World Footy News

For Sam Michael, a former Cairns junior, the current misfortune at Essendon in the wake of the suspension of players under ASADA investigation for the NAB Challenge might be a lifeline. The situation has offered Sam a chance to be a “top-up player” for the Bombers, and if he makes the most of the chance, Sam might find his way back onto an AFL list.

Sam recently told http://www.afl.com.au that “I've still got aspirations of playing at the highest level so it's the perfect opportunity for me and [I'm] grateful that Essendon came to me and offered it.” He went on to add that if his services were needed beyond the NAB Challenge he would be happy to play for the Bombers.

In recent years the Far North Queensland city has had its own small production line of AFL players. Back in the late 1970’s future Essendon premiership star Leon Baker played in Cairns, though not a born and raised northerner at the time. Former Brisbane Lion, Troy Clarke, who sadly passed away in 2013, was another who played in Cairns. Both won Crathern Medals, the local equivalent of the Brownlow.

(Picture: Sam Michael in his Brisbane Lions days - now Essendon bound, briefly)
But since the start of the new millennium a raft of Cairns players have made it to AFL lists including Courtney Dempsey (Essendon), Jarrod Harbrow (Gold Coast via Western Bulldogs), Peter Yagmoor (formerly Collingwood), Rex Liddy and Lewis Moss (formerly Gold Coast), Charlie Dixon (Gold Coast) and Sam himself with three games for the Brisbane Lions. There are more on the way.

Cut by the Lions at the end of the 2014 season, Sam was set to play in the NEAFL with the Redland Bombers. Then Essendon stepped in with the offer to assist them in at least their first two NAB Challenge games against St Kilda and GWS. Playing the third game against Melbourne will be dependent on the ASADA verdict, expected prior to that game.

For Sam, and other top up players signed by Essendon, a new opportunity presents itself. Should they all prove themselves there is the chance of being drafted at season’s end. Should results go pear-shaped for the Bombers with the ASADA verdict, “top-up players” like Sam might find themselves back on a senior list sooner than expected. Time will tell.

Back in Cairns, prior to his signing by Brisbane Lions, Sam was a super junior talent for the Cairns Hawks. His height (he is now 201cm) always made him a target and his skills made him a dangerous target (his younger brother Tom is a decent player also, tormenting my own team back in the Under 14’s in 2010 – though we did beat them for the premiership that year). Sam was often seen as a likely AFL level player, and that theory was proven in 2011 when he was picked up with pick #96 at the Rookie Draft that year.

A city like Cairns takes enormous pride on the success of their local kids, and watch careers of locals who make good on the bigger stage. We also take it hard when our boys are delisted by clubs. But the news that Sam may get a second chance is welcome for all Cairns people, and all across far North Queensland.

The future is now in Sam’s (and Essendon’s) hands, but he has been handed a new opportunity on a platter and we all hope he grasps it with both hands…and feet.