SUPER-PREVIEW: AFL Cairns Grand final, Port Douglas v South Cairns
AFL CAIRNS GRAND FINAL
THE STATE OF PLAY:?
South Cairns shocked the AFL Cairns world a fortnight ago when they trounced Port Douglas by 32-points in the semi final, who had previously been on a 16-match winning streak. The Cutters then enjoyed a week off, giving coach Cameron Campbell the opportunity to overcome a shoulder injury. ?The Crocs, on the other hand, are sweating on the availability of star captain Kye Chapple, who remains in doubt with a knee injury. However, they will regain star midfielder Pete Bury and key tall Hayden Graham for the clash in a timely boost. They smashed Centrals Trinity Beach in the preliminary final last week by 128-points and will be confident they can turn the tables on the Cutters in the decider. They have met four times this season with the ledger squared at 2-2.??
WHERE AND WHEN:
3pm, Saturday 24 September at Cazalys Stadium, Cairns
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FORM GUIDE 2016:
SF: South Cairns 13.9 (87) d Port Douglas 7.13 (55) at Cazalys Stadium??
R15: Port Douglas 16.11 (107) d South Cairns 8.4 (52) at Fretwell Park
??R9: Port Douglas 17.13 (115) d South Cairns 5.15 (45) at Port Douglas Sporting Complex
??R2: South Cairns 16.9 (105) d Port Douglas 13.10 (88) at Port Douglas Sporting Complex
THE FIVE TALKING POINTS:
1. Will Kye Chapple play?
The star captain, who has 105 goals to his name this year, is struggling to overcome a knee injury and is no certainty to line-up for the Crocs. He will be given up to the last minute on Saturday to prove his fitness, and has been named. The town is holding its breath for the likeable Horsham lad.
2. The Great Wall?
The Port Douglas defensive group has been a key to its success this season. They’ll need to put the clamps on South Cairns tomorrow, in particular dangerous forward James Dixon. He’s the league’s second highest goal-kicker with 61, and booted four goals against the Crocs in the semi final. Veteran Wes Glass might get the job, while Jonathan Hobbs and Declan Kelly will again be pivotal as they look to turn defence into attack.
3. Hard luck stories?
Chapple could be one, but at least another two Port Douglas players will count themselves unlucky to miss out on the chance to be play in a senior premiership. Star midfielder Pete Bury and the versatile Hayden Graham will return tomorrow, and if the skipper comes up, three players will need to make room.
4. Grand final demons
Will South Cairns be haunted by their recent grand final failures? The Cutters are out to break a 13 year premiership drought and have lost five deciders since that day, including a 2005 grand final loss to Port Douglas. Cairns Saints edged them out in last year's big dance, and the Crocs will be out to extend the misery.
5. Rough and tumble
For whatever reason, the blue-and-white hoops also has a red target painted on it this September. Both South Cairns and Centrals Trinity Beach have tried to engage the Crocs in the physical stuff. They accepted the invitation in the semi final, but kept their cool against the Bulldogs last week despite the ugly incident that marred the last quarter. Which way will it go tomorrow?
THE X FACTOR:?
Mitch Bohm (Port Douglas) – The young forward is a difficult match-up given his height and athleticism. He has 34 goals this season and has grown in confidence each week. His four-goal effort in the preliminary final was important, and he proved a handful for South Cairns the week before with only inaccurate kicking preventing him from making a bigger impact.
FROM THE COACHES:
?Brad Cooper (Port Douglas) - From a coaches and players perspective it’s important for us to win and we’re really looking forward to getting out there on Saturday. We’ve got it (squad) down to about 25, obviously Kye’s been under an injury cloud and there has been one or two others, but what I will say is we’ll be going in with a good side.
?Cameron Campbell (South Cairns) - The week off was really good for us, being able to freshen up some players. We trained at Cazalys Stadium last week just to move the footy around... the proof will be in the pudding on Saturday.
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FINAL WORD: ?
If the current finals series is a guide, expect plenty of fireworks at Cazalys Stadium tomorrow. Both South Cairns and Centrals Trinity Beach tried to get under the skin of the Crocs in their two September meetings so far. Port Douglas fell for it in the semi final against the Cutters, having three players sent off and losing the match in uncharacteristic fashion. They regrouped and refocused last week against the Bulldogs, channeling their aggression towards the football and the result spoke for itself. If coach Brad Cooper can get his men to replicate that effort, expect the premiership cup to be driving back up the Captain Cook Highway on Saturday night.
??PREDICTION:
Port Douglas by 25 points
HOWARD KENNEDY MEDALLIST: Jonathan Hobbs (Port Douglas)
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