NMFC.com.au can reveal 18-year-old schoolboy Kayne Turner will keep his place in the North Melbourne side for the Elimination Final against Essendon on Saturday night.
In his last outing, Turner booted four goals against Melbourne. Despite his performance, the small forward wasn’t sure if he’d retain his spot given his inexperience and the fact five key players were due to return.
“You’ve just got to stay grounded and not get ahead of yourself because you never know. You might be playing (against the Bombers) or might be playing on Sunday with Werribee,” Turner told the Herald Sun on Wednesday, prior to learning about his selection.
“I’d definitely be disappointed to miss out, but I guess that’s a part of footy, people miss out when others come back in.”
Turner was referring to Todd Goldstein, Michael Firrito, Lindsay Thomas, Luke McDonald and Levi Greenwood who are all likely to play, with one a chance to claim his spot. However the first-year sensation did have an influential Kangaroo in his corner with Glenn Archer demanding he stay in the side.
“It was nice to get the support from such a great player like Glenn,” Turner responded.
Currently studying Year 12 at Maribyrnong College on Monday and Tuesday afternoons and all day Thursdays, Turner said playing AFL has been difficult but he has loved every minute.
“…I didn’t feel too out of place,” he said.
“The bodies are definitely more solid, more mature, but once the game starts it’s really just ‘see the ball, go the ball’ so I didn’t find it too much different.”
Standing at 180cm and weighing only 75kg Turner has played three games and kicked 7 goals, averaging 12 disposals.
The full team will be announced on Thursday evening.
