The exciting Swan Districts key defender spent the early part of the season learning his craft against men in the WAFL before making some eye-catching appearances at senior level that whet the appetite for what is to come.
Bazzo made six appearances in the WAFL before being called up for a tough debut against eventual premier Geelong, as West Coast’s 14th debutant in a crazy season.
An unflappable character, Bazzo acquitted himself well opposed to arguably the League’s most valuable player Jeremy Cameron (19 disposals, one goal) for much of the match.
Holding his spot for the rest of the season, except when he missed the round 20 Gold Coast trip due to an ankle injury and was subsequently unused medi-sub the following week, Bazzo would have learned plenty facing off against some of the League’s dangerous tall forwards.
Two games at the MCG out of his nine appearances, an away RAC Derby and trip to the Cattery in the final round will be especially valuable experiences moving into 2023.
Standout performance: The first taste of victory
A week after standing Cameron, Bazzo faced off against a young Bomber of similar experience in Harrison Jones and held sway in that battle.
The second pillar in defence alongside Tom Barrass following Jeremy McGovern’s season-ending rib injury, Bazzo stood tall as the Eagles won their second and last game for the campaign by 10 points.
The 18-year-old tallied 11 disposals with six marks and five intercepts in an impressive second outing.
Season averages
Disposals – 9.9
Pressure acts – 6
Marks – 4.2
Intercept possessions – 2.9
Spoils – 1.7
