Bridge spans class divide
Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs’ Rhys Bridge has confirmed his status as one of AFL Cairns’ elite defenders after being named at fullback in the league’s team of the year. “From fullback you tend to see things unfold a little more and I’ve enjoyed taking that role on this year.” While the emerging Bulldogs side can expect to lose as many as eight senior players next season, Bridge said he’s more than likely to stay put. “This is home up here,” he said.
CENTRALS Trinity Beach Bulldogs’ Rhys Bridge has confirmed his status as one of AFL Cairns’ elite defenders after being named at fullback in the league’s team of the year.
The Bulldogs vice-captain returned to the northern beaches this year after a stint with the Western Magpies in the QAFL and quickly emerged as a vocal leader for Centrals, capable of shutting down key forwards while providing rebound from defence.
But the bespectacled Bridge, 21, said a new role working as a house parent at an indigenous boarding house in Cairns had helped him grow as a leader.
“It’s been a really good experience for me,” Bridge said.
“It’s an eye-opener seeing how close the boys are and how much they respect each other and treat each other like family.
“It’s a good culture and environment to be in.
“With my footy I’m one of the loud ones in the group and I love taking control.
“From fullback you tend to see things unfold a little more and I’ve enjoyed taking that role on this year.”
Bridge shared the podium with one of his boarding house students at Cazalys on Monday night with Cairns Saints’ teenager Fitzroy Greenwool also named in the team of the year and claiming the prestigious rising star award.
Greenwool, from the Western Cape York community of Kowanyama, said his older mentor had provided sound advice while proving to be a reliable form of transport while living away from home.
“Bridgey’s pretty good,” Greenwool said.
“He’s got a car and drives me around all the time as a dorm parent and gives (advice) when you need him and all that sort of that stuff.”
Bulldogs coach Mick Seymour expects to lose as many as eight senior players next season but Bridge said he’s more than likely staying put.
“I’ve had a couple of offers from clubs down south but this is home up here,” he said.
“I just want to just have another really good season next year and see where that takes me.
“This year didn’t end the way we wanted it to in the preliminary final.
“We didn’t perform on the day and really let ourselves down.”
Bridge said he was hopeful reigning Crathern medallist Hugh Nicholson would return next season.
“Hugh can play as an inside or outside midfielder,” he said.
“He’s very versatile and played a big role for our team this year.
“The new midfielders really filled a void (for us).
“Timothy McAuley’s hardness made up for (a few players) leaving and Hughy’s skills on both sides of his body is pretty rare.”