KIEL MAKES HIS MARK IN BID TO EARN RECALL BY SOUTHPORT
SOUTHPORT’S Haydn Kiel is showing glimpses of his best again as the former AFL rookie looks to build the continuity that will earn him a recall to the NEAFL team.
Kiel has battled with his body in recent times, undergoing two knee reconstructions in four years.
The 31-year-old former Brisbane and Hawthorn rookie started his season in the Surfers Paradise QAFL reserves team and has since played twice more for the club’s senior side.
HOPEFULLY NOW HE CAN GET SOME CONTINUITY INTO HIS FOOTY. HE IS PROBABLY GOING THE BEST OUTSIDE OF THE NEAFL TEAM SOUTHPORT’S JARROD FIELD
Sharks football manager Jarrod Field labelled his performance in the Demons’ 95-point win over Labrador last weekend as his best game in years, proving the door isn’t shut on a return to the NEAFL despite not playing a game for the club in 2018.
The midfielder, who has played over 100 games for Southport, is the last remaining member of the previous premiership era, playing in two consecutive QAFL grand final wins as a 17 and 18-year-old in 2005 and 2006 before being drafted by Brisbane.
“The feedback from Surfers was that he has really started to get back to the Haydn Kiel of old,” Field said.
“Hopefully now he can get some continuity into his footy. He is probably going the best outside of the NEAFL team.”
Sharks coach Stephen Daniel said Kiel needed to show more for the Demons in the coming weeks to warrant selection.
“He has a lot of work to do. A big thing for him is his body. Coming off two knee reconstructions, he hasn’t been able to get his body right but he has shown a bit.”
Southport are likely to make two changes to their side for this Saturday’s clash with Sydney University. Defenders Ryan Davis (groin) and Jordan Taylor (head) will come back into the side should they get through training tonight without a problem.