Dynamic Papua New Guinean product Peter Labi picked a good week to show off his repertoire of dazzling skills at Dittmer Park last Sunday.
With a number of AFL recruiting scouts watching Mt Gravatt’s clash with Aspley, Labi was highly creative at half-forward in the first half and impressed with his defensive efforts in the second.
Having only been playing the game for four years, his efforts to be a regular with both the Vultures and Mt Gravatt at the age of 17 speak volumes for his development and potential.
Labi’s performances over the season at senior level saw him recognized this week as the nab QAFL Rising Star nominee.
He has played eight games for the Vultures and kicked six goals in 2009, and managed a further five games and four goals for the Lions.
Labi (pronounced ‘Lubby’) stands at a healthy 187cm and 79kg, although he is still growing and has an uncle who is 207cm tall.
Originally from the town of Lei, the home of former Brisbane Lions trialist Alister Sioni, he was introduced to the game at school.
“I used to watch the AFL on TV but I love it when I play,” Labi said.
Labi’s talent was quickly identified by Oceania and PNG boss Andrew Cadzow and he was encouraged to move to Brisbane for the winter, where he played under 16s and then seniors with Sandgate and Nambour.
He represented the Sunshine Coast Power at the Australia Post State Under 16 championships two years ago and was fast-tracked to State League level this season.
He admitted that the long absences from home were difficult for the first two seasons, but he is now relishing the opportunities that are being presented to him.
The message from both Sioni and the Lions coaching staff has been similar.
“They encouraged me to put my head down, believe in myself, and keep improving,” Labi said.
The youngest member of the PNG Mosquitoes team that won the International Cup grand final at the MCG in a curtain-raiser during last year’s AFL finals series, Labi is hoping to taste more finals experience with Mt Gravatt.
Labi and his teammates made a huge downpayment on a finals berth with their crushing win over Aspley last week.
“Coach Lake was happy that I was getting into space and hitting my targets,” he said.
Labi did not rate it his best game however. That was reserved for the Lions’ big win over Southport at the Gabba in Round 13 when the teenager had the better of esteemed Shark Darren O’Brien for a half.
Labi is the second Papua New Guinean to earn a nab Rising Star nomination this season, with Southport and now Essendon teen David Meli earning the gong in Round 12.
Last Modified on 02/09/2009 12:06