Former Fremantle forward Max Duffy has continued his rise through US college football ranks, with the University of Kentucky star shortlisted for a prestigious national punting award.
Duffy, who played three games for the Dockers before being delisted at the end of 2015, has been named as one of 10 semi-finalists for the US college system’s Ray Guy Award, presented annually to the country’s top punter.
Duffy has set records and earned national recognition for his punting with the University of Kentucky, with the Wildcats describing him as an “absolute weapon” for the team with his “booming and accurate leg”.
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READ NOWThe 26-year-old leads Kentucky’s division for punting and ranks No.2 nationally for his role. He is also UK’s career punt leader.
Duffy was an elite junior sportsperson, representing WA in basketball at under-16 level before joining the AFL Academy in 2010.
He was overlooked in three national drafts before the Dockers pounced with pick No.39 in 2012 after a strong WAFL season with East Fremantle.
Duffy joined West Perth once his AFL stint ended but left after one season, relocating to Melbourne to join the national academy that trains prospective NFL punters, Prokick Australia.
The Ray Guy Award is awarded using key punting statistics, with an emphasis placed on net punting average.
“The winner must display team leadership, self-discipline and have a positive impact on the team's success,” the Wildcats said.
The winner of the Ray Guy Award will be announced on December 12.