Father's faith has Macarthur's Drew aiming for Olympics

Jed Drew, son of ex-league star Brad Drew, is hoping to be named for Australia's Olympics campaign. (Rob Prezioso/AAP PHOTOS)

After nearly giving up football to follow his dad into rugby league, Macarthur winger Jed Drew is desperately hoping his club form can help him force his way into the Olyroos set-up. 

Drew is the son of former Canberra, Penrith and Parramatta hooker Brad Drew.

When his father’s sporting career ended at Huddersfield and the family returned to Australia, Drew, now 20, became disillusioned with football and considered swapping the round ball for an oval one. 

But a trial at Blacktown City rekindled his love for the game and Drew has since gone on to become a regular for Macarthur with his sights now set on a potential Olympic campaign with Australia. 

“If I didn't make it at those trials I was thinking of going to play rugby league because I just didn't want to play club soccer anymore,” Drew told AAP.

“Dad never pushed me to play league but he wanted me to push my soccer and it’s probably been the best decision for me because it’s going quite well for me.

“At the start of this season my main goal was to be in the hunt for that Olympic squad.

“I know I was in the mix for the last Olyroos camp so I just want to finish this year strong and hopefully something comes from that.” 

Drew, along with Macarthur teammates Jake Hollman and Raphael Borgues Rodrigues, is hoping to be a part of the Olympic qualifying squad in April.

Macarthur sit in fifth spot on the A-League Men table heading into round 14.

While their form has plateaued midway through the year following an arduous campaign in the AFC Cup, their most recent victory over Brisbane Roar broke a run of six games without a win.

Drew was integral to the 3-1 defeat of Brisbane, laying on an assist and scoring his first ALM goal of the campaign.

Now the winger wants more when the Bulls host Perth Glory on Sunday.

“Last season I thought I was struggling with that last decision," Drew said. 

“I’d do all the hard work but my final product (was what let me down).

“I feel this year I’m creating a lot of chances and there’s a big difference in what I’m creating.

“I feel that goal and assist against Brisbane was a few weeks coming and I’ve maybe deserved a few more and I’d like to keep building off that game.” 

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