By Harry Krebs
Surfers Paradise Demons young gun, Cassidy Haberfield, has been named the QAFL Round 7 Rising Star after a gutsy performance against an undefeated Morningside last Saturday.
Haberfield joyfully accepted the nomination.
“It’s a great honour, to be thought of as a Rising Star,” Haberfield said.
“I’m thankful for it.”
The Queensland U18 representative has only played TWO games for his home clus this season, with state duties and NEAFL reserves call-ups
Surfers Paradise were very happy to have the youngster back in their ranks, with his ball-winning ability shining through in the stoppages.
Only 170cm, Haberfield is a gritty midfielder whose strength more than makes up for what he lacks in height.
Haberfield made his senior debut for the Demons in 2012, having the chance to play alongside his two elder brothers, Brody and Jesse.
This season, most of his senior matches have been in a SUNS jumper as a top-up for their reserves side, an opportunity he has jumped at.
“It’s great to play in the NEAFL, I’ve learnt so much playing in a tougher league,” Haberfield said.
Haberfield kept the midfield churning against the Panthers with a relentless attitude to win possession of the footy.
“I was pretty happy with my game, I think I ran to the right spots and got to the ball and contests,” he said.
“I was happy with my effort most of all, and my tackling.”
Haberfield showed he had other strings to his bow by dodging the opposition to kick a spectacular running goal midway through the second quarter.
While he harbours ambitions to go far with his footy, Surfers Paradise is still very much his home.
“It’s good to play in that league and that team again. I’ve played for Surfers for a while now and have known the boys for years. I really enjoy it,” he said.
“I want to take it as far as I can by working hard at it.”