Power reserves miss a chance to retain title
REIGNING reserves premiers Pyramid Power will not get a chance to defend their title in 2019, after falling short of a finals berth.
It has been a tough camSYDNEY paign for the side from Gordonvale, not able to use their facilities in the early part of the season due to the fires at their club rooms.
The Power, who beat Port Douglas on grand final day last season, finished three games back in fifth spot on the ladder and were out of finals contention a couple of weeks ago.
While his side struggled to string together consistent wins, Power skipper Danny Floyd still finished second in the competition for goals, with 39, well behind the clever Paul Buller, who booted 72 for the minor premier Cutters.
■ Jarrod Harbrow was not the only Far North junior to pick up a gong at the Gold Coast Suns’ end of season awards.
Jack Bowes won the Most Professional award in his third season of AFL football.
The Saints product played 15 games in 2019 where he averaged 18.4 disposals, 3.5 marks and 3.7 tackles.
The rising midfielder showed his professionalism to get back from a serious quad injury in the way he attacked his rehab to return late in the season and play the remaining four games. Recognised as an emerging leader at the Suns, the club says he has also taken strides in that area, starting to sit in on some leadership meetings with his teammates.
■ Cairns Saints have been a powerhouse football club for as long as most can remember.
But, missing the finals in two out of the last three years, after going 17 seasons without missing the post-season, must be a little concerning.
The efforts of playing-coach Jack Philp and the playing group cannot be faulted as they have battled injury to key players for much of the season.
This time last year, Saints were flying under the watch of coach Tim Lamprill, who did not retain the job as he only wanted to coach, not be a playing-coach any longer.
There was a push for Lamprill to retain the job this time last year and those that wanted him to stay must be wondering what could have been right now.