TOUGH on-baller Peter Bury put a personal tragedy aside to inspire Port Douglas to arguably their best win of the season against reigning premier Cairns Saints on Saturday.

The experienced ball winner was rocked by the death of a close friend on the eve of the match, but put his hand up to play and was best-on-ground in a herculean performance.

The Crocs, who ran-out comfortable 45-point winners, were also mourning the passing of reserves coach Andrew McLeod’s grandfather and wore black armbands as a mark of respect for both losses.

Port Douglas coach Brad Cooper said Bury’s performance was full of character.

“He lost a very good friend on Friday night but still managed to not only play, but lead from the front,” Cooper said.

“It was a terrific effort and a really solid win for our guys considering Andrew McLeod also lost a grandparent in the build up.”

Bury, recruited from Geelong this year, is enjoying a magnificent season and would be among the leading pack in the Crocs best and fairest.

His consistency has been rewarded with selection in the North Queensland squad for the match against South Queensland, which will be the curtain raiser for the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast Suns fixture at Cazaly’s Stadium next month.

Port Douglas spearhead Kye Chapple again proved a match winner against Cairns Saints booting another seven goals. In an even first half, the Crocs led by just two points at the main change before the skipper capitalised on his sides midfield dominance with three third-term majors.

The Crocs booted 4.6 to one-point for the quarter with Bury, defender Wes Glass, Paul Lewis, Declan Kelly and Todd Shapter all having an influence.

When Chapple kicked the first goal of the last term the game was all but over, much to the delight of a horde of former Port Douglas premiership players watching on as part of their 1991 premiership reunion celebrations. The Crocs went on to record a 13.11 (89) and 7.4 (46) victory.

“It took the boys a bit to get going but once we did we played some pretty good footy,” Cooper said.

“We were a bit more accountable in the second half.”

AFL CAIRNS - ROUND 11:

Port Douglas      3.3 6.5 10.11 13.11 (89)
Cairns Saints     3.2 6.3 6.4          7.4 (46)

Port Douglas Crocs:
Goals: Chapple 7, Bohm 2, Davidson, Mawson, Shapter, Wearmouth
Best: Bury, Chapple, Glass, Lewis, D.Kelly, Shapter