In a 35-player list littered with names from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, Damien Burke (Hopevale), Brendon Jackonia (Badu Island) and Timakoi Bowie (Badu Island) are the exceptions.
And the fact that the longest any of them have played Aussie rules is three seasons – Burke hasn’t even played an entire one – has got mentor Rick Hanlon excited.
The trio are joined by Cairns juniors Jacob Heron, Lachlan Smith and Tom Goodall in the squad, which will be refined ahead of the national championships next month.
“To get six into the squad from a country area like this is a very, very good achievement,” Hanlon said.
“It shows that AFL Queensland realises it is an area that can take players to the next level.
“It’s just what we do and AFL Cairns is regarded as the jewel in the country footy crown as a result.”
He said the ability of the trio from the Cape to reach that level in such a short space of time was admirable.
“They are natural athletes, but they are all different types of players and work really hard,” he said.
“It’s a pretty good feat and they are in some great company.”
Article Courtesy of Murray Wenzel The Cairns Post
Last Modified on 25/05/2015 12:47