Keep an eye on this talented teenager

SAINTS junior Austin Harris’s development is trending towards an AFL draft in a few years’ time.

The Suns Academy prospect, who moved south from Cairns a few months ago, earnt All Australian honours for his performances in the AFL Under-16 Championships.

He spent a lot of time playing on the wing or in defence during the championships and averaged 21.7 disposals, 8.7 marks, 2.3 tackles and 3.3 clearances from his three games.

Harris (right), who attends Palm Beach Currumbin High School, was also named Queensland’s MVP for the tournament.

“Austin has really taken some big strides with his football since moving down to the Gold Coast,” Suns Academy development coach Sam Iles said. “It’s great for him to get some recognition for his strong form … and fantastic to see another Suns Academy success story come out of Cairns.”

South Cairns’ Kitara WhapFarrar was also named in the under-18s team of the week following the championships.

■ IF SATURDAY is anything to go by, Port Douglas are not going to miss Jesse Mawson that much on the field for the rest of the season.

The Crocs leader will spend the next four months in prison for trafficking party drugs.

Mawson will be eligible for parole on November 17, which is obviously after the upcoming AFL Cairns grand final.

Port Douglas have enough depth to cover for Mawson’s loss and are still raging premiership favourites.

They will face their toughest opponent of 2019, South Cairns, at home this weekend.