PETTIFER!

The above was until recently shouted in exasperation at the young man from Kyabram after he had turned the ball over, muffed an easy mark, missed a simple goal or pulled out of a contest. No more, now it is a joyful exultation as he flies above a pack, hits a team mate on the chest, throws himself into a contest after the ball or kicks an important goal.

Kayne Pettifer was taken at pick no 10 overall in the 2000 Nationa Draft and eyebrows were raised at the selection. He was a talented player, but surely 10 was too high. Despite the speculation he was highly regarded by those in the know at the club to the extent of being given the no 8 guernsey previously worn by another great from Kyabram, multiple Premiership player, Dick Clay, part of the game's greatest ever centreline of Bourke Barrott Clay and later a highly regarded defender.

In his first season Kayne only played a few games, but was a dangerous goal sneak, having the knack of being able to lose his opponent and be unmarked within range, he was also a very accurate kick for goal.

Things changed a little for the kid from Kyabram in 2002. He was no longer an unknown, so was paid more respect by opposition clubs and he also suffered from then coach Danny Frawley's obssession with trying every player on the list except for Matthew Richardson in defence. Despite the fact that Kayne was a natural small forward Frawley kept playing him in defence.

Being the most emotional player on the list, aside from Richardson Pettifer is a confidence player and being played out of position badly dented that confidence and he was struggling to get a senior place in 2003 and spent most of that season and the following one playing for Coburg.

As with other players the arrival of Terry Wallace threw Kayne a lifeline. He gave the no 8 guernsey to Thomas Roach so that the son of Michael 'Disco' Roach could wear his father's number and took on no 15. Wallace played Pettifer in his natural position of small forward and with a good supply from the mercurial Nathan Brown Kayne again became a dangerous player. When Brown went down with a broken leg people did look to Pettifer to fill the breach. Initially he failed, but later in the season rediscovered that ability to slip his opponent and find himself unmarked within goal kicking range. He kicked over 30 goals for the season to become the side's second best goal kicker behind only Matthew Richardson and was also given the clubs most improved player award.

The question was could he continue? The answer 11 rounds into season 2006 is a resounding yes. He has regularly been amongst the best players in all games, is good for a goal or two a game and has entered 3 contenders for mark of the year. He also picks up valuable possessions and has added a defensive component to his game that allows him to play both ends of the ground.

A best on ground performance against the Kangaroos included 20 kicks, 2 handballs (like all good small forwards he rarely handballs), 12 marks, 4 goals and 2 behinds. Join me in shouting PETTIFER!