Talented Fountain Gate junior footballer Matt Duggan has won backtoback best and fairests, one with Cranbourne juniors last year and the Gators this year. Duggan also kicked the most goals in his under 14 team.By Glen Atwell
MATT Duggan is definitely kicking goals at Fountain Gate Junior Football Club.
The talented under 14 player has won backtoback best and fairest awards, winning his first at Cranbourne juniors last year, then completing the double after moving to Fountain Gate juniors this season.
Matt made the move to the Gators to play in division one, but didn’t expect he would win the best and fairest.
“I didn’t even think I’d be invited to this year’s count,” he said.
“Because I had moved up a division, I didn’t think I was good enough.”
Matt said there was a notable difference in skill levels between divisions one and two.
“Just in the basic skills, marking and kicking, the difference is pretty big,” he said.
Mum Julie said the regular hike from Warneet was a big one, but she didn’t mind.
“It’s down to training a couple of nights then game days, but it’s worth it,” she said.
Matt spends his onfield time at centre halfforward and loves having the freedom of playing in the centre and being able to go down and kick a bag of goals.
“It’s a good position. I started playing in the back line, but have slowly moved up the ground,” he said.
Matt polled 92 votes this season in the best and fairest, 47 votes clear of the runnerup.
He also booted 36 goals for the year, including a bag of seven during one game.
His team made the semifinal this season, but was beaten by Noble Park.
Matt isn’t making any predictions, but wants to keep improving and have a crack at the elusive three in a row.
“Whoever plays well is a chance, but we’ll have to wait and see,” he said.
