Crocs light up Cazaly's stadium to get season off to flyer
Published Monday 4 April 2016
PORT Douglas Crocs opened their AFL Cairns account in emphatic fashion with a thumping 84-point win over Manunda Hawks.
A blistering eight-goal second term set up the victory with the Crocs heading into the main break 51-point leaders, with youngsters Ash Davidson, Brett McKeown and debutant Nathan Evans influential.
Captain Kye Chapple provided his usual presence in attack finishing with five goals to combine well with Davidson, who booted four second-half majors, while Jonathon Hobbs was a star all day.
Crocs coach Brad Cooper said the win would give his new look team confidence going into a bumper clash with South Cairns this weekend in Port Douglas.
"It's great to kick off the year with a win and this will act as a nice stepping stone for us," Cooper said.
"We are all getting to know each other and its always better when you're singing the song after a win, it really helps build on the camaraderie of the group.
"We really got things going in the second quarter kicking into a breeze and played good contested footy which allowed us to got on top."
The Crocs had an even spread of contributors throughout the day but Cooper would’ve been especially pleased with some of his young chargers.
First-gamer Evans, who won the under 18 best-and-fairest last year, didn't take long to pick up the pace of senior footy and looks an exciting long-term player for the club. McKeown played in the Crocs 2014 premiership and reminded everyone of his talent with an impressive midfield display.
"When you can start producing your own talent it's a really healthy sign for the club," Cooper said.
"We want to create a list that put pressure on itself and we want competition for spots.
"Some of the young guys were great on Saturday but the most pleasing thing about the win was how even the spread was of contributors."
The Crocs will host early premiership fancy South Cairns at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex this weekend.
AFL CAIRNS - ROUND 1:
Manunda Hawks 2.1 3.1 4.3 5.5 (35)
Port Douglas Crocs 3.3 11.4 15.9 18.11 (119)
Port Douglas Crocs:
Goals: Chapple 5, Davidson 4, McCullougg 3, Mawson 3, Jacks 2, Dickson
Best: Hobbs, McKeown, Davidson, Scally, Mawson, Evans, Kelly
