From the Cairns Post
Reported by Emma Greenwood
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KARMICHAEL Hunt's on-again, off-again VFL appearance in Cairns is on again after a ''very effusive father'' prompted a change of heart from Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna.
McKenna had decided to rest his star recruit from Saturday’s game between the Gold Coast and Bendigo Bombers at Cazalys despite Hunt’s eagerness to continue his Aussie rules education in the Far North.
But a chat with AFL Cairns vice-president Gordon Dixon, also the father of Gold Coast recruit Charlie Dixon, reminded McKenna of just how much Hunt’s appearance would mean in his home state.
"It prompted me because I remember having a chat that morning with Karmichael," McKenna said.
"He’d said, ‘I know I’m down for a rest but there’s no chance of me having a run in Cairns is there?’"
McKenna said while Hunt had been due for a break, rearranging his schedule at this point was not impossible.
"That’s the benefit of where we’re at with the planning at the moment, we have the flexibility to do that," he said.
McKenna said the code-swapping former Bronco had been thrilled with the decision.
"He’s excited about it. It’s going to be a big few days for him because he’s got the promotional stuff to do as well but he’s looking forward to it," said McKenna.
"He obviously wants to do well, as does the footy club."
While McKenna said as recently as Sunday that Hunt would not turn out in Cairns, he said there had been no external pressure to backflip on the decision.
"It’s just a good fit, that’s what it is," McKenna said.
"It’s just a good opportunity for him to get back and play in front of his home (state)."
While Hunt’s appearance is a free kick for the code in the Far North, he will not be the only fan favourite. McKenna confirmed local products Charlie Dixon and Rex Liddy are also likely to play against the Bombers.
"Rex and Charlie are certainly in the mix and I’d expect both those guys to get a run alongside Karmichael," he said.
Hunt had been due to move into the midfield in his next appearance after playing the last two games at full-back but the positional shift will wait.
"He’ll play down the back because it’s going to be a heavy week for him with promotional commitments," McKenna said.
"He’s had a couple of runs down back and he’s got some confidence and some form."
Hunt’s appearance may have been the focus for local fans but McKenna’s focus is on beating the Bombers after a tough loss in their last clash.
"It’s going to take a four-quarter performance to win and Karmichael will be a big part of that," McKenna said.
The Gold Coast v Bendigo Bombers game starts at noon. General admission is $11, reserve grandstand seats are $15, children under 16 are free. Tickets are available at the gate or by calling 4054 1464.
