By Beth Newman
Noosa youngster Jake Fulton had a breakout game for the Tigers on Saturday, in their thrilling win over local rivals, Maroochydore.
Fulton picked up the Parry/Daddow medal as the best on ground in the Sunshine Coast clash, and showed plenty of composure as the Roos closed in late in the game.
The Noosa junior is playing his first season fo seniro footy, and after an injury-interrupted start to the season, is really hitting his straps.
Fulton said he was honoured to receive the prestigious medal after the match.
“I was pretty surprised to takethe (Parry/Daddow) medal but I’ll definitely take that on and keep improving on that (performance),” he said.
Fulton said the Tigers were stoked to finally get a win on the board, after falling agonisingly short in a number of games early in the season.
“The boys have been a little bit down so far and haven’t been able to put four quarters together,” he said.
“It was good to see it all come together and hold strong and come through with a win.”
The 21 year-old said he was feeling the nerves in the last quarter, as the Roos drew within a kick in the closing stages, but had faith in his side to hold it together.
“The boys were real determined to get a win on the board,” he said.
“Sick of going into a last quarter and losing it.”
In a high-pressure game, Fulton said it was the team-oriented attitude of Noosa that kept them going all day.
“ The boys really pulled together and worked as a team,” he said.
“If we can keep building on that,. We can go a long way I reckon and get a few more wins.”
Fulton said he hoped to use the game as a foundation for his own season as well, after an inconsistent start to his first senior season.
“I’ve been a bit up and down, had a few games injured, but I’m finding it pretty good so far,” he said.
“I’ve found how to keep composed and put four quarters together now so if I can keep going there I can get a lot better.”
Noosa coach, Wayne Fletcher, paid tribute to Fulton after the game, saying it was by far his best game of the season.
In many ways Fulton’s season has mirrored that of his team, and plenty of Tigers, including the youngster himself, will be hoping that both can continue to improve from this point on.
“We’ll definitely pick up from there and go on stronger now,” Fulton said.
