Conlan’s exit bolt out of the blue
TEENAGER Dyson Budarick will make his debut for the Southport Sharks today – handed a daunting first-up task in an NEAFL elimination final in Sydney.
The 17-year-old Labrador product is contracted to the Sharks but has yet to wear the black V in battle because of state under-18 and Gold Coast Suns commitments.
Yet coach Nathan Bock had no hesitation in naming the AFL draft hopeful to the side to play Sydney University at the Blacktown International Sportspark today (1.30pm first bounce).
And the former Adelaide and Gold Coast Suns defender denied Budarick’s elevation was a contentious decision.
“It is something we discussed but, in saying that, it’s not like it was his choice not to have played for us before this,” Bock said.
“He is contracted and listed with us and we feel we have to put our best 22 out on the park.
“For me it was a pretty easy decision because he has been in good form at the (NEAFL) level and he was best on ground for the Suns last weekend.”
Another selection poser came via key forward Jack Anthony and his hamstring problem.
Anthony did not play last week and Bock admitted the former Collingwood and Fremantle player is “a risk” this time around.
“When you’re talking hamstrings there’s always some sort of a risk,” Bock said. “But Jack has put his hand up. He trained well and we have to back his decision.”
The Sharks are taking utility Ben Hancock to Sydney as emergency and he will play if Anthony does not pull up well from the flight south.
The Sharks named their best paper side of the year with the returns of Anthony and Jared Brennan. Jim Holland and Steven Thynne (both with hamstrings) were not considered. QUEENSLAND’S Aussie rules fraternity has been rocked on finals eve by the surprise resignation of chief executive Mick Conlan.
Conlan told surprised staff of his decision yesterday morning at AFL Queensland’s headquarters in Yeronga.
It is not known exactly what forced his resignation.
Conlan told staff that after 3½ years at the helm he will be returning to Melbourne to pursue new opportunities.
An AFL media release credited Conlan with leading Queensland through a period of strong growth, with participation numbers across the state increasing from 133,209 at the end of 2011 to 216,000.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said that Conlan’s time in Queensland had strengthened and grown the game.
Conlan followed now GWS Giants chief Richard Griffiths in the AFLQ role.
Already, former Brisbane Lions football manager Dean Warren has been strongly linked to take over the AFLQ head role.
Warren has vast knowledge of the Queensland scene and after his QAFL playing days ended he spent five years with the Lions after nine years working as an AFL development chief.
“I’m having some time off and at this stage I’m leaving my options open,” Warren said when asked if he was interested in the AFLQ job.