Wednesday 9 March 2011
Outstanding Morningside and State defender Matt Pardew will play in the Pineapple Hotel Cup competition this season with Wilston-Grange.
The popular clubman suffered a badly broken leg in April 2007 and following complications was not able to regain the strength and agility that made him one of the best backmen in the QAFL competition.
Recruited by the Panthers from Cairns, he was so impressive in his debut season in 2003 that he was rookie listed by the Brisbane Lions.
He was unable to secure a place on the senior list and after starring in 2005 back with the Panthers, embarked on a stint in regional Victoria.
He returned to the Panthers in 2007 but suffered the horrific injury, returning in 2009 for a handful of senior games.
A premiership player, the 27-year-old will be a welcome addition to the Gorillas in the AFLQ Premier Division.
The Panthers have recruited well from north Queensland over the years and gained three more young prospects this season.
Well performed Country Kookaburras and Australia Post Queensland Scorpions Under 18 triallists Luke Chitty (North Cairns) and Henry Joyce (Hermit Park) have moved to the city, as has Tristan Dennis from the Curra Swans.
The trio don’t turn 18 until well into the season.
