Neville Jetta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Neville Jetta |
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Jetta with Melbourne in July 2019
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Neville Jetta | ||
| Date of birth | 12 February 1990 | ||
| Place of birth | Bunbury, Western Australia | ||
| Original team | Swan Districts (WAFL) | ||
| Draft | No. 51, 2008 national draft | ||
| Debut | Round 1, 2009, Melbourne v. North Melbourne, at MCG |
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| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Neville Jetta (born on February 12, 1990) is a former Australian rules footballer. He played for the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). The AFL is Australia's top football league. After his playing career, Neville became a coach. He is currently the head coach for the Fitzroy Stars in the Northern Football Netball League (NFNL).
Contents
Neville Jetta's Football Journey
Starting in the WAFL
Neville Jetta was chosen by the Melbourne Football Club in the 2008 AFL draft. This is where AFL teams pick new players. Before joining the AFL, Neville played for Swan Districts in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). The WAFL is a football league in Western Australia. In September 2008, he won the Mel Whinnen Medal. This award is for the best player in the Swans' junior grand final win.
Family Connections in Football
Neville grew up in Bunbury, Western Australia. He went to the same primary school as Jamie Bennell, who also joined Melbourne. Neville is also the cousin of Lewis Jetta, who played for the West Coast Eagles. Another distant cousin, Leroy Jetta, played for Essendon. It seems football runs in his family!
A New Start in the AFL
Neville and Jamie Bennell both made their AFL debuts together. This happened in the first game of the 2009 AFL season.
During the 2013 AFL season, Neville didn't play many games. He only played five times. This was because he wasn't finding a regular spot in the team. Because of this, Melbourne decided to remove him from their player list at the end of the season. This is called being "delisted."
However, a new coach, Paul Roos, gave Neville another chance. He was picked again as a "rookie" for the 2014 AFL season. Being a rookie means you are a new or less experienced player.
Becoming a Key Defender
In the 2014 AFL season, Neville was moved to the main player list. This happened because some other players were injured. Neville then found his best position as a small defender. He became very good at stopping dangerous small forwards from other teams. He successfully played against famous players like Eddie Betts and Chad Wingard.
Community Leadership Award
In 2018, Neville Jetta received a special award. It was the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award. This award is given to players who do great work helping their community. Neville helped Indigenous youth through school programs. He also worked as an ambassador for the Red Cross and Headspace.
Neville was the first player from the Melbourne Football Club to win this award. It is named after Jim Stynes, a famous Melbourne player.
On September 27, 2021, Neville Jetta announced he was retiring from playing AFL.
Neville Jetta's Coaching Career
After he stopped playing, Neville started a new role. He joined the Collingwood team as a development coach. A development coach helps younger players improve their skills.
On October 8, 2024, it was announced that Neville would become a head coach. He will coach the Fitzroy Stars Football Club for the 2025 season. This team plays in the Northern Football Netball League (NFNL).
Personal Life
Neville Jetta is married to his partner, Samantha. They got married on October 20, 2013. They have a daughter and a son.
