As part of our celebration of 100 years of the Phelan Medal, each week we’re spotlighting a past Phelan Medallist and their contribution to AFL Sydney history.
Football Background
Full Name: Jarrod Crosby
Nickname: Crozza
Playing Position/s: Centre
Playing Status: Retired
Phelan Medal Receipt Year/s: 1997
Years playing in Sydney: 1989-2007
Sydney Senior Club/s: Baulkham Hills, East Coast Eagles, North Shore
Sydney Junior Club/s: Baulkham Hills
Pocket Profile Questions
Toughest Opponent in Sydney?
Marc Rose
What did winning a Phelan Medal/s mean to you?
It was very humbling to be recognised by independent sources and to win that year especially given East Coast Eagles were well out of Finals contention.
What impact did winning a Phelan Medal have on your playing career?
Nothing material to be honest, the greatest positive impact was winning premierships at North Shore with that group of men.
What is your most memorable moment from your career in Sydney?
Being fortunate enough to with the Rod Podbury medal in our back to back premiership year of 2005 at North Shore.
Did you have any pre-game superstitions or routines?
No superstitions as such but I did always want to be on the end of or in the corner of the change room seats. Always needed a few minutes of peace to centre my mind before heading out for an extended warm up.
What is the best advice you received as a player and from who?
My father was always my greatest positive critique but his advice was always have an escape plan from a contest, set up an exit plan before the contest happens.
What would be one piece of advice for young players coming into AFL Sydney?
Regardless of your immediate preparation be it great or poor you can always find a few minutes to centre yourself, clear the background noise of life and be 100% present for the team. Ensure you do your bit to enable the team to get the win, no matter how big or small your part is on the day, just contribute.
If retired, what do you miss most about footy?
The thrill and hustle and bustle of competition, the physical contact and going into battle with your team mates followed by the countless laughs and carry on after a good win.