Southport coach Nathan Bock has heaped praise on young defender Seb Rogers after his breakout performance against Brisbane on Sunday at Fankhauser Reserve.
The 19-year-old, who hails from Hamilton in country Victoria, is beginning to find his feet at NEAFL level after a meteoric rise up the ranks this year.
After moving to Queensland three years ago, Rogers joined Noosa Football Club where he remained at AFL Queensland’s QFA level up until early this year – playing only two NEAFL matches as a Brisbane top-up player in 2014.
He was signed to Southport’s rookie list and began the season in the QAFL Reserves for Broadbeach before jumping up to QAFL seniors, and eventually played his first NEAFL match as a Gold Coast top-up in Round 7.
Rogers made his club debut a week later against Sydney University, was elevated to the Sharks senior list, and has played in every match for the club since.
On Sunday, Rogers was named among the Southport’s best players as they recorded a 75-point victory over Brisbane to keep their finals hopes alive.
“Seb Rogers has been outstanding for us since getting his opportunity,” Bock told NEAFL TV.
“He’s come from Noosa playing a lot lower level of football last year, and started playing reserves level at QAFL this year.
“He’s made a massive transformation as a player and I think he played his best game for the footy club (on Sunday).”
It was a much-needed win for the Sharks, who opened up a four-point gap over seventh-placed Redland on the ladder with four rounds to go.
Last Modified on 26/07/2016 15:39