Ex-Stingray hoping for third time lucky
JAMES Pennycuick says he will shake up this year’s Fox Footy’s Longest Kick competition with a major tactical change in what will be his third and final attempt at the $10,000 prize.
The former Gold Coast Stingrays gridiron player will compete in the event, to be held on Saturday in the hours before the AFL grand final, for a third straight time after securing the wildcard again.
Pennycuick, 27, was unsuccessful in his first two appearances
and declared this year’s competition would be the last time he pursues the title.
“This will be my last year,” Pennycuick said as he prepared to kick over the Yarra
River again. “I’m giving up after this. I’m just going to try and go out on a high and leave it at that.”
The field this year includes former fan favourite Cyril Rioli, who retired from Hawthorn mid-season.
While the Longest Kick competition has a hot field, the 2018 AFL grand final is set to be the coldest in 60 years, with temperatures to reach just 13C.
The expected rain and wind has led Pennycuick to declare his intention to opt for a traditional punt kick instead of the torpedo he usually uses.
“I’ll definitely go the drop punt,” Pennycuick said.
“I hit those nine out of 10 times pretty big so it’s a safe bet.
“The torpedo is too unpredictable in those conditions.
“I don’t want to risk the torpedo hanging up in the wind and drifting away.
“I can kick a drop punt hard and maybe penetrate the wind and get some distance.”
The Annerley resident kicked a 63m punt to secure the wildcard at the MCG in August.
The fire technician has previously wanted to win the $10,000 on offer to the winner to help fund ambitions to reach the NFL but Pennycuick said he had given up on that dream. A potential win this year will instead be used to help build an outdoor patio at his home.