FOOTBALL IS FIRST
YOUNGSTER’S CAREER CALL:
ALEX Davies is poised to give up a promising basketball career in order to chase his dream of playing in the AFL.
The Gold Coast academy member has helped the Suns celebrate another win in the battle of the codes, with the club luring one of the most intriguing footy prospects in Queensland to Australian rules.
In the past year Davies has represented Queensland at both 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.
He will play alongside Southport Sharks junior Riley Johnson, while Gold Coasters Serene Watson and Dee Heslop will also be among those to represent Queensland at the under-18 national championships.
The basketball point guard has built his young career as a tall midfielder, drawing comparisons to Collingwood’s man of the moment Jordan De Goey due to his skills and strength.
“They are trying to make me into one of those players like Jordan de Goey,” Davies said.
“It’s popular to have bigger midfielders now in the AFL so I’m working on that with (Queensland coach) Adrian Fletcher.
“Basketball has helped me with my hand skills, decision making and awareness.”
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.
The Suns are planning on relocating Davies, who won a senior premiership at the age of 15 with the Manunda Hawks, to the Gold Coast in order to fast-track his development.
Davies said it would be tough to leave his family and friends in Cairns but he was prepared to do it in order to take another step towards the AFL.
“I’m going to miss (Cairns) but it’s my dream to play in the AFL so I’ll have to make the sacrifice,” he said.