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2021 Player Reviews: #22 Aaron Vandenberg

Demonland
Demonland
in Melbourne Demons

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VandenBerg’s time at Melbourne came to an abrupt end on the Monday after the grand final when he was informed by the club that it would not be recontracting him going forward. A hard man who always made his presence felt with his tough unrelenting play, his career was dogged by injury and this year managed just four games, including two as the unused sub, as he again struggled with injury.

Date of Birth: 3 March, 1992
Height: 191cm
Weight: 90kg

Games MFC 2021: 4
Career Total: 51

Goals MFC 2021: 0
Career Total: 23

Games CDFC 2021: 4
Goals CDFC 2021: 2

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    I'm guessing there's probably an AVB farewell thread somewhere else as well, but will take this oppertunity to thank Vanders as a supporter for standing up and giving us hope as supporter when the team was still on the rise back to competitiveness.

    Really admire that someone who didn't come through the elite junior ranks was able to elevate himself to play AFL footy at the top level and make a real impact (physically and metaphorically speaking).  Had not his body let him down, I think AVB could have been a premership player for the MFC.  Loved his strong marking, bulldozing bursts out of packs, through players and his bone crunching takes and body on body work were something to behold.

    His contribution to our 2018 finals rebirth was probably the pinicle of his career and I think his presence in that series contributed immensely to the belief the team built out of making and performing well in finals as an important stepping stone towards the premiership glory of 2021. 

    Hope AVB looks back fondly and with great pride of his time at the mighty MFC.  Thanks Vanders, you were a ripper!!

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    55 minutes ago, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

    I'm guessing there's probably an AVB farewell thread somewhere else as well, but will take this oppertunity to thank Vanders as a supporter for standing up and giving us hope as supporter when the team was still on the rise back to competitiveness.

    Really admire that someone who didn't come through the elite junior ranks was able to elevate himself to play AFL footy at the top level and make a real impact (physically and metaphorically speaking).  Had not his body let him down, I think AVB could have been a premership player for the MFC.  Loved his strong marking, bulldozing bursts out of packs, through players and his bone crunching takes and body on body work were something to behold.

    His contribution to our 2018 finals rebirth was probably the pinicle of his career and I think his presence in that series contributed immensely to the belief the team built out of making and performing well in finals as an important stepping stone towards the premiership glory of 2021. 

    Hope AVB looks back fondly and with great pride of his time at the mighty MFC.  Thanks Vanders, you were a ripper!!

    Thanks for writing that comment.Could not agree more.Vanders is a loss.

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    He was always one of my favourite players. Never shirked, gave everything he had, terrible luck with injuries.

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    Sadly his body let him down far too often whilst his spirit never did. 

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    Loved AVB strong and tough loved the contest, Aaron’s best year was 2018 he made us walk taller but sadly for him and us his body let him down. Good luck AVB we all admired the way you went about it.💕❤️💙

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    Was great for us in 2018 unfortunately injuries got the better of him.

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    His come back match in the McGoos late in 2018 was something to behold.  He went out to impact and hurt that day and he/the team never looked back in 2018.  I believe he laid something like 15 Tackles in that comeback match!!?

    Well ok... we hit a brick wall in the PF but anyway.  Was the best we'd seen in a long time and helped set the tone for the level of commitment required to get to the top.

    Could have left earlier to pursue NSW interests but stuck at it like a true pro and gave his all every time he pulled on the Red & Blue.

    Part of the winning culture that got us to where we are now.  Well done Mr Vanders and ty for all your sweat & toil over the years. 

    Edited by Demon Dynasty

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    On 10/23/2021 at 5:05 PM, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

    I'm guessing there's probably an AVB farewell thread somewhere else as well, but will take this oppertunity to thank Vanders as a supporter for standing up and giving us hope as supporter when the team was still on the rise back to competitiveness.

    Really admire that someone who didn't come through the elite junior ranks was able to elevate himself to play AFL footy at the top level and make a real impact (physically and metaphorically speaking).  Had not his body let him down, I think AVB could have been a premership player for the MFC.  Loved his strong marking, bulldozing bursts out of packs, through players and his bone crunching takes and body on body work were something to behold.

    His contribution to our 2018 finals rebirth was probably the pinicle of his career and I think his presence in that series contributed immensely to the belief the team built out of making and performing well in finals as an important stepping stone towards the premiership glory of 2021. 

    Hope AVB looks back fondly and with great pride of his time at the mighty MFC.  Thanks Vanders, you were a ripper!!

    Good summary’Balls’. Vanders had a good career severely curtailed by injury and perhaps, the emergence of a couple of superstars on our list at just the wrong time for him.  

    It would be very hard to find a Dees supporter who is not full of admiration for the way Aaron played the game, and his contribution to our Club over his short career …………….. and there’s very good reason for that!

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    • 3 weeks later...

    4 hours ago, Demonstone said:

    It's being reported that Vanders has signed with Old Xaverians in the VAFA.

    I would assume that he would have a clause that releases him from that deal should an AFL club draft him.

    This article refers to him as a West Australian (!!).

    https://www.zerohanger.com/former-demons-midfielder-finds-new-home-in-local-footy-move-94449/

    He came to Melbourne from Canberra and at one stage was set to go to Sydney because he was supposed to have family there. 

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    4 hours ago, Demonstone said:

    I would assume that he would have a clause that releases him from that deal should an AFL club draft him.

    Article in the HS said that he’s decided to focus on his career rather than chase a spot at another AFL club. 

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    4 hours ago, Demonstone said:

    It's being reported that Vanders has signed with Old Xaverians in the VAFA.

    I would assume that he would have a clause that releases him from that deal should an AFL club draft him.

    This article refers to him as a West Australian (!!).

    https://www.zerohanger.com/former-demons-midfielder-finds-new-home-in-local-footy-move-94449/

    AVB has his sights set on the Corporate world of Finance & Investment and the move to Old Xavs is tied in with a great, long term appointment at PWC.  A lot smarter than he looks is AVB and he knocked back 3 strong approaches of 1 year contracts with very reasonable extension triggers to commence his Corporate career.  

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    11 hours ago, goodwindees said:

    AVB has his sights set on the Corporate world of Finance & Investment and the move to Old Xavs is tied in with a great, long term appointment at PWC.  A lot smarter than he looks is AVB and he knocked back 3 strong approaches of 1 year contracts with very reasonable extension triggers to commence his Corporate career.  

    Good Luck AVB and thanks for your efforts at our Club we greatly appreciate your heart and soul footy  despite all your injuries. 

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