Connelly dodges plague of injuries
DURABLE Manunda defender Sean Connelly knows his side can be dangerous come finals if they can find a slice of momentum and confidence.
The key defender is the only Hawk to feature in every game so far this season with coach Marc Harbrow playing more than 40 different players in his side, such have been the injury plague for the grand finalist from 2017.
Manunda face a simple equation to qualify for the finals for a second straight year — knock over South Cairns this afternoon and fourth place is theirs.
The Hawks came from behind to win last time they faced the Cutters as well as sending them packing from the finals race last season in an elimination final.
Connelly says the surging fourth-term comeback at Fretwell Park the last time the two clubs met will have his young Hawks full of confidence today.
“Mentally for us it does something good for us that it does not matter what the margin is, we can come back,” Connelly said. “If we can beat South this week, who knows what a bit of confidence can do to our squad.
“The team have been buzzing this week knowing that South beat Trinity Beach last week and we are still a big chance to play finals.”
Connelly was drawn to Cazalys Stadium by mate Milton Miskin, who has since departed the club.
He won a flag with Cable Beach in the West Kimberley Football Association at the top of Western Australia before relocating to the Far North.
Harbrow believes Connelly has been a breathe of fresh air for the club on and off the field.
“We have a lot of blokes who are introverts but Sean is a guy who speaks up and speaks well,” Harbrow said.
“He has a great year for us and will be in the running for our best and fairest.”
With Hawks’ senior side drawing on their colts for much of the season, Connelly believes the colts premiership should spur on the senior side today and through the finals series, if they make it.
“Playing at home at Cazalys really suits the way we want to play, use the expanses and run,” Connelly said.
Earlier in the day at Cazalys, Centrals Trinity Beach will look to keep their finals hopes alive with a win over North Cairns. If Cutters beat Hawks, Trinity Beach will play finals.
IN WITH A CHANCE THE TEAM HAVE BEEN BUZZING THIS WEEK SEAN CONNELLY