IT has been a long three years for Charlie Dixon since he put pen to paper as the first signing to new AFL franchise Gold Coast Suns. But tomorrow night the 20-year-old will run out at centre half forward alongside Cairns compatriot Jarrod Harbrow in the first Gold Coast AFL team against Melbourne giants Carlton.
The Gabba, in front of 40,000 screaming fans, couldn’t be further from his beginnings as a Redlynch Lions junior in the Far North.
It took a severe arm-twisting from brother Jesse to even join that team, but Charlie will tell you now that he is glad he eventually surrendered to his big brother’s wishes.
"I never really thought I’d be an AFL player," Dixon told The Cairns Post after the team announcement yesterday.
"But I got into the footy culture and loved it and obviously now I’m really happy with my decision."
The nerves will slowly build today and tomorrow within his 2m frame, but once the ball is bounced Dixon knows it will all be OK.
"I have been thinking about it a lot, but not to the extent that I’m worried about not getting a kick or possession," he said.
"It’s about getting through this one and aiming at playing every game this year."
Read more at: http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/04/01/156981_local-sport-news.html
Courtesy of The Cairns Post
Last Modified on 11/05/2011 12:02