By Mark Perriman
UQ’s Cain Tickner is the latest nominee for the Syd Guildford Award after a bag of goals and contested marks in a commanding performance at home against Sandgate.
However, for the young man who UQ coach, Matt Stewart, describes as an animal on the field, it was the one-percenters that left the greatest impression on the Red Lions coach Matt Stewart.
Lighting up the field whilst playing his role in the team is what Stewart believes is the reason behind Tickner’s nomination.
To the Red Lions coach, it’s the little things that make him standout, such as the commitment shown by the Noosa local to commute each week to play.
Such an approach to his footy and teammates that has earned the Aspley rookie-listed tall the respect of his coach and playing group.
“Cain is outstanding on and off the field,” said Stewart.
“He is not just out there having a kick. He’s giving 100 per cent and getting better.”
Physically imposing and aggressive on the ball, the former Queensland Scorpion has impressed with a versatility on and off the ball that is seemingly beyond his years.
“His tackling pressure is as good as I’ve ever seen,” Stewart acknowledged.
“He’s 6’5 and aggressive on the ball,
“I couldn’t believe he was 17-18, he plays like a seasoned veteran.”
Given the high esteem Tickner is held in around Oval 7, his coach believes the young Lion is firming as a favourite for this year’s award.
“He’s a tall playing like a small, and his follow-up work is outstanding,” Stewart notes.
“But he also values the team first, and has been outstanding within the team rules.
“I can’t think of any players who can apply like pressure like him, who can influence a game like him.”
