“Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.”

The sentiments of that famous one-liner from Hollywood legend Bette Davis may ring true for Cairns City Lions when they take on reigning premier Port Douglas.

For if the first five rounds of the AFL Cairns season is a guide, a trip to the Port Douglas Sporting Complex tomorrow could get very ugly for the Lions.

Consider this. In their last game before a two-week bye the Crocs pummelled North Cairns Tigers by 226 points. A week earlier, those same Tigers looked like world-beaters against Cairns City when they notched an emphatic 83-point win.

It doesn’t bode well for a close game at the Croc Pit.

The Lions were held to just one goal against Centrals Trinity Beach last week during a 185-point hammering, while they scored just three against Manunda Hawks in a 132-point loss. South Cairns made light work of them in the season opener by 153 points, and it will only become more difficult against Port Douglas.

The Crocs remain undefeated on top-of-the-table after five rounds, but are just warming into the season. They’ve battled injuries and unavailability in the first month yet still boast the most potent attack and the competition’s best defence, led by Wes Glass and Declan Kelly.

Captain Kye Chapple has missed two games after battling groin and back problems but could be in for a day out tomorrow. He booted nine-goals against the North Cairns before the bye. If he’s not rested by coach Brad Cooper, he could produce something similar against the Lions in what should be another big win.


AFL CAIRNS - ROUND 6:
Saturday 29 April, 3pm
Port Douglas v Cairns City
Port Douglas Sporting Complex


SELECTED TEAMS: