WHETHER it was propelled by disappointment and frustration of a foot injury or the hunger of being back playing or a mix of all three, but Josh Caddy certainly let everyone know about his return.
After missing three games as a result of a foot injury, Caddy returned last weekend to the Northern Knights in spectacular fashion.
Not only did Caddy headline the Knights’ crushing 81-point victory against Greater Western Sydney, but he also earned a call up to the Vic Metro team that travels to Tasmania this weekend for the next round of the AFL Under 18 National Championships.
Caddy collected 25 possessions, took 13 marks – five contested -, kicked seven goals and laid three tackles in a best-on-ground ground performance.
After taking some centre bounces, Caddy pushed forward, where he really excelled as a mobile, marking option and capitalised on his chances with a TAC Cup career-high seven goals.
Caddy said he once kicked 14 goals while playing for Marcellin College, but his previous best in the TAC Cup was five.
It reaffirmed not in Caddy’s mind, but also the Vic Metro selectors mind that he was ready to play in the National Championships.
“I’m rapt to be in the Metro team,” Caddy said.
“There’s no denying it was a bit disappointing to miss out playing for Metro against Country, but I just needed to give my foot a rest and look at the long term picture.
“I didn’t want to risk hurting myself so it was best that I had some time off. Going into the game I was as hungry as ever to play after being on the sidelines watching for a couple of weeks.
“I was definitely very excited and hungry to be back out there.”
As part of the Knights’ player feed back program, each player is asked to nominate his ‘Knights’ player of the game and explain why. Caddy emerged as the overwhelming choice of his peers.
Allen said it provides a really good insight as to who is the best leader on the ground and who does what.
“The feed-back on Josh has been terrific, not only because he kicked seven goals in his first game back from injury, but also his leadership and presence,” Allen said.
“He’s a really aggressive competitor and pretty demanding at times. We’ve had some feed-back from recruiters wondering if he’s having a crack at teammates, but it’s not that.
“Josh is really a spirited competitor. He’s really urging the blokes on and competitive in that space, which a lot of young kids these days are not.“
Allen isn’t surprised that Caddy could have such a dominant effect.
“He’s really just an outstanding player and person,” Allen enthused. “He’s a good trainer, he plays good, solid football.”
Caddy doesn’t view himself as “aggressive”, but admits he’s “very competitive when it comes to sport.”
“I’ve always liked winning, I’ll do anything to win.”
It’s evident by Northern Knight’s top-of-the-ladder status.
Last Modified on 15/06/2010 11:46