TRENT SLATTER | THE CHRONICLE | 11 SEPTEMBER 2013
BRENDAN Shelton admits playing two games of footy every weekend is a pretty heavy workload.
But that hasn't stopped the Darling Downs Crows star from taking out of the top individual honour in the Brisbane division one competition.
Shelton was named best and fairest at the league's awards night last week after polling 29 votes to finish two points clear of his nearest rival.
The 14-year-old claimed best on ground honours eight times throughout the season, even polling three points in a losing side in the last round.
But Shelton was modest about his efforts and admitted he was still nervous listening to the count from the final rounds.
"A few games here and there weren't too good but it was pretty fun to play. I thought I might have a chance," he said.
"I was pretty nervous when it came to our (final) round. My heart was beating pretty crazy."
Shelton also paid tribute to his teammates and said part of his success was from playing in such a strong team.
The Crows under-14 program was only launched last year but they have made it through to the semi-finals both times.
"We have a really good team. If you look at the game plan and the spine, it's really strong," Shelton said.
"Just getting the ball from one end to the other, everyone works well.
"We've grown up with each other all through footy and we know each others strengths and weaknesses."
The biggest challenge for the young Crows has been playing club footy in Toowoomba on Saturday before backing up in the Brisbane comp on Sunday.
Shelton said playing two games back-to-back could take its toll but he still enjoyed the chance to play in Brisbane.
"It's pretty tough. It's a bit hard on the body sometimes," he said.
"It's pretty tiring if you play a hard team the day before and then play another hard team on the Sunday (but) it doesn't bother me too much."
This year was Shelton's last in the under-14 Crows and there is currently no under-16 team.
But after being named the best in the league, the centre half-back said he was keen to try his luck with a Brisbane club next season.
"There's plenty of road trips (but) I love the level of toughness and you get used to the driving," he said.
Last Modified on 17/09/2013 16:21
