Form inspired by his dad

NORTH CAIRNS CAIRNS CITY LIONS

EVERY time Manunda key forward Ezekiel Frank takes to the footy field, he has his father Jerry right there with him.

Champion Northern Territory and Cairns footballer Jerry, Ezekiel’s dad, passed away earlier this month after a battle with cancer.

Since his father’s sad passing the Manunda Hawks’ linchpin has gone on an absolute tear, carrying his club from likely also-rans in the finals race to an almost certain top four position.

“I think he is playing with me every game,” Ezekiel said after Manunda upset Cairns Saints on Saturday afternoon.

“I am playing for him and playing for my family, it is great at the minute.

“I can’t complain about the boys either, they have built it all around me as well.”

Hawks coach Marc Harbrow, who has coached the dynamic footballer across the last three AFL Cairns seasons, believes his family support has spurred his outstanding form.

“We like to free him up, he is an excellent player – we all know that,” Harbrow said.

“He has found a bit of form, he has switched on after having a quiet first half of the season and he is switching on at the right time.

“Naturally, the family support he has would have driven him to play with heart and passion after what has happened.

“He has the natural ability but the strength of his family has made him even stronger.”

Following Jerry’s passing, Manunda and Cairns City Lions, who Jerry played for as a junior, will present the best on ground in their meetings the Jerry Frank Medal, a move Ezekiel praised.

After being near the foot of the ladder for much of 2019, the Hawks can be a very dangerous side if they sneak into the top four – just as they were two years ago.

Ezekiel says the brown and gold’s current form reminds him of the 2017 season, where Manunda went all the way through to the grand final.

In games this weekend, City Lions will look to cement a finals position tonight against North Cairns while Port Douglas will host South Cairns on Saturday, with the winner likely to become minor premier.

Win against Cairns City Lions, named in best players and kicked a goal

Win against Centrals TB, kicked 11 goals and named in the best

Win against Cairns Saints, kicked three goals and named in the best