Continuing on from his 2008 debut season which saw the midfielder play 12 senior games, Sharrod Wellingham added a further 16 matches in his second year.
After averaging 24 disposals from his first three matches in the VFL, Wellingham was elevated to the AFL level where he saw out the majority of the year.
The 21-year-old increased his disposal output to an average of 17.3 per game (13.7 in 2008) while maintaining his accuracy just above the 70% mark. He also increased his work around the stoppages with 2.1 clearances per game (up from 0.8 in 2008).
With a strong preseason aimed at adding bulk to his frame, Wellingham is in line to make a permanent addition to the Magpie midfield.
2009 highlights
Round six v North Melbourne: He didn’t disappoint in his first match for the year, acquiring 23 possessions, seven marks, five inside-50s and one goal. A late change for Anthony Rocca, Wellingham took his chances and capped a solid night with a wonderful running goal early in the fourth quarter.
Round 10 v Port Adelaide: With a career-high 24 possessions, Wellingham was extremely effective using it with 83.3% efficiency.
Mark Neeld: Similar to Daisy, he came in and became more a part of the midfield this year. I think he would have played 14 or 15 games for the year. Sharrod has sure hands, which he displayed, he’s able to break away from a stoppage and use his pace and he’s also a long kick
2009 AFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | G | B | T | C |
| 16 | 8.1/60.0% | 9.2/83.0% | 17.3/71.8% | 3.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 2.5 | 2.1 |
2009 VFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | T |
| 5 | 13.4 | 10.2 | 23.6 | 3.4 | 4 |
CTV
