Archived News 2024
Jacob van Bloggin'
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23 Aug 2024 - Dees 8.9.57 lost to Pies 15.13.103
23 Aug 2024 - Dees 8.9.57 lost to Pies 15.13.103
Right, well moving right along, bring on the 2025 AFL Season!
2024 was a year of development for JvR, and he's now a fixture in our best 22. Hopefully he feels like the hard work over years and years of junior footy, getting drafted, adjusting to the AFL stage, etc, is now starting to pay off and he believes in himself as much as we believe in him. A long career, just getting started. 41 games down out of 300...
Let's put some predictions in writing. 2025 the Dees rebound back into the Top 4. By the end of Roo's current contract (2029), we've won another Flag and our boy is captain!
Photo credit: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images via AFL Photos
17 Aug 2024 - Dees 18.9.117 d Suns 9.9.63
17 Aug 2024 - Dees 18.9.117 d Suns 9.9.63
Well that was a really fun win! Been in a media storm all week, lots of key players out injured, Suns not beaten at home by any interstate team this year - and we did it.
Roo had a fun day in the sun, kicking 3 goals.
It was really exciting to see our three young tall forwards working together so well for ten goals between them. Can't wait to see what they can do in 2025!
JvR also had 7 score involvements, equal third highest of any Demon player.
One of Roo's strengths is that he never gives up on a contest, and he is as fierce on the ground as he is in the air. Loved his tackle in our 50 that won him a free kick and a shot at goal 🤩
Photo credit: Russell Freeman / AFL Photos
10 Aug 2024 - Dees 7.9.51 lose to Port 7.11.53
10 Aug 2024 - Dees 7.9.51 lose to Port 7.11.53
Another very close loss, our fourth time losing a game by less than a kick this season.
The forward line defensive pressure was immense. Dees Footy was back.
Roo just doesn't get beaten aerially. He competes so hard, if he doesn't mark it the ball comes to ground. He took a couple of really good, strong contested marks.
Photo credit: Darrian Raynor / AFL Photos
8 Aug 2024 - Roo Nominated for 22 Under 22
8 Aug 2024 - Roo Nominated for 22 Under 22
Roo has been nominated for the AFL Players Association "22 Under 22" squad for the second year in a row. We now vote to select the final team. Congrats on being nominated again Roo!
You know the drill. Vote early, vote often - Vote for Roo to make the final team here
2 Aug 2024 - Dees 9.5.59 lost to Footscray 15.20.110
2 Aug 2024 - Dees 9.5.59 lost to Footscray 15.20.110
Well we move on to the AFLW and then 2025 now after this loss as it now looks impossible that we make finals, although it is still mathematically possible! The highlight of this season has been our kids, including JvR, and I can't wait to see them all in action next year where this year's experience will pay dividends.
Roo was one of our best, with the equal best number of tackles for the Dees.
Photo credit: Melbourne Media
27 July 2024 - Dees 12.11.83 lost to GWS 13.7.85
27 July 2024 - Dees 12.11.83 lost to GWS 13.7.85
Another close loss and another game that we could have won, but great to see the boys fight it out to the end. Our first quarter was magnificent, and shows again that at our best we can beat anyone.
JvR kicked a lovely goal after grabbing the ball in a ruck contest (Tiktok from the crowd of it here), and handballed off another certain goal to Ed Langdon.
Photo credit: Daniel Pockett / AFL Photos
21 July 2024 - Dees 10.6.66 lost to Freo 17.14.116
21 July 2024 - Dees 10.6.66 lost to Freo 17.14.116
As the JvR Appreciation Society is based in WA, and he missed the earlier Eagles game over here, we were super excited to get our Rooooo on - no matter the result.
Sign of a great character when you're our best player when we are at our worst. Roo worked so hard all day both rucking and forward.
Roo ended up with 2 goals, 8 marks (2nd highest of Dees), 333m gained (4th highest of Dees), and 6 score involvements (equal highest of Dees).
Photo credit: David Carson / AFL Photos
13 July 2024 - Dees 13.6.84 d Bombers 10.7.67
13 July 2024 - Dees 13.6.84 d Bombers 10.7.67
A great, hard-fought win in the wet. How exciting is it to be a Dees fan at the moment, watching our next generation of kids drive our Club forward?!
And our favourite youngster was of course a huge part of the win. Without Max and with Petty struggling in the ruck in the first quarter, Roo took over much of the rucking from the second quarter onwards. And it was no coincidence that this helped us control the game. He just loves attacking and competing, doesn't he (and that's why we love him).
JvR ended up with 17 hitouts (a career high), and attended 56% of centre bounces.
Photo credit: Josh Chadwick / AFL Photos
7 July 2024 - Dees 17.10.112 d Eagles 8.10.58
7 July 2024 - Dees 17.10.112 d Eagles 8.10.58
Our fave is becoming a superstar before our eyes.... The JvR Appreciation train is becoming more crowded (but still plenty of room 🥰 ).
Roo kicked 4.4 (including 4 goals in the first half).
He also took 9 marks, equal highest of anyone on the ground from both teams.
JvR had 10 score involvements - the highest of any player from either team.
With Max being subbed off injured in the last quarter, Roo had to take on the main rucking role late in the game, as well as his usual support to Max during the rest of the game.
Photo credit: Graham Denholm / AFL Photos
28 June 2024 - Dees 11.15.81 lost to Lions 11.20.86
28 June 2024 - Dees 11.15.81 lost to Lions 11.20.86
An annoying loss as we should have won but failed (like last week) to kick a goal in the last quarter.
However, what a game from our boy!
His first half in particular was spectacular.
Half way through the second quarter, he had 5 marks, 2 tackles and 9 disposals - and 2 goals.
JvR ended up with 8 marks, the equal highest of any Demon. 3 of these were contested.
Also he continued his beautiful straight goal kicking, with 2 goals.
Roo also had 3 tackles, 14 disposals, 7 hitouts, 2 clearances, and 7 score involvements (equal fourth of the team),
It's so exciting seeing Roo start to really influence games for longer and longer periods of time.
Photo credit:Russell Freeman / AFL Photos
22 June 2024 - Dees 11.4.70 d Roos 10.7.67
22 June 2024 - Dees 11.4.70 d Roos 10.7.67
History will only remember the 4 points we got from this match!
It was a bit strange what we did with JvR for this game. The previous game he kicked 3 on one of the best defenders in the AFL in Darcy Moore, and spent hardly any time in the ruck. This game he was responsible for a lot more ruck contests. Ok, fair, to help Max out - but the strange part was only spending 68% of the time on the ground (season average 75%). The other young tall forwards in Petty (87% TOG) and Disco (74% TOG) were left out there more.
Anyway, strange. But while he was out there, Roo kicked a wonderful goal, and set Disco up for another one perfectly with a grab and kick out of a ruck contest.
Also of note, JvR had 4 tackles, the equal third most of any of our players.
Photo credit: Dylan Burns / AFL Photos
10 June 2024 - Dees 6.15.51 Lost to Pies 14.5.89
10 June 2024 - Dees 6.15.51 Lost to Pies 14.5.89
The only highlight of this game was JvR kicking three goals - especially when we only managed to kick six goals for the entire game.
A welcome return from injury last week. Obviously the JvR Appreciation Society is a tad biased, but how incredible was it seeing this young man perform so well when so many Dees were at their worst? He shows not just talent but character.
Roo also took 9 marks, the equal highest of any Demon. Three contested ones, also the highest of any of our players.
Photo credit: Dylan Burns / AFL Photos
26 May 2024 - Dees 14.16.100 d Saints 9.8.62
26 May 2024 - Dees 14.16.100 d Saints 9.8.62
Jacob is recovered from his concussion and back in the team, and back on the winners list.
Kicking 3.2 and being a really important in providing a strong contest both in the 50 and further up the ground. Evidenced by 6 score involvements, equal 4th in the team. He's contributing so much more than your average young tall forward!
Disposal efficency average for the season 78%, 4th best of this team.
Photo credit: Michael Wilson / AFL Photos
13 May 2024 - Concussion Protocols
13 May 2024 - Concussion Protocols
Media have reported that JvR has entered concussion protocols as of yesterday, meaning he won't be able to play against the Weagles this Sunday.
As the Jacob van Rooyen Appreciation Society is based in WA, this is crap news on two fronts. Wishing Roo a speedy and full recovery, and gosh we are going to miss seeing you play live 😭
Photo credit: Robert Cianflone, Getty Images / AFL Photos
9 May 2024 - Dees 11.10.76 lost to Blues 12.5.77
9 May 2024 - Dees 11.10.76 lost to Blues 12.5.77
Another close loss to the bloody Blues.
JvR played a varied role, roaming up the ground and taking very useful marks.
Video here of an awesome tackle by Roo that got called dangerous and a free kick against by the umpire. Insert some umpire dissent here.
Photo credit: Dylan Burns / AFL Photos
4 May 2024 - Dees 10.14.74 d Cats 9.12.66
4 May 2024 - Dees 10.14.74 d Cats 9.12.66
Dees made a big statement beating the previously undefeated Cats.
JvR had an uncharacteristically inaccurate night in front of goal, kicking 2 behinds. He was not alone, with the teams having an extended period during the match where between them they kicked something stupid like 14 points before someone got a goal again.
Conditions were slippery, and it was a hard fought defensive contest between two top teams. It was not an easy night for any tall forward from either team, with both Cameron and Hawkins failing to kick a goal for the Cats. Our goals came from our small/mid sized forwards in Fritta and Kozzy.
Roo still played an important role in the win, with 5 score involvements.
Looking at his average numbers across the season so far, he's right up there in factors like score involvements and tackles inside 50 - not just a marking forward, he gets the job done on the ground as well.
Photo credit: Dylan Burns / AFL Photos
24 April 2024 - Dees 13.7.85 d Tigers 5.12.42
24 April 2024 - Dees 13.7.85 d Tigers 5.12.42
Not our prettiest win but 4 points is 4 points.
JvR started the game with a bang, marking and goaling within the first few minutes.
He was also actively involved in a lot of our better forward plays. As an example, see the play where he runs hard, receives a pass, handballs it off to Trac, then runs hard again to provide the crucial shepherd that gives Trac the time and space to kick a beautiful pass into the 50.
Roo had 4 inside50 stats, and 5 score involvements - both equal third of any of our players.
Photo credit: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images via AFL Photos
16 April 2024 - Day of Celebration!
16 April 2024 - Day of Celebration!
Happy 21st Jacob!
Our birthday wish for you is that you will always believe in yourself as much as we believe in you.
And how lovely of Roo to celebrate this massive birthday by signing a contract extension - what a way to spread the love around!
The Very Unofficial Jacob van Rooyen Appreciation Society is most pleased that we can continue to Rooooooo our hearts out until at least the end of the decade.
JvR was signed until the end of 2025, and he has just extended this by an extra 4 years - so our boy will be a mighty Demon until at least the end of 2029.
Rapt that he seems to be enjoying being a part of our Club as much as we love having him play for us.
Holy cow, what a day! Buzzing.
Link to the announcement on the Dees website here
11 April 2024 - Dees 8.12.60 lost to Lions 12.10.82
11 April 2024 - Dees 8.12.60 lost to Lions 12.10.82
A team has never looked like they needed a bye more than we did last night. Our third game in 13 days took a toll, and we were flat from the start.
Our forward line did not have great "connection" with our midfield, as Simon Goodwin likes to say, so it was a difficult night for our tall forwards, with limited opportunities for Roo.
JvR kicked 1.1, and helped Max out in the ruck 7 hitouts. He spent a fair bit of time having to cover a lot of different areas of the ground when in the ruck, including a fair bit in defence.
Photo credit: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images via AFL Photos
4 April 2024 - Dees 10.18.78 d the other SA team 8.15.63
4 April 2024 - Dees 10.18.78 d the other SA team 8.15.63
Two wins in SA in 5 days!
Like last week, Roo was really important when the game was on the line in the last quarter. His ability to crash packs, then back it up on the ground with strong tackles, was again an important contribution.
JvR kicked two goals straight, and also provided back up rucking for Max.
He had the equal third most tackles of any Dees player in the game, showing that he's not just a competitive beast in the air...
Photo credit: Michael Wilson / AFL Photos
30 March 2024 - Dees 15.6.96 d Port 13.11.89
30 March 2024 - Dees 15.6.96 d Port 13.11.89
What an awesome team win!
Feels like everyone in the media and opposition supporters in glass houses keep coming at us, and it is only galvanising us to play better and play unselfish footy for each other.
JvR competed hard around the ground. He was involved more than once in taking possession just outside our defensive 50 on the wing as we moved the ball out from full back, including a really important mark there when the game was on the line in the last quarter.
Photo credit: Mark Brake / Getty Images via AFL Photos
23 March 2024 - Dees 14.9.93 d Hawks 5.8.38
23 March 2024 - Dees 14.9.93 d Hawks 5.8.38
Another good win and another good contribution to the victory from Roo.
Apart from kicking a goal, he again provided significant back up to Max in the ruck. This contribution he is making continues to be really under-rated!
Another way JvR is helping the team is the grunt work on the ground and the way he remains so attacking and competitive. Evidence: 5 tackles, behind only a couple of midfielders.
Photo credit: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images via AFL Photos
17 March 2024 - Dees 16.13.109 d Dogs 9.10.64
17 March 2024 - Dees 16.13.109 d Dogs 9.10.64
The Rooooooo chant returns to the MCG for the first time in 2024, and our lad kicks 3 important goals. The goal kicking accuracy 🤩.
The forward line functioned really well, with Ben Brown and Jacob as the talls.
Check out this video showing JvR interacting with Clayton Oliver on the bench towards the end of the game, just after Clarry got a standing ovation from the Dees members. Cuties. That wink, oh boy......
Photo credit: Dylan Burns / AFL Photos
14 March 2024 - Goal Of The Year Nomination
14 March 2024 - Goal Of The Year Nomination
Rooey wins the AFL Goal Of The Year Nomination for Opening Round
8 March 2024 - Dees 9.10.64 lost to Swans 12.14.86
8 March 2024 - Dees 9.10.64 lost to Swans 12.14.86
Dees and slippery conditions (rain or humidity) do not mix well do they
Hoping that we can get back to our best footy next week against the Dogs.
Not a great night for tall forwards with the slippery conditions, and our forward entries were back to 2022 quality.
Roo kicked the funniest goal you will ever see - Video here
Also had 13 posessions and 3 tackles. Of note, zero hitouts with Schache used as the second ruck instead.
Photo credit: Michael Wilson / AFL Photos
28 Feb 2024 - Practice Game - Dees 15.11.101 d Blues 10.3.63
28 Feb 2024 - Practice Game - Dees 15.11.101 d Blues 10.3.63
Hi friends & welcome to the 2024 edition of Roomania!
Our first AFL game is now one week away and it cannot come soon enough after all the off-season and off-field drama we've had over summer.
Roo looked great in our last practice game against the Blues, and really looks like his hard work over pre-season has helped him further develop his game.
New year but same old Roo - attacking every contest with all he's got. Bring on 2024!
6 Oct 2023 - MFC Best Young Player 2023 Joint Winner
6 Oct 2023 - MFC Best Young Player 2023 Joint Winner
The Melbourne Football Club Best and Fairest night was held on Friday October 6th, 2023.
JvR was the joint winner of the "Harold Ball Memorial Trophy" for the Best Young Player.
He tied for the awared with the already legendary Judd McVee.
Eligibility for the Harold Ball Memorial Trophy is to be under 21 years of age and to have played less than 33 games at the start of the season.
The trophy is named in honour of Harold Ball, who won the Dees Best First Year Player award in 1939, before he enlisted in the army and died in World War II.
The eligibility rules reflect the fact that Harold Ball was 21 when he was killed, and he played 33 games for the Dees.
Harold Ball's last game was our 1940 grand final victory over Richmond, which followed on from his career best performance in the Preliminary Final win the week before. He also played in our winning 1939 grand final team.
Harold was captured, tortured and executed by the Japanese during their attack on Singapore in 1942. Stories and history like that certainly puts footy into perspective hey.
Great recognition for Jacob's first AFL season. Hope Roo has a great break, and we can't wait to see what he can achieve in 2024 🦘❤️💙
25 Sept 2023 - First Brownlow Votes
25 Sept 2023 - First Brownlow Votes
2023 Brownlow Medal night and our Roo receives his first ever votes in his first AFL season.
J...... van Rooyen received 2 votes for our round 6 Anzac Day Eve win against the Tigers.
This was only his fourth game.
This Tigers game was the one where he was nearly subbed out, only to go on and kick three goals in the last quarter.
Refresh your memory with the video highlights here.
The game was about even before JvR flicked the switch and got us a few goals up with his efforts.
So a very well deserved 2 Brownlow votes!
As you know, forwards (and pretty much everyone except midfielders) struggle to get any Brownlow votes out of umpires, so this further emphasises how important JvR's contribution to this game was.
Well done Jacob, and despite not being a midfielder, we reckon you are eye catching enough that you will get plenty of Brownlow votes across the rest of your career!
16 Sept 2023 - The Wash Up
16 Sept 2023 - The Wash Up
Well my demon heart is sore and sorry for itself today after watching us crash out of finals like that.
However, I was there for the likes of our 186 point loss, and the twelve years of zero finals... Felt like nothing went right for us late in the season, but no reason we can't be luckier and go further next year with this list.
What an honour to have closely followed JvR over his first AFL season. Watching his development, along with our other youngsters at both the Dees and Casey, has been a highlight of the season and gives me great hope for the next few years.
Roo finishes 2023 with 20 games under his belt at age 20. His goal kicking accuracy is elite, even for AFL standards. Another of his stats that stands out is his above average tackle count for his position. We're all in on the spectacular aerials, but his game is stong and contested on the ground too. Can't wait to see what he achieves in 2024. Bring it on!!! Love ya Rooey! 🦘
7 Sept 2023 - Qualifying Final - Dees 7.11.53 lost to Collingwood 9.6.60
7 Sept 2023 - Qualifying Final - Dees 7.11.53 lost to Collingwood 9.6.60
Dees lost a very winnable game with bad kicking and terrible forward entries. What a wasted opportunity.
They never gave up and kept coming at the Pies though, nearly stealing it at the end (but also never really looking like winning).
Was not a great night for tall forwards, being slippery from the rain that pelted down before the game. Still, great to see JvR play his first (of many!) AFL final. Onwards and upwards.
Photo credit: Michael Wilson / AFL Photos
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