Surfers Paradise grunt player Cassidy Haberfield is the round 7 QAFL Rising Star nominee.
Haberfield played a massive hand in the Demons big win over Wilston Grange last Saturday, winning the contested ball, but also getting on his bike out wide, providing a running option.
The Demons skipped away in the second half. They ran in waves, they linked up, and they played for each other.
It’s that brand of football that has left Haberfield with a smile on his face.
“Yeah [my game] was pretty good. I think I’ve just started really enjoying my footy. It’s a really good team environment at the moment, every one is switched on, so I’ve just been really enjoying it,” Haberfield said.
In fact, he is doing a bit more than just ‘enjoying’ his footy.
‘This season is the most fun I have had in my footy since juniors. The blokes around us are just great people to be around,” he said.
With names like Pope, Macansh and Woolford all joining the Demons midfield over summer, Haberfield’s role has changed a little.
“We have got a lot more inside mids, so I don’t have to be at every stoppage anymore, which is good. I’ve been playing a bit more outside, which I think I said is what I wanted to do last year when we spoke; I wanted to get forward a bit, and I have,” he said.
The difference in confidence and the difference in belief between Surfers now, and 12 months ago is staggering. They are playing inspired football.
“It’s enjoyment, it’s excitement. Everyone is just happy to be there. There are a lot more blokes excited to get to training, and we are just getting around each other a lot more than what we did last year. It’s making us click,” Haberfield said.
“We have always known, and had the capability, but the way we have gelled together has definitely given us a bit more belief.
“I think we took a lot out of last year, a lot out of all those close games, and all those learning curves have made us a lot better, and that’s why we are starting to see the rewards.”
And looking forward, why put a ceiling on what they can achieve?
“I don’t think there is a limit, I’m not going to limit us at all. We just need to get ourselves into the finals and see where we go,” Haberfield said.
Surfers Paradise has a big clash against Mt Gravatt this Saturday at Dittmer Park, kicking off at 2:00pm.
By Andrew Wiles
Follow @andrewjwiles
