IT can only be described as a bloodbath.

But out of the carnage at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex on Saturday was a show of sportsmanship that has reverberated around the AFL Cairns Competition.

The Crocs kept Cairns City goal-less - and to just one solitary point until late in the final term - on their way to an incredible 35.27 (237) to 0.2 (2) win.

Yet after the match Port Douglas donated all their awards to the Cairns City players in a show of respect for the struggling club, a gesture that left Lions’ president Rob Taranto gobsmacked.

“I have never seen or heard of this ever,” Taranto said.

“One thing’s for sure sportsmanship and respect is still alive and well.

“We can’t say how much we were taken aback by this, but thanks to Port Douglas Football Club.”

Port Douglas remain undefeated and appear bulletproof this year. Taranto said his undermanned club was striving to emulate the culture of the reigning premier, and took some valuable lessons out of the huge loss.

“As a club we learnt a lot today on how to be a successful club, from a club that knows how,” he said.

“We are a long way off but we now know we're we need to be.”

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