The sight of Kane Richter running freely on the Cazalys turf this week was great vision for North Cairns supporters, as the club faithful prepares to welcome the player-coach back from long-term injury next season.
The former Tasmanian Devils VFL representative was kept off the park with a dodgy shoulder last season, but encouraged by his form in the inaugural AFL 9s, is confident of a strong comeback in 2012.
He played for the Cape York King Cobras in the non-contact social league, saying it was the perfect introduction after the lay-off. His Tigers teammates entered a team too, defeating Kuka Munga Kracker Killers in the grand final on Wednesday night.
"I don’t know how many players are doing this sort of thing in the off-season and I think it’s a positive thing for those guys preparing to play in the league next season," he said. "Personally, it was good to run around and I’m keen to do more physical stuff in the New Year."
Richter was the only incumbent coach to keep his job in a flurry of off-season movement at AFL Cairns clubs and has hopes of steering the raw talent towards a finals berth.
He said the club would announce its latest roster acquisitions in the New Year and Richter was happy to fuel the rumour that star Northern Pride skipper Ty Williams — who played AFL 9s — was considering a code-switch in the near future.
"You can run with that if you like — I’m sure Chris Sheppard (Pride CEO) would love that," Richter said. "Ty and I are good mates, though, and he always tells me the league boys don’t mind kicking the (Sherrin) around before training."
Read more at http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/12/17/196961_local-sport-news.html
Last Modified on 19/12/2011 12:06