PORT Douglas captain Kye Chapple has been named for the cutthroat preliminary final against Centrals Trinity Beach.

The star forward has been under an injury cloud after hurting his left knee in the semi final loss to South Cairns. The injury forced him to sit out the last quarter against the Cutters after being held to just one major, his lowest tally since going goal-less against the same opponent in their round two loss.

With so much at stake at Cazalys Stadium tomorrow, Crocs coach Brad Cooper said Chapple was desperate to lead his side out as they attempt to book a place in the AFL Cairns grand final.

“We’ve given him every opportunity to come up and he will be right to go,” Cooper said.

“He’s had a light week on the track and is confident he’ll be able to have a real impact for us. Unless something drastic happens between now and Saturday afternoon then he’ll be playing.”

Port Douglas has brought in Dan Young and Brett Edwards to replace suspended pair Pete Bury and Hayden Graham for the anticipated clash with Centrals Trinity Beach.

The Bulldogs will be full of confidence after a heart stopping three-point win over reigning premier Cairns Saints in the elimination final. But the Crocs are hell-bent on atoning for last week’s poor showing and have enjoyed a strong week on the track, with Cooper saying the energy at the club was high.

“The boys have been up and about and are itching to get out there,” he said.

“They would have played on Monday to be honest. We were all disappointed with how we played last week, but we earned the right to a double chance and we get another opportunity.”

Port Douglas have beaten the Bulldogs on all three occasions this season, there most recent a crushing 61-point win in round 19.

Chapple bagged six that day in an inspired second half, which included his 100th for the season at Crathern Park. He’ll be hoping to produce something similar in Cairns tomorrow, and much will depend on midfielders Jesse Mawson, Todd Shapter, Zach Gubbins, Dylan Wearmouth and Jack Riley giving him enough supply. Ruckmen Paul Lewis and Kallum Oates should be able to give them first use, while live-wire forward Mitch Bohm looms as another avenue to goal after threatening in patches last week.

AFL CAIRNS - PRELIMINARY FINAL:
Saturday 17 September, 3pm
Port Douglas v Centrals Trinity Beach
Cazalys Stadium, Cairns

SELECTED TEAMS: