Trent Cotchin names 16-year old Far North gun as ‘a player who could be anything’

One of the rising guns of the Far North had the opportunity to run out alongside three-time premiership captain Trent Cotchin.

Three time AFL premiership winning captain Trent Cotchin is tackled in the AFL Cairns Pride Round clash between the Port Douglas Crocs and the South Cairns Cutters at Port Douglas. Picture: Brendan Radke

Flocks of Far North footy fans arrived at the Croc Pit to see the 2012 Brownlow Medallist Trent Cotchin don the Port Douglas colours for a one-match special against South Cairns Cutters.

In a top of the table blockbuster between two superstar midfields, the ruthless Cutters led by coach Daryn Cresswell showed no mercy in a thrilling 75-82 victory over the Crocs.

After the match, Cotchin singled out one-time Crocs teammate Zayne Moore as a future player to watch.

“There’s clearly a lot of talent across the field, I think we’ve got some good runners on the outside, Joshy (Lea) and young Zayne (Moore),” Cotchin said.

“ (Zayne’s) a player who could be anything, he’s got all the attributes, he can run all day.

“I think he plays two games (seniors and juniors) most weekends so it’s a credit to him to show up today and then go again tomorrow.”

Zayne Moore, 16, gets a kick away in the AFL Cairns Pride Round clash between the Port Douglas Crocs and the South Cairns Cutters at Port Douglas. Picture: Brendan Radke

Moore said the chance to run out with the Tigers legend was an amazing experience.

“To play alongside a bloke that’s played that level of footy and achieved what he has, it was amazing,” Moore said.

Trent Cotchin of the Tigers celebrates with the premiership cup during the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at The Gabba. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“It was one of the toughest games I’ve been a part of and to play in an intense, tight game with (Cotchin), it was a great experience.

“There was a couple times I got a handball off (Trent). Most of the time you’re just zoned in on the game, but there was one stage I got a handball and booted it off and it was like far out, Cotchin just gave me a (kick).”

“He gave me (advice before the match) to just enjoy my footy, you never know what’s going to happen, so make the most of it.”

Zayne Moore, Cooper Glass and Brae Agrums (l-r) during trials for the GC Suns Academy National Carnival squad 2024 at Austworld Centre Oval. Contributed by Wes Glass

Moore was selected for the Suns Under-16 academy earlier this year alongside fellow Far Northerners Brae Agrums (Crocs) and Cooper Glass (Saints).

The trio travelled to the Gold Coast at the end of June to play against the academies of Brisbane Lions, GWS Giants and the Northern Territory in the AFL National Development Championship.

Moore has enjoyed a strong senior campaign for Port Douglas this season, breaking into the senior side and making the spot on the wing his own while having brief stints at half-forward.

In his seven matches, he’s averaging 15 disposals, 2.7 tackles and has booted six goals, while bagging 17 goals (sixth most) in the under-17 comp.

The 16-year-old who can also play at half-back, is strong in the air and a high IQ decision-maker under pressure, capable of darting kicks on both left and right foot.

Originally published as Trent Cotchin names 16-year old Far North gun as ‘a player who could be anything’