PORT Douglas put a controversial week in the bin with an emphatic 28-point win over Cairns Saints in the AFL Cairns season opener.

The Crocs were fined $3500 leading into the match for forfeiting the XXXX Pre-Season Cup grand final to the Saints, but dazzled under the bright lights of Cazalys Stadium on Saturday.


SEASON PREVIEW: Can the Crocs climb the mountain again?

Despite a long injury list heading into the match, the reigning premier put paid to the Saints with a typically ruthless third term. Trailing by eight-points at half time, the Crocs ripped the match apart with a blistering 8.1 to 2.1 quarter.

Pre-season star Jordan Chapman carried his summer work into the season proper with a best-on-ground display, while Alex Bendle, Declan Kelly, Dylan Wearmouth and Brett McKeown were all influential.


SEASON PREVIEW: Can the Crocs climb the mountain again?


Lee Staple was a constant threat in attack with three goals as was Mitch Bohm (three) and Kurt Bradshaw (three), the scoreboard spread sure to have pleased coach Brad Cooper.

The Crocs will unfurl their 2016 premiership flag this Saturday when they host bitter rival Centrals Trinity Beach at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex.


AFL CAIRNS - ROUND 1
Cairns Saints  3.5   7.8    9.9     12.13 (85)
Port Douglas   2.4   6.6   14.7    17.10 (112)

PORT DOUGLAS
Goals: L. Staple 3, M. Bohm 3, K. Bradshaw 3, L. Fanning 2, E. McCullough 2, P. Bury, M. Medcraft, J. Riley, W. Glass, S. Scally
Best: J. Chapman, L. Staple, A. Bendle, D. Kelly, D. Wearmouth, B. McKeown

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