By Alex Suchocki
Photo Courtesy: Dave Clarke
Labrador’s talented Zac Brain has earned himself the Round 18 Rising Star Nomination after a combative effort against Broadbeach on the weekend.
Brain showed his class in conditions that were nothing short of atrocious, imposing himself at contests with slick, clean ball movement that were second to none.
Labarador’s footy operations manager, Jarrod Field praised Brain’s efforts on the weekend.
“The Conditions were ordinary which suited Zac as he is courageous and always has a crack and gives it a go,”he said.
It was a dirty day at the office for most players with a slippery waterlogged ball to chase as the rain poured down all day.
However, Brain’s exceptional work rate and determination to find the footy didn’t go unnoticed.
“There weren’t any specific instruction we gave Zac to follow as the conditions made it tough, but in the end it was his reward for effort that was a real highlight of his game on the weekend,” Field said.
Brain is relishing the opportunities presented to him at Labrador, having come to the club from Coolangatta, where he is taking his game to another level.
“He has stepped up from Coolangatta and stepped up a grade and he hasn’t missed a beat since he’s been at Labrador,” Field said.
“He is very comfortable at this level.”
On the weekend, Brain looked really comfortable within Labrador’s structure, playing a high half-forward role, rotating through the middle.
Brain’s courageousness and desire to win the ball is a real attribute of his game.
Labrador coach, Steve Daniel was also full of praise.
“He had a fantastic game in those heavy conditions, he was very good at contested footy and at times he puts his head where it shouldn’t go,” Daniel said.
He hasn’t taken long to find his feet at his new club, having slotted twelve goals in his sixteen games for the season, along with an impressive seven best on ground performances.
Brain was also instrumental in the round 7 win against University, slotting five majors.
Brain is a key component of Labrador’s outfit and will be hoping to set the competition alight in the coming weeks of finals footy.
