Jackson Davies leads from the front but injuries sour Northern Knights’ win over Murray Bushrangers

After overcoming pre-season fitness hurdles, Northern Knights captain Jackson Davies is making his case for the AFL Draft but injuries to two young stars sours the win over Murray Bushrangers.

Jackson Davies in action for the Northern Knights.

Northern Knights captain Jackson Davies has faced major hurdles this season but is starting to show his AFL qualities.

The 188cm defender suffered glandular fever over the pre-season and then hurt his knee in a NAB League practice match.

However, Davies’ past month has been exceptional, culminating with a 26-disposal, 15-mark performance in the Knights’ 27-point win over Murray Bushrangers in Shepparton on Sunday.

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Since the Round 9 loss to Calder Cannons, Davies has averaged 22 disposals, eight marks and 7.5 rebounds 50s.

Knights coach Justin Wenke said he captain was a “unique” talent with his ability to read the ball and intercept mark.

“What people don’t realise, he got glandular fever last year and didn’t start training until February, then he got a bad knock on his knee in the first practice match,” he said.

Jackson Davies in action for Northern Knights.

“He’s had some hurdles to overcome but his last month has been exceptional as an intercept defender.

“He’s showing some good AFL traits, kicks the ball really well, and is starting to get his confidence.

“There’s probably not too many kids in the comp who attack the ball like he does. He’s super courageous and attacks the ball in the air.”

Davies wasn’t the only Knight to impress in the 15.9 (99) to 10.12 (72) win, which lifts Northern to seventh — a game behind Sandringham Dragons in fourth.

Josh D’Intinosante was best afield with six goals from 18 disposals as well as four marks and six tackles.

Sunny Brazier (26 touches, seven marks, one goal) was prolific as a big-bodied midfielder, while Sam Philp (25 possessions) and Ryan Sturgess (24 disposals, one goal) also impressed.

Ewan MacPherson in action for Northern Knights.

Lachie Potter in action for Vic Metro.

However, it wasn’t all good news for the Knights with Vic Metro representative Lachie Potter dislocating his shoulder and bottom-age father-son prospect Ewan Macpherson injuring his ankle.

“We had some things go a little bit wrong. We lost Lachie Potter to a dislocated shoulder in the first quarter … then we lost Ewan Macpherson in the last quarter with a really bad ankle (injury),” Wenke said.

“It took them about two hours to get Lachie’s shoulder back in, so it’s a nasty one, it doesn’t look good for me in terms of his season.”

Northern debuted three 16-year-olds in the win — Darcy Wilmot, Jack Rossimel and Anthony O’Sullivan — while 17-year-old Josh Moylan also played his first game.

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