Roar talent in best-of side
CITY LIONS’ TEAM OF THE LAST 15 YEARS
FORMER Lions president Robbie Taranto would like to see this team out on the park at Holloways Beach on a Saturday afternoon.
City Lions’ struggles since the merger are no secret – they are yet to play finals under the name of Cairns City Lions.
But, the now Sunshine Coast-based former president of the club believes the team of the past 15 years, which was named at their 50th anniversary celebration last weekend, would be more than competitive against the AFL Cairns heavyweights.
“It is a very good side, it would be nice if we could have them all in the same year,” Taranto, who was named on the bench in the team, said with a chuckle.
Taranto was a reliable defender or midfielder in his day, playing almost 200 games for Lions, and was involved in the selection process.
“It was tough to pick the team and there was probably a few players that could have made it that just missed out,” Taranto said.
“The criteria was that guys had to play a season and there were a few guys who were stars that only played a few games, for injuries or whatever reason, that just missed out.
“When I look at the team, most have won best and fairests and been around the club for a while.”
Current Lions such as playing-coach Aaron Davey, ruckman Liam Woodcock-Nowlan, impressive youngster Thomas Lindenmayer, reliable defender Thomas Keygan and club veteran Francis Braico were named in the team.
Former captain and coach Steve Diehm was selected as the captain of the honorary team. Crathern Medal winner at Centrals Trinity Beach Damien Roe occupies a wing while Port Douglas premiership player Adam Gross slots in nicely on a forward flank.
Lions current president Shane Law said the team was chosen by a panel of past players, coaches and committee members.