Port Douglas utility Ben McCartney will continue to defy the doctor's orders as the Crocs attempt to make up for last season's heartbreaking AFL Cairns grand final loss. The 19-year-old takes strong medication for his skin and that means any bump or bruise has the potential to amplify the injury.
But he has cast that aside and continued to impress coach Andy Viola, the man who mentored him through the junior ranks at the club. McCartney’s all-round prowess was on display last week when Viola thrust the teenager into centre half forward against the Cairns City Lions. He kicked a personal best haul of five goals and was awarded best on ground.
"People were saying it was great coaching, but it wasn’t a big call because I know what he’s capable of and he always delivers," Viola said. "He’d be the most versatile player in our team and he may be playing against doc’s orders, but try telling him that he shouldn’t be. He wants to be part of this team that makes up for losing that final last year."
The Crocs are equal second with Saints, but ahead on percentages, with two rounds remaining. A twilight game against Centrals Trinity awaits tomorrow before a showdown with their 2010 grand final conquerors in the final week of fixtures. If Saints and Crocs win this weekend, the winner of that clash will take out second place.
"This fortnight will shape our year," Viola said. "I would have liked to have had a buffer between second and third if you asked me at the start of the year, but considering the quality we lost last season I’m happy to be in this position."
He said what the side lacked in experience from last season’s team was offset by their extra speed and variety in the forward line.
"We’ve got three or four more blokes in our side that can run out of trouble and there is a much better mix of youth and maturity this year," Viola said.
Eight players return this weekend, including skipper Evan Hocking, proven goal kicker Justin White, David Kruse and Shaw brothers Matthew and Craig.
"Things at this stage are going to plan," Viola said. "The mood is still pretty relaxed but there is no doubt things are starting to get serious."
The Dogs took one quarter to get going against Saints last weekend, but more than held their own for the final three periods of play.
Last time the teams met Port snuck away by 17 points and the Dogs have only improved since then.
Lee Campbell, Gene Clement and Brent Craighead should all return after missing last weekend’s loss, but Mat Cunningham and Andrew Coats – the remaining members of what coach Tyson Lane calls the five big C’s – will not return until next week.
Read more at http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/08/19/178831_local-sport-news.html
Courtesy of The Cairns Post.
Last Modified on 19/08/2011 09:56