DOB: 26 June 1988
Debut: Round 19, 2009 against North Melbourne at Docklands
Last game: Round 20, 2015 against Western Bulldogs at Docklands
From: Ferny Groves Falcons/Mt Gravatt, Selection #64 2008 National Draft
Number: 41 (2009), 44 (2010-2015)
Games: 71
Goals: 28
Career Statistics
Wins | Draws | Losses | Winning % |
17 | 1 | 53 | 23.94 |
Statistical categories led:
Most games in jumper 44
After being overlooked in two drafts, the outstanding endurance runner was given his chance by Melbourne after finishing fourth in the AFLQ Grogan Medal and representing Queensland against Western Australia.
Bail spent much of his first season moving between the VFL seniors and reserves while adjusting the pace of the game in Victoria, before being handed his chance in a late season clash against North Melbourne. His debut was cut short after one kick when an injury he'd suffered during the warm-up flared again. He didn't play the rest of the game, or another match for the season.
Returning to the seniors in 2010, Bail added another nine games, achieving the rare feat for a Demon of his era by playing in more wins than losses during a season. He played three consecutive matches early in the year before injury forced him back to the VFL. Unable to break back into the squad until round 16 he played six of the last seven matches and signed a two year contract extension at the end of the season.
He was troubled by injury again in 2011. Just as he was establishing himself as an important player, an injury in Round 8 cost him four monthss, with a return game in the final round taking his tally to eight for the year. Bail doubled his career games tally in 2012 despite missing four matches due to concussion related issues. He had a less successful 2013, battling injury and playing just eight games in the first half of the year.
Bail had his best ever season in 2014, playing all but one match for the year and kicking 10 goals. He signed a new contract with the club near the end of the season. His 2015 season was a disappointment, managing just six games and he was delisted at the end of the year.
Year | Games | Goals | Brownlow |
2009 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
2010 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
2011 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
2012 | 18 | 8 | 0 |
2013 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
2014 | 21 | 10 | 0 |
2015 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
Match | Charge | Sanction | |
Round 22, 2012 | Rough Conduct | Reprimand |
Lists
Interstate recruits
Media
Courier Mail - 30/11/2008
Age - 26/08/2014