Brock Askey opens up about 2017 grand final axing and how it fuelled his successful 2018 QAFL season for Palm Beach Currumbin
BROCK Askey missed Palm Beach Currumbin’s 2017 QAFL grand final triumph after being dropped for the premiership decider.
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BROCK Askey missed Palm Beach Currumbin’s 2017 QAFL grand final triumph after being dropped for the premiership decider.
It’s a memory that still stings Askey but Lions coach Chad Owens has already labelled the man he now considers the best forward in the competition a certain starter for the 2018 grand final.
“He is safe, don’t you worry about that,” Owens said after Askey helped guide Palm Beach Currumbin to a 9.15 (69) to 5.13 (43) semi-final win over Broadbeach at Salk Oval on Saturday in wet conditions.
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Palm Beach Currumbin will now have a week off before playing the winner of the preliminary final between Broadbeach and Morningside, who beat Surfers Paradise 10.4 (64) to 6.7 (43) in the second semi-final at Jack Esplen Oval, this week.
“Brock has been huge for us,” Owens said.
“He has been the best full forward in the competition. He is safe, don’t worry about that. He is not going anywhere.”
Owens and Askey spoke following Palm Beach Currumbin’s 2017 grand final win over Labrador and the coach believes the advice on how to improve his game has helped shape his successful 2018 season.
“That is why he is playing now because he changed his game,” Owens said.
“He used to think it was all about possessions. He is now a great front and centre player. He hasn’t kicked a truck load of goals (eight) but I think he has had a hand in over half of our goals this year.”
An emotional Askey said it was special to reach a grand final with his junior club.
“Words can’t explain it. It was one of those things where everyone hates to be in that position and I was (last year),” Askey said.
“It just made me hungrier. I wasn’t playing my best footy at that stage and probably deserved to be dropped. I knew what I had to work on and I feel I did that this year. It’s really emotional.”
Owens said Jesse Derrick, Tyler Cornish and Jason Burge were among his side’s best in their semi-final win.
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