Last weekend’s game against Cairns City Cobras was always going to be an interesting affair with the two clubs having a completely different focus on the remainder of the CAFL home and away season.

Cobra’s on one hand, are finishing off a season of development with the signing of a junior feeder club and some fresh legs in the team all added up for a well earned win against Hawks the previous week so it was indisputable that they would march out with their tails up ready to bring it to the Port Douglas boys.

But on the other hand The Crocs are in hyper-drive at the Croc Pit getting things ready for a massive Finals campaign unlike anything Port Douglas have seen at the club for many years. What this means is The Crocs were resting some of the big names, Timmy Karpany, Evan Hocking and Sammy Boxall all had the week off relying on the team depth to take some responsibility and show some leadership around the ground.

Although it might be said that Crocs Coach Andy Viola didn’t get exactly the response he wanted from his core group, but the team responded when it was needed and shut down the Cobras quite convincingly.  Everything worked out well in the end due to the never say die leadership of Gareth Delaney, Caydn Beetham and Brad Cooper that led by example and provided plenty of direction around the ground.

Dan Smith and Kane Ubergang were both hard to beat to the ball and a couple of lucky bounces and several good kicks by Matty Shaw saw him bag another 10 goals to push his tally to 82 for the season. With only 3 games left to go he stands a good chance of kicking the ton this season!

At the end of the day the Senior Crocs side romped home against the Cobras (22-10) 142 to (12-12) 84.

The start was slow for the Port Douglas Reserves team but they managed to hold the lead all day.  It wasn’t until the second quarter that the twos started playing their best footy and shut the Cobras down quite effectively.

With Jason "Harry" Wilkie kicking 6 goals from full foward and with Kenny Nyko chiming in for 4 goals, it was a day for the Crocs big forwards to shine with Benny McCartney, David Iles and Ryan Worn causing havoc through the middle and Chris Lewis was massively effective wherever placed.

The Reserves  team came through with eventual style (17-13)  115 to  (4-3) 27.

This week is the top of the table clash in both grades. The Seniors take on The Saints for the last time this year at home so make sure you get to the Croc Pit this weekend for what will be a very special game of footy.

Junior Crocs

Under 8

The team played a great game and also helped out Pyramid Power who were short of players.  Great team effort. Ethan Bakker and Casey West kicked fantastic goals. Goals: Ethan Bakker, Casey West 4, Scotty Cooper 2, Tyson Lynch, Geneva Gilbert.
Awards: Casey West, Ethan Bakker, Scotty Cooper, Tyson Lynch, Geneva Gilbert.

Under 10

The Croc's U 10's played a rough and tough game against Cities at Trinity Beach on Sunday.  After a slow start the boys really stepped up and played some good hard football.  There was some great team work and tackling right across the ground.  Brayden stood tall and showed great strength to take good marks and kick goals.  Our older players Ben and Charlie tackled hard and helped get the ball out to Daniel, Jack, Ryan and Rory who ran hard to get the ball forward.  Reuben, Tyson and U 8 players Casey and Scott combined well to kick goals up forward.  Fantastic efforts by all the boys.  Goal kickers were Brayden 2 Casey 2, Ryan 1 and Scott 1.  Awards went to Daniel Davidson, Reuben Allison, Jack Harrington and Brayden Wall.  The boys have a home game next Sunday.

Under 12

Fighting to stay in the top 4 the Crocs U12 side played the number 2 side, for a very hard fought gutsy and determined win. Against an older and bigger side the boys showed great stature and with their usual never say die attitude they just kept chipping away with relentless defense which turned to attack and even though always under plenty of pressure they backed themselves and their ability to work the ball forward toward the scoring end. 

In a team performance like this its hard to say who were the best players but some highlights were Tom and JP's defense and running out of half back, Tully and Fraser took some strong marks and were kicking long while Jai West's ground work and tenacity was impressive, Rory McHugh and Angus Dixon were very illusive and earned themselves plenty of touches. Charlie and Ben from the U10's step up every week but their willingness to get involved and make their mark in a game like this was at times inspiring.
In our first home final we go up against another unknown for us but if the boys take the same approach as each week just trying the best they can, individually and as a team, the results will come and regardless of the scoreboard these guys will be winners.  

Being our last home game for the year and finals as well, it would be great to see some support for our U12 and 14's so if your into your local Jnr footy and got a couple of hours on Sunday mornings come down and watch these talented kids go round.

Under 14s

The U14 Crocs took on South Cairns on Sunday, playing for a spot in the final series.  With the Crocs missing some of their players due to illness and injury, some of the under 12s stepped up to play and were most welcomed by the Crocs. 

The boys played a great game to secure their spot, displaying good team work and determination to take it up to the larger South’s side.  The Crocs lead at every break and showed more accuracy with their kicking. 

Final scores Crocs (7-3) 45 to Souths (4-4)28, goal kickers Mitchell Bohm, Chaseley Nandy, Charlie Williams, Aaron Marks, Jake Gibson.  This weeks awards went to Guy Phongunsthon, Sam Aldrich, Charlie Williams, Chaseley Nandy, Keelan Warrick, Jake Nelis, and Shawn Pierce. 

The game this week is against North Cairns at home and all players are asked to train hard and focus on a win to keep the finals alive......Go the Crocs!