THE Port Douglas Crocs' wait for atonement is almost over with the AFL Cairns season opener fast approaching.

After finishing the home-and-away season four games clear on top-of-the-table last year, the Crocs looked set to deliver the clubs fifth premiership before a nightmare finals series saw them exit in straight sets.

Port Douglas president Greg Nicholson said a 'brutal off-season' had the club well prepared for another tilt, and he urged the whole community to get behind them ahead of their season launch this Thursday night.

"It's always hard to tell how you're shaping up at this time of the year but we're recruiting quite strongly and we've got some good prospects," Nicholson said.

"It has been a long wait (since last year) but it's nearly over and it’s only two weeks until our first game. The off-season has been brutal on the committee and coaching staff but things look as though they’re coming together."

Nicholson said the club was close to announcing 'a couple of key recruits' and were buoyed by the form of younger players, such as Brett McKeown, over the summer.

The Crocs used the AFL Cairns XXXX Gold Pre Season Cup to fine tune preparations in readiness for a bumper season-opener against the Mununda Hawks at Cazalys Stadium.

"Some of the kids are showing a bit, and we really just use the pre-season competition to have a look at some of them," Nicholson said.

"With seven teams in the competition you don't want to show the other clubs all your cards too early, but we had a couple of good hit-outs and there's a lot to look forward to."

The Crocs season launch and jumper presentation kicks off from 5pm on Thursday at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex. Supporters can purchase the coveted 200 Club memberships throughout the night for $300, with $50 of each membership going towards improving facilities.

"This is always an important part of the year and we need everyone in the community to jump on board and support us," Nicholson said.

"The season launch gives us a much needed injection of funds to start the year and we're hoping to raise money to make the home game experience an even better one for members and supporters."