The 'slow and steady' build up for the Port Douglas Crocs has the team starting to peak at the right time says coach Brad Cooper.  

The Crocs have a first round bye and will play South Cairns Cutters in a twilight match at home next weekend.

The club has again led a massive recruiting drive during the off-season, with 25 new players calling the 'Croc Pit' home in 2014.

Cooper said the Crocs pre-season hadn't been ideal but that strong improvements had been made.

"From my end it's been really hectic because you're constantly recruiting," he said. 

"I believe we're a little bit behind in our fitness levels so now we've got everyone we can start to get a decent training load into the boys. 

"We've had a couple of walk ins. A few guys have walked in wanting to have a kick too which is great."

Featuring a swag of new faces, the Crocs lost both their pre-season matches in the XXXX Cup earlier this but looked very strong in an exhibition match against Cairns City Lions last weekend.

Played in torrential rain at Cazaly's in Cairns, the Crocs' wet weather skills were impressive with several clean passages of play leading to goals.

Former North Cairns Tigers livewire Tom Clough had been a welcome pick up Cooper said, with one-time Cutters coach, Chris Adams also joining the club.  

"Tom's been a targeted recruit of ours for a while now and we marked him as one we'd have a go at," he said. 

"He's got some childhood friends at our club and he's one of the most exciting players in the competition.

"Chris has been one of our solid performers. He's a bit of an elder statesman at our club, being 32 and he brings some really good experience with him."

The Crocs coach said the club was keen to make the most of the bye weekend with a team bonding trip to the Daintree planned for this weekend.

"With so many new blokes it's mainly about getting to know each other a little better," Cooper said. "There'll be an obstacle course, games, you name it, so it should be great."

President Andy Smith said the club will host its jumper presentation next Thursday night at the Croc Pit.