Budding Croc has big decision to make

AFL CAIRNS

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Port Douglas youngster Daniel Davidson in action for the Crocs earlier this year. IMAGE: Supplied.

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PORT Douglas teenager Daniel Davidson admits he has a big decision to make at the end of the year.

After being selected for the Queensland under 17 team for matches against Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria Country, the exciting 17-year-old has the opportunity to be listed by the Gold Coast Suns academy next year, potentially edging him closer to an AFL career.

There’s just one catch.

“I’d have to move down to the Gold Coast and do a full pre-season with them, and there are no guarantees,” he said.

“It’s definitely a good option and something I will have to seriously consider pursuing.

“I guess I’m just weighing it all up at the moment.”

Local product Davidson, the son of dual Crathern Medalist Rod, is one of the most exciting talents in the Far North. He turned heads in his first state outing against Tasmanian at Arden Street, home of the North Melbourne footy club, and was solid against NSW at Southport earlier this month.

He now hopes to impress in the last Future Series clash against Vic Country at Carlton’s IKON Park, but not before taking care of business with Port Douglas.

The youngster has been named for the top-of-the-table showdown with Cairns Saints tomorrow alongside his brother, Ash. He made his senior debut against Manunda earlier this year and believes he's starting to adjust to the higher standard.

“It took a few games to adapt to playing against bigger bodies, and just the higher speed and pace,” Davidson said.

The Saints are unbeaten this campaign and will start a slight favourite at Griffiths Park. The Crocs 13-point defeat in May was their first loss at home since April 2016.

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“They jumped us early that day and it cost us in the end,” Davidson said.

“They were very skilful with their ball movement and played a bit smarter than us.

“Hopefully we can turn the tables.”

Last weekend’s AFL Queensland match has not been kind to Port Douglas with representatives Skip Gribbon and Jordan Chapman ruled out tomorrow, while skipper Kye Chapple is also in doubt.

Gribbon kicked four-goals in North Queensland’s narrow loss to South Queensland and was awarded the Wayne Jackson medal as their best player.

Joshua Lea and Todd Shapter will also miss for the Crocs.

“We probably haven’t got our strongest team in but we’re still pretty confident,” Davidson said.

“It should be a tough game.”


AFL CAIRNS – ROUND 15
Saturday July 21, 3pm
Cairns Saints v Port Douglas
Griffiths Park, Cairns


 

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