By Des Rolfe

South Cairns Cutters and Port Douglas Crocs staged a blinder of a Preliminary final at Cazalys on Saturday.

No quarter was asked, none was given.

The game was fast and furious from go to woe with bone-crushing tackles, high marks and long kicking.

As it was a must-win game, the spirit in which it was played was exemplary.  The match was devoid of malice or spite but full of the exploits of 44 athletes determined that if their team were to lose it was not going to be their fault.

Congratulations are due to both teams.  

 Cutters won the toss and kicked with the aid of a brisk breeze.

The first fifteen minutes of the quarter were a nightmare for the Crocs and their supporters.

Everything worked for the Cutters.

Corridors into their forward-50 were wide open and their 100 goal full-forward Paul Smith was leading and goaling accurately.

Crocs winners were hard to find.

Josh Lea was dashing on his wing.

Alex Bendle and Declan Kelly were trying to stem the tide across half-back and Kurt Bradshaw and Damien Williams were attempting to get some forward action happening.

Jimmy Mueller started to get on top in the ruck and Dylan Wearmouth, Rowan Hanley, Dillon Prater, Daniel Cross and Tommy Clough were crumbing much better.

The 4 goal deficit the Crocs faced at quarter-time could have been so much worse. 

The wind stayed brisk for the second quarter and the Crocs capitalised on it - kicking six goals to one.

Adam Boone, in a pleasing return to the team, led the charge and was ably supported by Antony Sercombe and Damien Williams around the goals.

Ben McCartney subdued Smith and the Cutters avenue to goal was cut off.  Michael Klein-Boonschate was marking well and kicked a magnificent 55 metre goal.

Darren Garth was bullocking the packs all round the ground.  Zak Stephenson got on top in defence and the Crocs supporters were momentarily able to breathe a little easier as the half-time siren sounded.  

Cutters staged a not-to-be denied effort in the third quarter and held the Crocs to two behinds only.

But with dour defence Port Douglas, continuing to be led superbly by Declan Kelly and Brett McKeown, denied South Cairns the chance to mount a runaway lead on the score-board.

At three quarter-time the game was anybody's with the Cutters determined to steal the game in the last quarter even though the Crocs had the wind.

At the 10 minute mark of the last scores were level but the Crocs refused to capitulate.

Spurred on by Dylan Wearmouth, Damien Williams and Ant Sercombe, every player lifted a notch in intensity and the Crocs managed to score 5 goals to the Cutters 2 for the quarter.

Coach Brad Cooper would be entitled to feel well-pleased with his charges as they had played until totally exhausted.  

Final score:

Crocs 12.11-83 def. Cutters 10.4-64.

Goals:  A. Sercombe 5.  D. Williams 4.  P. Worthington.  A. Boone.  M. Klein-Boonschate.

Best:  D. Williams .  J. Mueller.  D. Wearmouth.  D. Cross.  T. Clough.  B. McKeown.

And so, to The Big One.

As Tommy Hafey said "There is only one game a year." 

In what has been an exceptional year for the Crocs the club will be represented by both Reserves and Seniors next Saturday.  Both teams will be looking to bring home the flag.

Here's hoping! 

It will be a must-attend day!  

Win or lose, all players and spectators will be welcomed back to the Croc Pit after the game.  

Remember to get your tickets from John Cameron for Presentation Night on 3rd Oct at to be held at AME.