It was great to see the Croc Pit come alive again on Thursday night when the Port Douglas AFL Club held its Jumper Presentation. 

There was an air of excitement and optimism as so many new players were introduced.  New coach Brad Cooper is to be congratulated for his unflagging recruiting effort in securing the services of these new blokes. 

The club's playing list was decimated at the end of the 2011 season, with so many players retiring or leaving the district.  The club can now look forward to being competitive in season 2012.
 
New President, Andy Smith, introduced an impressive roll-call of past players who had come along to present the jumpers.  Manager of Football Operations, Jim Buckley, announced the names of the 2012 Leadership team. 

Congratulations go to Brad Lawler and Sam Combridge as co-captains and Mitchell Nicholson and Ben McCartney as co-vice captains.  Sam is new to the club having been recruited from Wonthaggi in Victoria.
 
The club is aiming to expand its brief this year. The intention is to emphasise the importance of the existence of the club as a positive in the wider community. 

This community aspect was sheeted home on Thursday morning in the saddest possible way when the Croc Pit catered for and hosted the farewell to one of its own - Graeme Elliot. 

Again the club wishes to extend its deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Get sports news first on The Newsport Sport page. 
 
On a lighter note it is the committee's intention to encourage more women to attend Thursday night's training and stay for the meal.  Meals for Ladies will be available for $5 and vodka cruisers for $5. 
 
2012 club memberships are now available for $250.  This entitles a member and guest to free admission to home matches, and admission to the half-time catering service at home matches, and a club shirt.
 
Keep an eye out for more information on the Rubik's night which is to be held at the Croc Pit after the second home match, on April 21.  Apparently you dress in every colour on a Rubik's cube and during the evening you swap colours with other folk until you have only one colour left.  Sounds interesting.
 
This Saturday March 31 we journey to Watsons Oval to do battle against North Cairns.  Senior match starts at 3pm.  Reserves at 1pm.  We would love to see you there supporting our boys.
 
GO CROCS!