was ready to make a name for himself in Victoria’s premier state competition.
“We couldn’t be happier that Jake has committed to our football club for the upcoming season,” Brennan said.
“He’s a midfielder that does it all: he finds the footy, he gets his hands dirty and he kicks goals.
“It was a really strong season for him and he was on the radar of a number of AFL clubs, so to add him into our program is a big boost for the upcoming year.
“He’s still developing his craft at 21 years of age, so we’re excited for him to come in, learn from our coaches and really hit the ground running in 2020.”
2020 playing list
Returning: Mason Blakey, Kieran Collins, Tom Wilson
New Blues: Jake Bartholomaeus, Jordan Cunico, Cody Hirst
