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Ramsay: “We’re starting to hit our straps”

Friday, February 28, 2020 - 11:15 AM by Katie de Haer

At just 25, Jackson Ramsay is arguably one of the most important players in the East Perth line-up.

The midfielder is coming off a strong season at the Royals in which he won the FD Book Medal – an impressive result given that he missed almost the entire 2018 season recovering from a second ACL injury.

Ramsay’s perseverance was rewarded as he bounced back and thrived, racking up consistent numbers, including three 38-plus disposal hauls across a five-week period last season.

He earned selection in the WA State team, playing for WA against South Australia in May and was named in the WAFL Team of the Year.

“My goal for that year was to tick off as many games as I could injury free,” Ramsay said.

“In the past, I’ve had a few season ending injuries. So, for me, to get through the year and to contribute (was a good achievement).”

After spending five seasons on Collingwood’s list, Ramsay said he didn’t hesitate to return to East Perth when the opportunity presented itself at the end of 2017. 

“It was a good five years I had over there,” he said.

“But I’ve still got some really good relationships with guys I played Colts with, so, for me, it was an easy choice to come back to East Perth.”

East Perth has added some depth to its midfield brigade, bringing in former Brisbane Lion Nick Robertson, Carlton’s Angus Schumacher, West Perth’s Aidan Lynch and former SANFL utility Jake Veide. 

“We noticed last year we had a bit of a hole in the midfield and we’ve gone and recruited accordingly,” Ramsay said.

“All we need to do is to get games into them and to start gelling as a team. You can train all you want but as soon as you start playing games you know how blokes play. 

“I’m looking forward to those three practice matches and getting some continuity with those guys.”

While WA has endured record-breaking summer heat, East Perth players have been hard at work as preparation ramps up for the 2020 season. 

“We actually started training when Subiaco had their Mad Monday. We were in the gym there, working away,” Ramsay said. 

“We have to bridge that gap and without working hard, it’s impossible to do. We’ve been training for the last six weeks, four times a week, which is probably more than other WAFL clubs and it’s showing at training. We’re really starting to hit our straps.” 

Subiaco has set the benchmark in the WAFL for more than a decade and Ramsay is determined for East Perth to compete with the best this season. 

“They’re a very good football side – they do the basics better than anyone and they get the ball moving forward quickly. If you can match them there, I think you can beat them.” 

Outside of the club, Ramsay hosted recruit Angus Schumacher at his home while the Victorian native settled in Perth.

“He needs to brush up on his cooking skills,” Ramsay joked.

“He was great to live with; he’s a really nice kid with a mature head on his shoulders for a 20-year-old. Hopefully he can play some good footy for us this year.”  

Ramsay has his eyes set firmly on playing finals football in 2020, and on supporting his younger teammates in their development.

“On a personal level, I’d like us to win as many games as possible and to try and make finals. 

“And to help out the younger kids coming through – we’ve got some new faces who have come up from the Colts, so it’ll be important to continue to develop them as well.”