Jeff White
July 11, 2016
BG: Hi Jeff, thanks for your time.
BG: In 1994, you were drafted to the Fremantle Dockers with the number one pick. What pressure did this put on you, and did the hype have an effect on you as a player?
JW: There is only pressure if you put that on yourself. My thought was that I’m Freo’s number 1 pick. It was then time to earn respect from the players. To be honest, being number 1 never crossed my mind.
BG: You played for Fremantle for three seasons before seeking a trade to Melbourne. What were the reasons behind you making this move?
JW: Better opportunity to play with a Melbourne based club. Freo at the time had 6 other ruckman and showed little interest in resigning me. Interest was huge from Melbourne based clubs making the decision to leave easy.
BG: In 2000, you were fortunate enough to play in the AFL Grand Final against Essendon. Despite the disappointing result, what was this experience like, with the build up during the week and the massive crowd on the day?
JW: Huge week. True story: Jeff Farmer, David Neitz and myself sat down for dinner in Brighton (think it was Tuesday night of Grand Final week). We’re sitting there and 5 bottles of wine appear on the table which of course we refuse but the waitress says “it’s from that man over there” we look over and it’s Sam Newman flanked by 3 hot looking women.
BG: Standing at 195 centimetres, you were far from the tallest ruckman in the competition. How did you become such a master of the role despite a significant height disadvantage?
JW: My leap. I loved jumping on guys, I loved dunking as a young kid, just had a huge vertical leap that I used to it’s maximum. Kids use to try and intimidate me when I was young so when I lined up against them in the ruck they stopped after receiving a knee to the face.
BG: You played your 250th AFL game in 2007. Whilst growing up in junior football, did you ever expect to achieve such a significant milestone, and what did that match mean to you?
JW: No, never. I wanted to keep getting better and better every year. I just wanted to stay healthy and entertain fans with my leaping ability.
BG: Your career came to an end in 2008 at just 31 years of age. Melbourne were struggling in that season and recorded just the three wins. Did that impact your decision to call it quits, or were there other factors that made you walk away from the game so young?
JW: I always said once I stop enjoying the game I will walk away and that’s what I did.
BG: You must have a lot more down time now that you’re clear of the AFL industry, so what hobbies do you have to keep yourself active and entertained?
JW: Golf. Played off a handicap of 2 during my career. And huge passion for NBA basketball.
BG: Finally, in reflection of your AFL career, what moment stands out to you as a personal highlight?
JW: All-Australian, B&F, finals, winning games with your best mates. Meeting my lovely wife. I owe my life to that TW Sherrin.
BG: Thanks very much for this great insight.