NATURAL talent and a penchant to lead by example are admirable sporting traits of Medowie schoolboy athlete Danny Doherty.

Whether it’s kicking and creating goals for his Port Stephens Power junior AFL side or making an impact as a power running forward or fullback with Raymond Terrace Roosters rugby league club, the versatile Doherty is never far from the action.

His potential was recognised recently when selected in the Combined Northern Catholic Schools Polding squad to compete at the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association State AFL Championships at Lavington Sports Ground in Albury from May 22-24.

It was a deserved honour for the Year 6 St Brigid’s Raymond Terrace student representative leader who impressed selectors with powerhouse performances at the Polding AFL trials at Warners Bay.

Eleven-year-old Danny was one of twenty two players named in the Polding squad that covers the region between Tweed Heads and North Sydney.

His tireless displays in the positions of ruck rover and centre half forward caught the eye of keen judges and gave the emerging colt an early taste of the rigours of representative sport.

The squad will assemble for their first combined training session on the eve of the tournament.

Doherty is one of several promising Power juniors that compete in the AFL Central Coast-Hunter competition and shapes as a trump card for the Under 13s Mixed outfit in 2024.

He shone in the team’s opening round 58-43 victory over Newcastle City Blues and is an inspiration to club mates with his strong work ethic both on and off the field.

A delighted Danny told News Of The Area that gaining selection in his first representative side was a “fantastic feeling”.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of playing against some of the best AFL schoolboy footballers from all over the state,” quipped the Port Stephens product.

“This is a great opportunity to learn different skills and test my ability against very good players plus receive tips from the coaches and my new teammates,” he added.

Danny is set for a hectic winter juggling both his weekend AFL and rugby league commitments, but relishes the task.

The young gun will saddle up for his sixth season in the Hunter Junior Rugby League competition and alternate between fullback and second row for the Roosters’ Under 12 Division One team.

By Chris KARAS