The joint winner of last year’s Joseph Wren Trophy (VFL best player), Brent Macaffer made his senior debut on one of the biggest stages in the AFL, ANZAC Day. Playing as a defender in the VFL, Macaffer was moved up forward in the seniors and didn’t look out of his depth kicking a goal with his first possession.
He played the following two matches before returning to the VFL down back where he averaged 20.8 possessions for the year.
Two consecutive matches of 27 possessions saw the 21-year-old return to the AFL for the semi-final against Adelaide. Macaffer kicked an important goal on the run for the club midway through the fourth quarter, receiving a handball from Dale Thomas, the young Magpie took one bounce and booted true from the 50 metre arc.
It will be interesting to see where the coaching staff elects to progress this future star of the club in 2010.
Gavin Brown: Transitioned down back this year. He played two-thirds of his footy down back this year. Bright future for Macaffer.
2009 highlights
Round nine v Port Melbourne: In wet conditions Macaffer was a standout down back finishing the match with 29 possessions, 10 marks and one goal. His ball usage particularly impressed the coaching staff in the 15-point win.
Semi-final v Adelaide: In typical Mick Malthouse style, Macaffer returned to the senior side as a forward for the semi-final match. The utility gathered 13 of his 18 possessions in the midfield and moved forward in the final term to kick a brilliant running goal to put his side back in front with only minutes to spare. A breakout game for the youngster which will give him confidence heading into 2010.
2009 AFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | G | B | T | C |
| 5 | 6.2/58.1% | 5.6/92.9% | 11.8/74.6% | 3.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 4.6 | 1.4 |
2009 VFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | T |
| 12 | 11.5 | 9.3 | 20.8 | 4.9 | 5.2 |
