A brilliant 10 minute, 4 goal burst by Cape York small forward Isaac Rokeby was the difference in a high standard Northern vs Central game for NQ Suns Academy players today at Airlie Beach.
Rokeby, who celebrated his 18th birthday the previous day, finished with 5 goals as a small forward, despite spending half the match in defence. He was ably supported in the Northern squad by Cairns trio; defender/midfielder Rhys Bridge, tall defender Adam Paynting, and ruck/forward Shannon Gale.
The game was an arm wrestle for three quarters, until Northern broke loose early in the last. Mackay's Josh Chiswell picked up the Robin Hull Medal for best afield in an impressive performance both as a medium sized forward and his more customary role in defence. Mackay defender Bryce Kachel and hard running Rockhampton midfielders Brandon Chadwick and Luke Saunders were also very prominent for the Centrals.
Fifteen players were selected, in addition to 9 NQ players training with the Academy on the Gold Coast, to play a 'home' game against the Academy Metro squad following the NAB Cup in Townsville on Saturday night.
Northern 12.9.81
Central 7.8.56
Goals: Northern; Rokeby 5, Holden 2, Reisenwebber, Barnett, Markham, Gale, McConochy 1
Central; Chiswell 3, Boyd 2, Chapman, M. Laskey 1
Best: Northern; Rokeby, Bridge, McConochy, Gale, Ritchie
Central; Chiswell, Kachel, B. Chadwick, Saunders, Chapman
Craig Starcevich
AFLQ
NQ Development Manager
Craig.Starcevich@aflq.com.au
0404 499 000
Last Modified on 25/02/2013 10:50