CLIVE Palmer has been forced to cancel his appearance tomorrow for the unfurling of the Crocs premiership flag in Port Douglas.

Crocs President Chris Bradsworth said Palmer and his family would postpone their trip to a later date due to unforeseen circumstances. He is the number one ticket holder at the club this year.

“Something has come up which has forced Clive to postpone his trip which is a bit unfortunate, but these things happen,” Bradsworth said.

“It might pave the way for him to get up here for the Pink in the Tropics match which is a massive event for our club, with a function held at the Palmer Sea Reef golf course.”

Despite the late withdrawal off the field, the Crocs will regain premiership stars Kye Chapple and Jesse Mawson for the grudge match with Centrals Trinity Beach tomorrow.

The Crocs and Bulldogs played out a fiery preliminary final last year with Centrals veteran Brian Durbidge suspended for eight-weeks following an ugly brawl. Port Douglas runner Glenn Dickson and Bulldogs counterpart Phil Meadows were also embroiled in the scuffle.

Port Douglas coach Brad Cooper has named Joshua Wilson, Adam Gross and Jack Dickson for their first games of season.

Bradsworth said last year’s president, Greg Nicholson, would arrive in a helicopter tomorrow with the premiership cup as the club celebrates its 2016 triumph. He said it was important to reflect on the ‘hard work’ put in not only by the players, but the entire club.

“This is the hardest working committee I’ve been involved with in all my time in football,” he said.

“There is a lot of hard work that goes into getting players up here. They could be getting a lot more money down south but we offer them jobs and an amazing lifestyle.

“We’ve got a few things planned tomorrow, it’s going to be an exciting day.”


AFL CAIRNS - ROUND 2:
Saturday 25 March, 3pm
Port Douglas v Centrals Trinity Beach
Port Douglas Sporting Complex

SELECTED TEAMS: