Jarryd Blair Biography

Delisted Magpie Jarryd Blair believes he still has plenty to offer at the highest level and the former Collingwood forward will go anywhere in the AFL to achieve it.

"I still feel I have the ability to play AFL football, so just a spot on a list somewhere so I can work my way through the 'twos' and hopefully provide something at AFL level," Blair said on SEN radio.

"I couldn't say I was blindsided by (my delisting) because I only played two games this year (despite) my body being good, and I felt like I was performing OK - not that it made it any easier."

Collingwood delist Jarryd Blair, Adam Oxley, Josh Smith and Sam McLarty.

"Each of these players has been important to our success this year in different ways, on and off the field," Collingwood list manager Ned Guy said.

"It's never easy to say goodbye and we’re going to miss having these boys at the club."

Jarryd Blair is happy to pile the pressure on himself as he fights to stay ahead of the pack of talented youngsters at the Magpies.

I always feel pressure," Blair said.

"There's a lot of talent coming out of the junior ranks these days.

"That probably adds a bit more pressure, but I'm really looking forward to it and I'm pretty confident in the work that I've done."

Jarryd Blair says that there is still room for the bump in the game despite confusion surrounding the rules.

"I think there is still a place for the bump," Blair said.

"It's just you have got to time it perfectly and if you go outside that you could be in a bit of strife.

"It's almost as though you have to play inside the rules and then some."

Jarryd Blair says he will never forget his match-winning goal against the Bombers during their Anzac Day clash in 2012.

"I think that goal was something I will treasure for the rest of my life," Blair said.

"I wouldn't say I won it for my side. I was in the right place at the right time and the ball fell my way, but there was a lot that happened in the lead-up.

"It was good to contribute and to kick that goal was an amazing feeling and something I'm proud of."

Dayne Beams and Jarryd Blair have been added to Collingwood's leadership group ahead of the finals.

"It's something I never thought about. I've never seen myself as a leader of a footy club," Beams said.

"It's something I'm enjoying and it's definitely different. If an opportunity arises next year, I'll most likely put my hand up."

Collingwood's Jarryd Blair says Chris Tarrant could be used up forward in his return match after the Pies had just six goalkickers last week.

"I think he's proven himself to be able to kick a few goals down there," Blair said.

"It would be pretty exciting if he did go down there. I think a lot of the Pies' supporters would love to see him back forward and maybe take a few big grabs."

Collingwood secures Steele Sidebottom, Luke Ball and Jarryd Blair for the next two years.

Jarryd Blair soccers through the match-winning goal on Anzac Day against Essendon but has to deny claims that the ball touched his hand after his soccer.

"It definitely didn't go near my hands," he said.

"Anzac Day is one of the biggest days on the calendar that everyone wants to be part of. Everyone was excited to have a run and it was great to have the four points."

Jarryd Blair has apologised for what he says was an inappropriate hand gesture made during Friday night's NAB Cup celebrations.

"I accept that a hand gesture I made during the on-ground celebrations immediately following the NAB Cup Grand Final last Friday night was careless and inappropriate," Blair said.

"It was never my intention to upset anyone and I sincerely apologise for any offence caused."

Jarryd Blair makes his AFL debut for Collingwood at Docklands Stadium with 16 disposals (7 kicks and 9 handballs), 2 marks and 5 tackles in an 83-point win over West Coast.