SEVEN Port Douglas players will represent North Queensland in the curtain raiser to the anticipated Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast SUNS clash at Cazaly’s Stadium this Saturday night.

AFL Queensland today announced the final team for the representative match against South Queensland, with Crocs skipper Kye Chapple, Peter Bury, Dylan Wearmouth, Jesse Mawson, Wes Glass, Jonathan Hobbs, Hayden Graham and Declan Kelly all named in the 23-man team.

They will join the bulk of the North Queensland squad for a training session at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex tomorrow night before travelling down to Cairns on Friday.

Port Douglas coach Brad Cooper, who is also Northerners coach Rick Hanlon’s assistant for the match, said all players deserved their selection

“They’ve all earned it as have the other members of the team,” Cooper said.

“We’ll have a good run around on our home deck on Wednesday night, which is handy for us, before we make final preparations for the game.

"It’s a great opportunity for everyone.”

North Queensland will be out to make it three wins on the trot against South Queensland as part of the AFL Queensland 150 Year Anniversary State Representative Program.

AFL Cairns players make up 19 of the 23-man squad in a strong endorsement for the Far North Queensland competition.

The Northerners will have their final session at AFL Cape York House on Friday afternoon.

MEANWHILE those in Far North Queensland wishing to catch a glimpse of superstar Gary Ablett this Saturday night have been dealt a blow with SUNS skipper ruled out of the crucial round 17 AFL Premiership clash.

The champion midfielder injured his shoulder in last week’s win over the Brisbane Lions and will miss the rest of the season after surgery.

It’s a major set-back for the resurgent SUNS, who will also be without Michael Rischitelli for the match in Cairns after he ruptured his ACL against the Lions.

The Bulldogs are gunning for a top-four spot and currently sit in fourth position.

MATCH INFORMATION:
Saturday 16 July - 4.20pm (Gates open at 4pm)
North Queensland v South Queensland
Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns

Round 17 Totota AFL Premiership Season
Saturday 16 July - 7.25pm
Western Bulldogs vs. Gold Coast SUNS - 7:25pm
Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns

FINAL NORTH QUEENSLAND SQUAD: