Noosa Heads couple Dan and Wendy Tickner are in the business of managing expectations.
The object of their unwavering attention is their son Cain, a 195cm, 95kg in-development project with pace, strength and athleticism.
Tickner's AFL potential was further underlined earlier this month when the Brisbane Lions signed him to an academy scholarship.
The arrangement concludes next year, when the 17-year-old becomes eligible for the AFL draft.
By handing Tickner a scholarship, Brisbane has to a degree shielded him from the draft.
The Lions can pre-draft him with their lowest pick, although another club can secure his services by outbidding them.
In effect, Brisbane has the first and last right to him.
The Sunshine Beach State High Year 12 student seems destined to become a member of a select club - the handful of Coast products to play in the AFL.
But as his father said yesterday, "there are no guarantees".
"I don't want to get carried away with anything at this stage," Dan said.
"There's a lot of water to flow under the bridge yet.
"It's just a launching pad, a starting point. He's still got to put in the work and maintain his form and desire."
In saying that, Dan knows his son is something special.
The West Australian under-18 side experienced Tickner's talked-about skills earlier this month when he booted two late goals to deliver Queensland a two-point upset win.
An under-15 All-Australian representative and a member of the AIS-AFL Academy, he is being groomed as a tall midfielder but can also play key forward and key back positions.
He will relocate to Brisbane at the end of the season to commence pre-season training with the Lions.
"There's no guarantee, but I'm definitely further towards it (playing in the AFL)," the teen said.
Unlike most youngsters who dream big, Tickner has the ability to fulfil his goals.
But there is one goal he is yet to tick off on the path to a possible AFL career.
He has been with the Noosa Tigers since under-7s, but is yet to play a senior game for the club.
He hopes that will change when he finishes his Queensland under-18 duties.
"Towards the end of this year, I'd definitely like to get a game or a few games for the seniors," he said, adding he turned down opportunities to play for State League clubs this season in favour of staying with Noosa.
Brisbane academy manager Luke Curran said Tickner presented "really well" and had great hands.
"He has plenty of positives, but there are still a number of things he needs to improve on if he's going to become a good player for the club in the long term," Curran said.
Article written by Mark Bode for the Sunshine Coast Daily.
Last Modified on 27/07/2012 10:00