Labrador Captain Ryan Davey has won the Round 4 Syd Guildford Trophy nomination for his standout performance against Palm Beach Currumbin on Saturday.
Davey dominated in the midfield, leading the Tigers to a 15-point victory even though the team displayed some inaccurate goal kicking with 19 behinds.
The 27-year-old accepted the news with modesty and good humour.
“It was just good to get out there and have a run,” Davey laughed.
“That’s great though, we knew Palm Beach would be a good side, and I think everyone worked really hard and helped each other as a team,” Davey said.
Labrador coach Steve Daniel said Davey’s presence in the game was definitely known to the opposition.
“He was outstanding, he kicked two beautiful goals just from centre clearances alone, and his impact on stoppages was incredible,” Daniel said.
Daniel said Davey is really respected at the Labrador Tigers Football Club, particularly to those who are just starting out, who see him as a role model who always leads by example.
Something else that sets Davey apart is his attitude towards playing.
“The main thing that a lot of people have noticed is that he’s really been enjoying his football lately, which is really good for other players to adopt,” Daniel said.
Davey said he is in a positive frame of mind because the team is starting to build in the competition.
“It’s been a tough couple of years for the club, and it’s only been this year that we’re starting to come together and finding our way as a team,” Davey said.
“We have a lot of new boys in and they’re beginning to understand the structures that we follow when playing games,” Davey said.
Davey said the players couldn’t take all the credit because the newly appointed coach Daniel has definitely had an impact on the team’s performance.
“He’s been fantastic. His big focus is work rate, as long as the work rate is high, he’ll be happy,” Davey said.
Davey said he looks forward to playing more footy this season.
“All I want to do is continue to work hard and lead the group the best I can,” Davey said.
