PORT Douglas will ‘expect the unexpected’ tomorrow against South Cairns Cutters, according to coach Brad Cooper.

The Crocs have the momentum of a bullet heading into the semi-final match-up and will field arguably their strongest side for the season at Cazalys Stadium. Star spearhead Kye Chapple (104 goals) returns to face the Cutters while Alex Bendle has been included for what shapes as an intriguing contest.

“We’ll go out there and play an accountable brand of footy,” Cooper told Newsport today.

“We’re excited to be at the business end of the season and this is why you play football. Sometimes the season feels like its dragging on a bit but you blink and now it’s finals.

“We’re ready to go.”

The Crocs were in the same position heading into last year’s post-season having won the minor premiership only to fall short in the preliminary final, but the consensus is the 2016 model is a much stronger, more balanced version.

They have dominated the AFL Cairns competition and go into the clash with 16 straight wins behind them. They haven’t lost a match since going down to the Cutters by 17 points in round two and have stars on every line, with Chapple, Jesse Mawson, Pete Bury, Todd Shapter, Wes Glass, Jonathan Hobbs and Declan Kelly the headline acts.

Cooper said they had a healthy respect for their opponent tomorrow and have planned accordingly.

“It’s written on our board and that’s to expect the unexpected,” he said.

“It’s finals footy, we’ll go out there expecting some different scenarios but really we’ve just got to control what we can control.

“We’ve had a close look right through their side and they’re going to be a tough opponent, but we’re really happy with how we’re heading into this game.”

AFL CAIRNS - SEMI FINAL:
Saturday 10 September, 1pm
Port Douglas v South Cairns Cutters
Cazalys Stadium, Cairns

SELECTED TEAMS: