Brad Close

Last updated on November 25, 2024 at 18:09 pm

Posted on June 6, 2024 at 06:56 am

Personal information

Full name

Bradley Close

Date of birth

30 July 1998 (age 25)

Place of birth

Mount Gambier, South Australia

Draft

No. 14, 2019 Rookie draft, Geelong

Debut

27 July 2020, Geelong vs. Fremantle, at Optus Stadium

Height

181 cm (5 ft 11 in)

Weight

71 kg (157 lb)

Position(s)

Medium Forward

Club information

Current club

Geelong

Number

45

Playing career

Years

Club

Games (Goals)


2020–

Geelong

81 (72)


Career highlights

  • AFL premiership player: 2022

  • Geelong best young player: 2020

  • SANFL premiership player: 2019

Young Football Star Brad Close’s Rising Journey

Brad Close has swiftly risen in the football world with remarkable dedication and undeniable talent. Starting at North Gambier Football Club, he made a notable move to Glenelg Football Club in 2019. His precision kicking, exceptional speed, and strong marking ability have made him a valuable asset on the field. With consistent growth in performance, Brad’s legacy includes being an integral part of Geelong’s 2022 premiership win. His journey showcases his adaptability and consistent contributions to Geelong FC’s success. His impact has elevated Geelong FC’s standing in the league. Explore more about Brad Close’s impressive football journey.

Early Life and Background

From his humble beginnings in local football clubs to his rapid ascent in the AFL, Brad Close’s journey is a testament of hard work and dedication.

Starting off at the North Gambier Football Club and later shifting to the Glenelg Football Club in the 2019 SANFL season, Close showcased his talent by kicking 13 goals in 21 matches and securing the 2019 SANFL premiership.

Before making his mark in the AFL, Close was actively involved in grassroots football, honing his skills and preparing for the elite level. This foundation laid the groundwork for his successful debut with Geelong, where he impressed with a stellar performance including his first goal with his first kick, 14 disposals, 3 marks, and 4 tackles, earning him the Best Young Player Award in 2020.

Career Overview

With a remarkable journey from local football clubs to the AFL, Brad Close has established himself as a rising star in the domain of professional football. Close began his AFL career with Geelong, making a memorable debut in 2020 with a standout performance. His potential as a forward was quickly recognized, leading to a contract extension with the club in November 2020.

Close has shown consistent growth in his performance, with significant improvements in various statistics over the seasons. Importantly, he was part of Geelong’s premiership team in 2022, showcasing his adaptability and contribution to the team’s success. Close’s career has been marked by achievements such as the AFL Premiership and the McClelland Trophy, solidifying his position as a promising talent in the AFL.

Playing Style and Skills

Brad Close’s playing style and skills showcase a versatile and dynamic approach to the game of football. His ability to adapt to different roles on the field makes him a valuable asset to the team. Close’s skills include precise kicking, exceptional speed, and strong marking ability. His agility and quick decision-making under pressure have set him apart on the field. Here is a breakdown of Brad Close’s key playing style and skills:

Playing Style and SkillsD

escription

Precise Kicking

Accurate and strategic

Exceptional Speed

Quick and agile

Strong Marking Ability

Dominant in contests

Statistics

Brad Close’s performance on the field is closely analyzed through his detailed statistics across seasons.

Stat

2024 Season Average

Career Average

Standout Season Performance

Standout Career Performance

Career Total

Disposals

12.7

13.4

19 against Brisbane Lions (Preliminary Finals)

24 against Melbourne (Preliminary Finals, 2023)

1350

Kicks

6.4

6.2

13 against Collingwood (Round 18)

13 against Collingwood (Round 18, 2024)

625

Goals

1

0.8

4 against Hawthorn (Round 17)

4 against Hawthorn (Round 17, 2024)

89

Marks

2.8

2.8

7 against Richmond (Round 12)

7 against Richmond (Round 12, 2024)

281

Tackles

2.3

3

7 against Western Bulldogs (Round 19)

7 against Western Bulldogs (Round 19, 2024)

303

Clearances

0.6

1.1

2 against Fremantle (Round 2)

4 against Sydney Swans (Round 2, 2022)

80

Handballs

6.4

7.2

11 against Brisbane Lions (Preliminary Finals)

15 against Brisbane Lions (Preliminary Finals, 2022)

725

Fantasy Points

55.8

58.8

82 against North Melbourne (Round 5)

110 against Sydney Swans (Round 5, 2022)

5939

Legacy and Impact

Amidst his burgeoning career in the AFL, Brad Close’s legacy and impact on the sport are becoming increasingly evident through his consistent performance and notable contributions to Geelong Football Club’s success. His ability to adapt to changes in the game structure, coupled with his dedication and skill, has solidified his place as a valuable asset to the team. Close’s on-field achievements and honours have not only brought recognition to himself but have also elevated Geelong’s standing in the league. His growth in statistics and pivotal role in Geelong’s 2022 premiership win exemplify his impact on the team’s success.

Legacy and Impact Highlights


Consistent Performance

Notable contributions to Geelong FC’s success

Adaptability

Valuable asset with ability to adjust to game structure changes

Team Recognition

Integral part in Geelong’s 2022 premiership win

Individual Achievements

Best Young Player Award in 2020 and other honours

Elevating Geelong’s Status

Impactful role in raising Geelong FC’s standing in the league

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