Kurt Abbott starring for Rovers, but says Double Blues’ team-first policy under Damien Hall making him a better player after playing for South Adelaide in SANFL

LIKE his teammates, Rovers half-back/midfielder Kurt Abbott has started the 2021 CAFL season on fire. But also like his peers, he says the reason behind his success is the reigning four-time premiership winning outfit’s team-first policy.

Rovers pictured celebrating their 15-point win over Pioneer in last year’s grand final, becoming only the third side in the 73-year history of the CAFL to win four consecutive flags. Picture: Charlie Lowson

LIKE his teammates, Rovers half-back/midfielder Kurt Abbott has started the 2021 CAFL season on fire.

But also like his peers, he says the reason behind his success is the reigning four-time premiership winning outfit’s team-first policy.

Rovers have started their premiership defence in fine fashion, with respective 113 and 13-point wins over West and Federal, heading into today’s Round 3 clash against Pioneer at Albrecht Oval.

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Double Blues coach Damien Hall has had no shortage of stars over the first fortnight of the competition, with Nigel Lockyer Jr (12 goals so far), Dylan Barry, Adam Davis and Tom Clarke among his standouts.

He also had this to say about Abbott last week.

“Kurt has been playing at half-back, but we’re trying to get him into the midfield. He was fantastic for us, and he is developing into a really damaging player,” he said.

“We had a GPS tracker on him and his top speed was 34km/h.

“He had 63 high efforts and covered a total of 9km.”

But Abbott puts his individual success down to the strong mindset of his teammates, adding this is a big reason why Rovers are the four-time reigning premiers.

“We’ve got a great culture here. We don’t talk about our four premierships – we just talk about improving,” he told the NT News.

“My communication with the fellas (is why I’m playing well). I had a good pre-season and I’m feeling fit.”

Like his teammates Lockyer Jr, Barry and Tosh Kunoth, Abbott has received interest from the SANFL, playing a game with South Adelaide.

The 24-year-old might not be able to commit because he has work in Alice Springs, but he says other young footballers in the Red Centre can follow his lead.

“I love Alice Springs – it’s my home, but there are lots of younger talented footballers in this community who can strive to do the same thing,” he said.

“Playing for South Adelaide was one of the most proud moments of my life.

“I’ve been very motivated to go further with my footy.”

Abbott is expecting another big challenge from last year’s runners-up Pioneer today.

“They’ve got a lot of talented, fit young players,” he said.

Federal is also taking on South for the Tony Cusack Shield at Traeger Park.