The Cairns Post

Aspiring stars check out progress of AFL facility

AFL wins tug of war for Davies

- JORDAN GERRANS TOM BOSWELL

Cape York House for girls is tracking along nicely to open early next year.

Students from Badu Island, Yam Island, Weipa and Laura inspected the Redlynch facility yesterday afternoon while in MANUNDA Hawk Alex Davies is poised to give up a promising basketball career to chase his dream of playing in the AFL.

The Gold Coast academy member (pictured) has helped the Suns celebrate another win in the battle of the codes, with the club luring him to Australian rules.

In the past year Davies has represente­d Queensland at the under-16 and under-18 national basketball championsh­ips, leading the former to an Australian title as captain.

The 16-year-old is also an academy member of the Cairns Taipans NBL franchise but has made it clear to the club his future lies in footy.

“I have almost given up my basketball stuff,” Davies said.

“Footy is the way I’m going. I still play basketball for school but it’s nothing serious.

“I’m focusing on footy and enjoying it more.”

Davies stands at 190cm and already weighs 80kg but you won’t find him in one of the key positions when he represents the Queensland under-16 side at the AFL’s national championsh­ips, beginning on the Gold Coast this week.

The basketball point guard plays as a tall midfielder, drawing comparison­s to Collingwoo­d’s Jordan De Goey due to his skills and strength.

He will play alongside Southport Sharks junior Riley Johnson this week, while Gold Coasters Serene Watson and Dee Heslop will also be among those to represent Queensland at the under-18 national championsh­ips.

The Suns have had multiple former basketball­ers make it on to their list, including current swingman Sam Day as well as ex-Suns forward and current Port Adelaide player Charlie Dixon.

 ?? Picture: ANNA ROGERS ?? TALENTED: Zileache Fujii, 14, Margaret Dau, 13, Edith David, 14, Anna Toby, 12, Latisha Tamwoy, 14, and Shaniqua Tamwoy, 14, tour AFL Cape York House.
Picture: ANNA ROGERS TALENTED: Zileache Fujii, 14, Margaret Dau, 13, Edith David, 14, Anna Toby, 12, Latisha Tamwoy, 14, and Shaniqua Tamwoy, 14, tour AFL Cape York House.
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