Top guns so far
AFL WRITER JORDAN GERRANS SPEAKS WITH A FEW AFL CAIRNS FOOTBALLERS TO FIND OUT WHO THEY BELIEVE IS ON TRACK TO WIN THE CRATHERN MEDAL THIS YEAR.
JG:
We have played 12 rounds with seven to go. Who do you think is well placed to take out the league best and fairest award? North Cairns captain Anthony Stewart:
Daniel Moore from Port Douglas. He has killed it every time we have played them. He is a big body that kicks goals. He runs hard in the midfield and they are just a well-oiled machine as a club. Port Douglas forward Kurt Bradshaw:
Moore has been very good and consistent; you pencil him in for 10 clearances every week. He played mostly forward last year but has really got under the umpires’ eyes and noses this season, because he gets so many clearances in the middle. With his size, fending off blokes and the dishing it off, it is always in the sight of the umpires. He has been our most consistent player, he has been in our top two or three each week. Internally, he is highly rated. He did a good pre-season and you can see how it is playing. Manunda Hawks midfielder Chris Novy: I like Cade Wellington from Saints. And, Isaac Ketchen has been consistent but he may have too much competition within his team. KB:
I think Nabako Stow from South Cairns, he stands out. Ketchen and Jordan Greene are good players and accumulate the footy but Stow only needs to get it 20 times because he runs and takes bounces. That is what catches the eye. JG:
Chris, you think Cade would be leading the voting, despite being ineligible because he was suspended? CN:
He has been the best player in the comp. Kicking two or three goals a week as well as getting his 30 touches, it makes a difference. That is what gets you votes. KB:
I am being dead serious and not just because he is here with us, but my tip is Chris Novy. He racks it up off half back and he is efficient with the way he uses the ball, he just hits targets. At our club, we always highlight Chris as someone we need to watch. He wins his own ball and can run on the outside. He is in a team that has struggled, after most thought Hawks would be in the top three this year. He has been a highlight for the club. JG:
Anthony you played with Chris for two years at North Cairns before his move to Manunda; have you seen his game go to another level? AS: I missed the game against Hawks earlier this year but every time I check the best players, he is always in there.
I have mates at Hawks and they have been telling me he has been killing it every week. KB:
I think Chris has been playing a way different role at Hawks than what he did at North.
You notice his skill level, which is very high. He is damaging with the way he uses the ball.