20 year-old Labrador forward Rhys Coombe is the round 16 QAFL Rising Star nominee.
The young Tiger has really come of age since the bye round, bagging three goals on Saturday to go with his five from the week before.
“It’s more about consistency,” Coombe admitted.
“I’ve had a few good quarters throughout the year but I’ve put a couple of good four quarter performances together lately which has been good.”
Coombe credits the one-week break for his hot streak of form.
“The bye definitely came at the right time for me,” he said.
“I was a bit sore, the body wasn’t really too good before the bye but we had the week off then I’ve had a pretty good couple of good weeks.”
The 20 year-old worked well with his fellow forwards on the day to form a deadly combination which Sandgate had no answer to.
“We know Sandgate can be dangerous but it is a bit harder to prepare when you are going into a game against a team lower than you on the ladder,” Coombe said.
“Sometimes there can be complacency but I think the boys did really well on the day so it was good.”
Coombe was born and bred in Tasmania, only joining Labrador when he moved up to Queensland at 15.
“I played one year and I didn’t really enjoy it because it was a lot different up here to footy in Tassie.
“So the next year I didn’t play, but then in the following year they were struggling for numbers halfway through the season so they asked me to fill in.
“I’ve loved it ever since.”
After working his way up to senior level over the last few years, Coombe says he is looking to keep the momentum going.
“I want to play more years of senior footy,” he said.
“It’s been great so far, I’ve learnt so much at this level from all the guys around me”.
Coombe is fitting in well with Josh Baxter and Bryce Retzlaff up forward for Labrador and says he has one very important job.
“It’s mainly just to get out of their way,” Coombe joked.
“No, it’s really just all about playing my role – everyone’s got a different one so if I do my bit and they do their bit then it all comes together well.”
With Labrador in the box seat to finish in the top three, Coombe has identified what he needs to do to continue his good form heading into finals.
“I need to keep trying to be consistent and play my role for the team and hopefully keep the ball rolling.
“If I do all that then I’m sure we’ll have success as a team.”
By Josh Cheadle – @JoshCheadle20
