A brilliant 10-minute, 4-goal burst by Cape York’s Isaac Rokeby proved the difference in a high standard North Queensland Suns Academy Northern vs. Central game at Airlie Beach today.
Rokeby, who celebrated his 18th birthday the previous day, finished with 5-goals as a small forward, despite spending half the match in defence. He was ably supported in the Northern squad by Cairns trio; defender/midfielder Rhys Bridge, tall defender Adam Paynting, and ruck/forward Shannon Gale.
The game was an arm wrestle for three quarters, but Northern managed to break loose early in the final term to run out 25-point winners.
Mackay’s Josh Chiswell picked up the Robin Hull Medal for best afield in an impressive performance, both as a medium sized forward and his customary role in defence.
Mackay defender Bryce Kachel and hard running Rockhampton midfielders Brandon Chadwick and Luke Saunders were also prominent for the Centrals.
Fifteen players were selected, in addition to 9 NQ players training with the Academy on the Gold Coast, to play a ‘home’ game against the Academy Metro squad following the NAB Cup game in Townsville this Saturday night.
Northern 12.9.81
Central 7.8.56
Goals:
Northern; Rokeby 5, Holden 2, Reisenwebber, Barnett, Markham, Gale, McConochy 1
Central; Chiswell 3, Boyd 2, Chapman, M. Laskey 1
Best:
Northern; Rokeby, Bridge, McConochy, Gale, Ritchie
Central; Chiswell, Kachel, B. Chadwick, Saunders, Chapman
