Jay Neagle (born 17 January 1988) is an Australian rules footballer with the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League.

The son of former Bomber Merv Neagle, Jay was drafted under the father-son rule at the end of the 2005 AFL season. Jay was drafted as a very raw, underage prospect.

His first season was rather forgettable, having to endure a number of injury setbacks, primarily with his ankles.

2007 was a similar story, however Jay broke through for his first game in Round 22, which also happened to be Kevin Sheedy's last game as coach of Essendon and James Hird's last game as a player. Despite lacking in fitness, Jay was very impressive with his leading and marking and kicked an impressive first goal.

2008 has seen Jay develop rapidly. Despite missing large amounts of the pre-season and still having problems with his ankles, Jay appeared 7 times in the Essendon senior side and kicked 10 goals, including 3 against West Coast and two against both Carlton and Port Adelaide. His accurate goal kicking and strength in marking contests has been a large feature of his game.

Jay is seen as the most likely replacement for Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd at Full Forward.

He recently signed a new two year deal which will keep him at Essendon till 2011.

[edit] External links

• Jay Neagle profile on Essendon Football Club official website
• Jay Neagle's statistics from AFL Tables

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