Casey Jacks is an Australian football player who plays for the Brisbane Roar of the Hyundai A-League. At the moment he is weighing up a move to Europe in order to gain first team football playing experience and also to be part of a European super league where he would hope to earn himself a place at one of the highest paid positions available. In the last few years, Jacks has developed considerably as both a player and a team leader. He is contracted by the Roar until the end of this season but it is expected that he will look to leave either in the next transfer window or after the World Cup in June.
Although at present he is listed as being just over six feet in height, the truth is that he is actually much shorter. This is largely due to the surgery that he has had done to correct the growth problem that has affected him since birth. Although the exact cause of his short height is not yet known, he acknowledges that his height does hinder him from performing to his full potential in a national team environment. It may perhaps be true that height is an issue for players who are born with a deformed shoulder, but given Jacks’ commitment to his country and his fitness regime, it is more likely that he is suffering from a lack of match fitness rather than a physical shortcoming.
Despite the jokes that roaring supporters inevitably give regarding the supposed short stature of Casey Jacks, there is no doubt that the defender can still provide some valuable service to his team. At right back, he could prove to be an excellent source of protection for goalkeeper Mathew Leckie while at left back he could provide some valuable support to Michael Nwankwo. It remains to be seen whether Jacks will choose to play at either position for the Roar this season, but given the chance to start in the heart of the A League with a top club side could be the perfect route for him to take if he wants to get his career back on track. As with many of the younger Roar players, Jacks has a bright future in football and could well go onto become one of Australia’s finest right backs.