Jay Schulz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jay Schulz
Schulz (left) with Port Adelaide in 2011
Personal information
Full name	Jay Schulz
Date of birth	(1985-04-18) 18 April 1985 (age 40)
Place of birth	South Australia
Original team	Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL)
Draft	No. 12, 2002 National Draft
Position(s)	Forward
Career highlights
4× Port Adelaide leading goalkicker: (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014) 2004 AFL Rising Star: nominee

Jay Schulz (born 18 April 1985) is a former professional Australian rules football player. He was known as a strong marking forward. Jay played for the Richmond Tigers from 2003 to 2009. He then played for the Port Adelaide Football Club from 2010 to 2016.

Jay Schulz's Early Life and Football Start

Jay Schulz grew up in South Australia. He went to Concordia College in Highgate. He played football for his school team. He also played for the Central Yorke Cougars Football Club.

When he was 17, Jay played for the All-Australian under-17 team. They played against Ireland in the International Rules series. Jay was named the best player for Australia in that series. He won the Ron Barassi Medal for his great performance.

In 2002, Jay was chosen in the AFL Draft as pick number 12. He joined the Richmond Tigers to start his professional career.

Jay Schulz's AFL Career

Playing for Richmond: 2003–2009

Jay Schulz made his first AFL appearance in 2003. He played for Richmond against Essendon. In 2004, he had a fantastic game against the Brisbane Lions. He kicked 6 goals, which is a lot in one game! This performance earned him an AFL Rising Star nomination. This award recognizes young players who show great potential.

The year 2005 was tough for Jay. He broke his ankle twice, which meant he could only play 4 games. In 2006, he faced another injury, hurting his shoulder. He returned later in the season and kicked 3 goals against Collingwood. He also showed his defensive skills with 8 tackles in another game. Jay kicked 16 goals in the last 9 games of that season. He played in different positions, showing he was a versatile player.

In 2008, Jay had his most consistent season with Richmond. He often played as a defender but also moved forward to help score goals. He had a career-high 29 disposals and took 17 marks in a game against Hawthorn. After this strong year, he signed a new contract with the Tigers. His 2009 season was affected by injuries and average form.

Playing for Port Adelaide: 2010–2016

In October 2009, Jay Schulz moved to the Port Adelaide Football Club. He was traded to Port Adelaide for another player. He was given the number 28 guernsey at his new club.

Jay played his first game for Port Adelaide in 2010. He showed how tough he was by playing hard. He kicked 3 goals in his first three games. He then had his best game in Round 13 against North Melbourne, kicking 7 goals! This was one of the highest goal hauls for a Port Adelaide player. In Round 18, he took 6 contested marks and kicked 4 goals. He helped Port Adelaide win a close game against Hawthorn. He finished the 2010 season as Port Adelaide's leading goal-kicker with 33 goals.

In 2011, Jay was voted into the team's Leadership group. This showed his teammates trusted him. He suffered a knee injury early in the season but returned to play. He equaled his career best of 7 goals in a game against the Brisbane Lions. He finished the season with 31 goals.

The year 2013 was a great one for Jay and Port Adelaide. The team made the finals for the first time since 2007. Jay had his best season, kicking 49 goals. He became Port Adelaide's leading goal-kicker for the third time. In his first final game, he kicked three goals. This helped his team win by 24 points. Jay also improved his overall game by getting more disposals.

In 2014, Jay had an amazing game in Round 14. He kicked a career-high eight goals against the Western Bulldogs. This tied the record for most goals kicked in a single game by a Port Adelaide player. He also kicked seven goals and six goals twice in other games. He finished the year second in the Coleman Medal, which is awarded to the player who kicks the most goals in the season.

Jay's 2015 season was also good. He kicked 44 goals and was second for goals at the club. He had a strong period from rounds three to five, kicking four, five, and five goals in a row. These goals were important for his team's wins.

In August 2016, Port Adelaide announced that Jay's contract would not be renewed. This meant he would not play for the club in 2017.

Jay Schulz's Kicking Technique

Jay Schulz was known for being very accurate when kicking for goals. He shared that a big part of his success came from having a very detailed, step-by-step routine. He used the exact same routine for every set shot at goal. This helped him stay consistent and accurate.

Jay Schulz's Life After Football

After his playing career, Jay Schulz has continued to be involved in football. He now runs a kicking academy. This academy helps other players improve their goal-kicking skills.

In March 2023, Jay Schulz and other former AFL players raised concerns about player health. They highlighted the importance of proper care for head injuries during their playing careers. This effort aims to make sure players are safe and well looked after in the sport.

Jay now enjoys living back in Adelaide with his fiancé, Laura Leombruno.