PORT Douglas captain Kye Chapple is in a race against time to overcome a medial ligament strain ahead of the AFL Cairns grand final on Saturday.

The inspirational Crocs spearhead, who was runner up in the Crathern Medal by just three votes on Monday night, first suffered the injury in round 19 against Centrals Trinity Beach. He kicked his 100th goal for the season that day with a six-goal haul but missed the next week against Cairns City.

Chapple returned for the semi final clash but failed to have his usual influence in the loss to South Cairns, with a knock to the same knee forcing him from the field at three-quarter-time.

He was a late withdrawal from last week’s preliminary final and his fitness is again dominating discussion in the lead up to the decider.??

“He’s our captain and clearly one of our most important players, but he has to be right,” Port Douglas coach Brad Cooper said.

?“He’ll need to tick a few boxes this week and we’ll give him every opportunity to do that.”

Chapple completed a light session at the Port Douglas Sports Complex last night and remains confident he’ll play. He’ll train again tomorrow night and is likely to be given to the last minute to prove his fitness.

It would be a cruel blow if he were to miss the chance to lead Port Douglas onto Cazalys Stadium given the impact he’s had on the club since arriving from Horsham.??

The 24-year-old booted 113 majors last year and is on 105 heading into Saturday’s showdown against the Cutters.