http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/coaching-test-pays-off-with-hawks-win/1918127/
MACKAY City Hawks player Daniel Pollock had a taste of coaching when his team went up against the Northern Beaches Magpies on Saturday.
Pollock has been diagnosed with cancer and is due to start chemotherapy treatment today. He couldn't play in Saturday's game because he couldn't run the risk of an injury.
However, Hawks coach David Johnstone came up with a way Pollock could be involved and handed over his coaching responsibilities.
Pollock's coaching led his team to a 129-point victory.
"I felt pretty comfortable because Johno (Johnstone) was there obviously and I knew the boys," Pollock said.
"It was a little bit hard because you're used to having your own preparations and taking care of yourself, but when coaching you have to worry about everyone else too."
The Hawks hadn't played for two weeks and were due for a run, Pollock said, especially since they'll be up against rivals Eastern Swans this weekend.
Johnstone said it was difficult to hand over the coaching reins for a week, but it was worth it.
"He did a great job, he spoke well," he said.
"All the boys didn't take him lightly and they responded well.
"When you address 22 blokes and they're all staring at you and living off your every word, it can be daunting."
The motivation behind the Hawks' performance shone through in the game.
"It inspired the players to do well," Johnstone said. "We said to them, 'Do it for Daniel'."
More than half of their players - 12 out of 22 players - scored at least one goal each.
"It was shared around the group, which is a good sign of team football and it keeps the opposition teams guessing," Johnstone said. "That's pleasing on our side of things, that's for sure."
The Hawks are gearing up for this weekend's game against the Eastern Swans, who are both at the top of the ladder. Meanwhile, Moranbah player Jarred Van Hees was on fire on Saturday. He scored 10 goals for his team in Saturday's game against Bakers Creek while his team mate Darren Semmler scored eight goals during the match.
FULL TIME:
- Mackay City Hawks 22.18 (150) def Northern Beaches Magpies 3.3 (21)
- Moranbah Bulldogs 33.18 (216) def Bakers Creek Tigers 0.3 (3)
- North Mackay Saints 18.16 (167) def Whitsunday Sea Eagles 4.6 (30)
Last Modified on 24/06/2013 13:28