AFL Cairns: ‘No excuse players’: The underrated core Crocs trio powering Port Douglas in 2024
With a combined 19 premierships under their belt, these three core players epitomise the club’s legacy of success.
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After basking in the glory of last season’s premiership triumph, winger Joshua Lea (seven premierships), ruckman Ethan McCullough (five) and utility Brett McKeown (seven) are hungry for more success in the upcoming campaign. With their sights set on going back-to-back, these seasoned veterans are poised to once again play pivotal roles in their sides charge into the fast approaching 2024 season.
Six-time AFL Cairns premiership winner Brad Cooper said the trio fly under-the-radar. “Three of the easiest guys to coach. They’re invested and they’re no excuse players,” he said.
“You don’t have to motivate or worry about them, you know what you’re going to get from them week in, week out.”
Approaching his tenth season, Brett McKeown pinch-hit in the ruck throughout the finals series and put in a stellar lockdown performance on former-Saints gun Zac Straker in the grand final.
A fierce competitor, he thrives on shutting down the competition’s best players.
“He’s an absolute competitive beast,” Cooper said.
“I’ve always referred to him as the golden child when I was coach. He’s got the attributes of an athlete, probably doesn’t have the polished ball skills of some of his other teammates, but he makes up for it tenfold in determination and heart.
“There’s not a player that gives more on the ground than Brett McKeown.”
NQ representative Ethan McCullough spent majority of his time at the Crocs as second ruck behind big-bodied ruck Josh Wilson. However, the 27-year old has become number one ruck over the past few seasons and has been a crucial part of the clubs defence.
“Ethan was the blessing that gave us a one-two punch (in the ruck),” Cooper said.
“Undersized ruck but gets around the ground like an on-baller. Best combination going around.
“Every side would love to have him because he can play anywhere and he works hard from end to end.”
Wingers sometimes don’t get the credit they deserve, with Lea a prime example.
After 170 games and staring down his 11th season, Lea has been crucial to Crocs structure.
“He’s a running machine that’s built for the wing,” Cooper said.
“He works hard on his endurance, he’s a consistent performer across the board but he goes to another gear in big games and enjoys those moments at Cazalys on the big stage.
Lea said he’s seen the evolution of the AFL Cairns league over the past decade.
“Everything’s changed, the league, the team,” he said.
“There were still some guns in the (premiership) team from 2014, but the team wasn’t the most skilful and honestly, they’d be our two’s team now.
“The league was a lot different then, more local and less professional.”
AFL Cairns season kicks off April 13.
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Originally published as AFL Cairns: ‘No excuse players’: The underrated core Crocs trio powering Port Douglas in 2024
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