Coach over moon with his All Stars
AFL CAIRNS COACHES are usually riddled with stress leading into a representative game, not Marc Harbrow.
Harbrow, who coaches AFL Cairns club Manunda Hawks, will call the shots for the Indigenous and South Pacific All Stars in their annual representative game next month against the Cairns All Stars.
The two teams announced extended squads this week which will be cut before the June 2 showcase match at Cazalys Stadium, which influences North Queensland representative selection.
But for Harbrow, he has no worries leading into the representative contest.
“It is easy to coach squad,” Harbrow said.
“My boys, the Indigenous and South Pacific All Stars, count down the weeks, hours and days until they play together. They love their club footy but this is the pinnacle and a game everyone really looks forward to playing alongside each other.
“The boys play with pride, passion and for one another. That is where the strength comes from, on top of their football ability, their speed, flare and hardness at the ball.”
The squads had their first of four training sessions on Wednesday evening before the clash.
Harbrow is happy with his extended squad, with a nice blend of older and younger players as well as the surprise inclusion of Port Douglas star Mathew Medcraft.
“We have got a mix of older guys like Willy Aisi and William this Alick who pass on to the younger boys the importance of this game and playing with your mates,” Harbrow said.
“I had to do a double take when I saw a Port Douglas player in our squad, it was a very nice surprise to see Medcraft in with us.”
The Indigenous and South Pacific team hold a 3-1 advantage in the four games played.
The representative game will feature as a double header with AFL Cairns Post Women’s All Stars to play AFL Townsville Women’s League.