WHEN Michael Bright, Joel Asher, Joe Cudmore and Clinton Foot run out to face the Coffs Harbour Comets at Advocate Park on Sunday, no one will be more proud than Greg Baggott.
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Nine years ago, the Port Macquarie Sharks legend mentored the quartet as their under 18 coach.
And, the following season in 2003, in the Port News, Baggott predicted Bright, Asher, Cudmore and Foot would take the next step – and make their marks in the first grade ranks.
That prophecy comes true this weekend as they tackle the Comets for the Group 2 crown.
In 2010, Bright and Asher both chalked up 100 senior games for the Sharks, ensuring life membership, while Foot is currently placed in the mid-70s.
Cudmore, after stints in Sydney and Queensland, returned to the fold mid-year.
“Their dedication, commitment and drive stood out back then,” Baggott admitted.
“Brighty, through his training in the off-season, I made him captain of the 18s at the start of 2002.
“He’s definitely grown into that leadership role as skipper of the firsts.
“He never takes short cuts.
“Asher is the most competitive guy I’ve ever met.
“He was destined for the NRL and still wouldn’t look out of place in Sydney.
“As for Joey, he’s been around rugby league – and the Sharks – all of his life.
“I still rate him as having the best passing game in the club.
“When it comes to Footy, he has focus like no other.
“And, for a halfback, his defence is second to none.
“In fact, Joey and Footy were my halves back in the 18s.
“To have all four in the first grade side this weekend makes me really proud.
“I’m honoured to call them mates of mine – it says something about their characters.”
Baggott said the quartet, all Sharks’ juniors, would stand tall on Sunday.
“Each of them have done different things during their careers, but have come back to now drive the senior team,” he said.
“To me, hard work + opportunity = success.
“It’s great they’re in a position to win a first grade premiership together.
“If the Sharks play like they did last week, they’ll be alright.”
A keen student of the game, Baggott said a new crop of juniors was ready to emerge.
“I’ve been really impressed with Kieran Vale and Tom Sheaves this year,” he told the Port News.
“And, you can throw guys like Harley Gore and Myles Bruce into that category as well.”
