Star Novy happy to learn the ropes
THE dynamic Chris Novy wanted more than just being a high-profile recruit with pressure to perform.
That is what the Tasmanian was when he landed at Watsons Oval a few seasons ago and after 18 months at North Cairns, the versatile Novy was keen for a little more.
After leaving North midway through season 2018, he considered a move to Griffiths Park with Saints before settling on Manunda after being impressed by Hawks coach Marc Harbrow.
Novy can perform as a recruit, he did so for a year and a bit at the Tigers, but at Cazalys Stadium, he is interested in learning how to be a mentor, a coach and how to help others, not just worrying about getting touches and kicking goals on Saturday afternoon.
“I got along with Marc instantly when I met him and when he put across to me the club culture and the role I would have, it really appealed to me,” Novy said.
“I have done a lot of work away from the footy oval, in terms of the list, which I am loving.
“I wanted to do an assistant coaching role and I feel I have progressed more than I thought I would have by now.
“I wanted to learn more about football than just being a recruit at a new club, I am 26 — I wanted to start learning a new position and to have a mentor like Marc is a perfect opportunity for me.”
The Tasmanian was set to play for North Queensland in 2018 as a running and distributing defender, before he pulled the pin at Watsons Oval and could not be picked.
He is third in AFL Cairns coaches votes after four rounds of the season.
Hawks coach Harbrow believes Novy has added plenty to the brown and gold across the pre-season with leadership and on the field so far.
“He is a good player, quality,” Harbrow said.
“The big thing is he complements the guys we have, Corey Flint and Joel Karwan, who have been doing all the work in the midfield over the last couple of years.
“To add a player like Chris Novy is very helpful. His biggest strength is his versatility.”
The Hawks host the inform South Cairns this afternoon in what Novy described as the club’s biggest challenge so far of 2019.
Elsewhere this afternoon, Cains Saints and Port Douglas will be confident of picking up wins.
NOVY THE HAWK I WANTED TO LEARN MORE THAN JUST BEING A RECRUIT MANUNDA’S CHRIS NOVY