He has been crowned the best player in the AFL Cairns, but Port Douglas midfielder Daniel Smith says the prize he wants most is one he can share with his teammates.
The 25-year-old was named this year’s Crathern Medallist at Cazalys last night after a thrilling vote count that went down to the wire. Smith and North Cairns player Brendan Tennick were tied on 18 votes after 18 rounds, with neither player polling in Round 19.
Smith opened up a lead after earning the maximum three votes in Round 20, while Tennick again missed out to remain on 18.
It came down to the final round, with a best-on-ground performance from Smith boosting him to an uncatchable 24 votes.
Smith, who was lured to Port Douglas from the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League this season, was honoured to be named the league’s best and fairest, but said the premiership was his main focus.
"Individual awards are great, but you really want the team ones. That’s really high on the list," he said.
"At the end of the day, we still have a grand final to win.
"I’d happily trade this for a crack at the grand final and having a premiership medallion around my neck."
The Crocs play Cairns Saints in Saturday’s decider after losing to the reigning premiers in the first week of finals.
Smith said the Crocs’ victory in the preliminary final had his team primed.
"We got all our jitters out in the second half last week. Hopefully we come out and play like we did in that second half and hold up that premiership cup at the end," he said.
Thanks to The Cairns Post, read more at: http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2010/09/14/126741_local-sport-news.html
Last Modified on 06/03/2011 13:07