PORT Douglas coach Brad Cooper has declared Saturday’s bumper clash with Cairns Saints an “eight-point game” for his team.

The Crocs kept pace with the AFL Cairns top echelon with a convincing win over North Cairns last week and a victory over the reigning premier will only enhance their finals credentials.

Cooper said their was extra impetus on securing the four points tomorrow at Griffith Park given the Saints are also expected to be finals contender this season.

The Saints beat the Crocs by two-points in a thrilling preliminary final last year, adding extra spice to the match-of-the-round clash.

“This is a huge match for the club and is an eight-point game,” Cooper said.

“We are both going to be around the mark this year and contending for the finals so when you come up against each other it’s important to win.

“They are a very successful club who we respect, but if we turn up and play the way we want to then I’m confident we can get the job done.”

Both cubs enter the clash sitting inside the top-four with 2-1 records. The Saints are renowned for their ‘keepings off’ style of play and great ball use, meaning the Crocs pressure at the contest will need to be manic tomorrow.

“They’ve been a very consistent side for a long time and of all the teams in the competition, they’ve probably been able to keep their list together the best,” Cooper said.

“So they’ve had that consistency and it means they’re always there abouts."

Meanwhile, the Crocs impressive early season form has been recognised with eight-players selected in the AFL Cairns All-Star squad.

Skipper Kye Chapple, Alex Bendle, Peter Bury, Wesley Glass, Hayden Graham, Declan Kelly, Jesse Mawson and Dylan Wearmouth join the Cairns representative list, which will take on the Indigenous/South Pacific All-Stars at Cazaly’s Stadium next Friday night.

The final team will be selected next Wednesday 27 April.

AFL CAIRNS - ROUND 2:

Saturday 23 April - 3pm
Cairns Saints v Port Douglas Crocs 
Griffith Park, Cairns

SELECTED TEAMS: