Todd Featherstone was deadeye dick in Labrador’s win over UQ on Sunday, and because of that, is the round 8 Syd Guildford player of the round nominee.
Featherstone was the shining light for the Tigers, finishing with five goals from his five shots.
“It was good, to kick five is alright I guess, it was probably only because I kicked straight that I ended up with (the nomination),” he said.
Despite the addition of forwards to the Tigers lineup in 2015, Featherstone’s role has stayed much the same.
“I just play as an extra on baller and high half forward, so it hasn’t really changed,” Featherstone said.
“I used to play on the ball back in the day but because I’m getting a bit older they probably think they should save my legs a little bit.”
His accuracy in front of the sticks bucked the trend of the other forwards, who struggled to find their radar in front of goal.
“We are going through a period now where we are priming up again and keeping our fitness, that’s no excuse for tired legs I suppose but we have worked hard on our goal kicking this year, so I think it’s a lack of concentration at times,” he said.
“At training those guys never miss.”
In eight rounds so far, Featherstone has booted 15 goals, only failing to impact the scoreboard on one occasion. Not bad for someone who plays up the ground a lot.
“Everyone loves kicking goals and it’s been good. I’ve been kicking pretty straight this year,” Featherstone said.
“Normally I am a terrible set shot but this year has been alright, and I’ve hit the scoreboard pretty regularly.”
Featherstone has achieved a lot throughout his senior career, but there is one box left to tick.
“I’ve played 15 years of senior footy and never won a flag so it would be good to try and get one,” he said.
“I would like to get through the whole year without injury. I’d like to kick a few more goals and win a few more games and see how we go at the end.”
If the Tigers keep playing the way they have, Featherstone just may get his wish.
They take on Mt Gravatt this Saturday at Dittmer Park.
By Andrew Wiles – @andrewjwiles
