HIS coach does not believe him but 2007 Crathern Medalist William Alick has declared tonight’s Indigenous and South Pacific All Stars appearance as his swan song in the annual match.
And, fittingly for the 37-year-old, he has been installed as the team’s skipper as they prepare to take on the Cairns All Stars tonight at Cazalys Stadium.
The North Cairns forward is a constant in this representative game and says 2017 will be his last in AFL Cairns.
Indigenous and South Pacific All Stars coach Marc Harbrow laughed off suggestions the dynamic goalkicker would not return in 2018 but he knows what Alick’s presence around the group means.
“Leadership, experience, he is the old head and he is boisterous so he naturally stands out in the group,” Harbrow said.
“He leads by example.
“The boys love him, he is one of those guys who have been involved with those concept every year.
“He gets the group going behind the signs.
“We all have seen him on fire before on the field and he has that influential personality.”
Indigenous and South Pacific All Stars players William Alick and Tyler Gorogo. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN.Source:News Corp Australia
The Manunda Hawks premiership player says the annual showcase match, which influences North Queensland representative selection, is special.
“It is something we all look forward too, this game and playing together all the Torres Straight Islander boys,” Alick said.
“Being a Torres Straight Islander, playing with the boys around us is great.
“I guess I am the oldest one in the group.
“Marc has picked a good side this year.
“Hopefully we can get up again.”
Alick is set to lead an exciting forward unit consisting of Kowanyama’s Fitzroy Greenwool, Hawks key position player Ezekiel Frank and fellow Tiger Leroy Enosa.
The Indigenous and South Pacific team hold a 3-1 advantage in the four games played with Harbrow over the moon with his “naturally and raw talented” squad.
There will be a new concept this year with a 23rd player named for both clubs, selected on form and professionalism, with Danny Floyd (All Stars) and Jamahl Jenkins-Clive (Indigenous and South Pacific) named.
Port Douglas skipper Kye Chapple will lead the All Stars.
Originally published as Crathern Medalist declares tonight’s rep his last
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