Published Friday 8 April 2016

PORT Douglas Crocs coach Brad Cooper has challenged his men to stand-up against a South Cairns side ‘hunting for a scalp’ at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex tomorrow.

The Crocs will host their first home game of the season against premiership fancy South Cairns, who turned the tables on reigning premier Cairns Saints in round one in a rematch of last years grand final.

Cooper expected the Cutters to be the team to beat this year after adding Gold Coast Suns academy player Glendon Woosup in the off -season.

“This is a great opportunity not just for the kids, but for everyone to stand up and perform against strong opposition,” Cooper said.

“I’m really excited to be coaching this week and I hope the boys are just as excited to be playing.

“It’s all well and good to perform when you beat up a side, but it counts ten-fold in my eyes when you stand up against a red-hot opposition who are hunting for a scalp.

“I’ll get a really good look at some of our guys on Saturday and see which ones want to stand up under pressure.”

The Crocs couldn’t have been more impressive last weak in their 84-point thumping of Manunda with a host of youngsters standing tall.

However, the acid test would come tomorrow according to Cooper. The Crocs will again be without vice-captain Dylan Wearmouth for the crunch clash who is battling a hamstring injury.

“They’re (South Cairns) going to be a good side and have probably got the strongest list,” Cooper said.

“They’ve added some outside speed and I expect them to improve on last year. It’s a chance for some of our guys to perform in front of our home crowd, we’re expecting a bumper gate.”

The Crocs ‘Ladies Day’ function coincides with their first home game, adding to the expectant atmosphere at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex.

AFL CAIRNS - ROUND 2:
Saturday 9 April - 3pm
Port Douglas Crocs v South Cairns Cutters
Port Douglas Sporting Complex