THIS weekend’s AFL Cairns Round eight Fixture celebrates women in football. And Port Douglas will play for a charitable and worthy cause this round when it embraces “Pink in the Tropics” – a Breast Cancer Support Group which supports, raises funds and awareness for women of the Far North Region. 

The Crocs will wear pink gurneys and their rivals, Cairns Saints, will wear red, black and pink at the Croc Pit at 3.00pm. 

The Crocs meet tomorrow’s opponents after further widening the gap at the top of the AFL Cairns competition when they brushed aside second placed South Cairns by 45 points last Saturday.

The Crocs jumped out of the blocks in the grand final replay to lead by 25 points at the first change thanks to a four goal to zip quarter. And it was the same faces getting it done again.

Cole Laurie continued his impressive start for his new club with a best-on-ground display at Fretwell Park. He has been a revelation since crossing from Victorian club Diggers Rest in the pre-season, and he had a familiar support cast in Wes Glass, Pete Bury and Todd Shapter in the 13.13 (91) to 6.9 (45) triumph.

Based on the Crocs’ form to date, there are expectations they’ll again rise to the occasion on Saturday.

But Crocs president Chris Bradsworth was cautiously optimistic citing the Saints’ performance earlier this season when they were extremely competitive.

“We are not taking them lightly and we are again expecting them to throw everything at us,” he said.     

In supporting Pink in the Tropics, Bradsworth, said the club was honoured to embrace and endorse this cause and when first approached they immediately offered their 100 per cent backing. 

“This day is a way the football clubs can support the local community and bring everyone together for a fun-filled day with additional activities in the Port Douglas area.

“In emulating the cricketers, who wear pink on McGrath Foundation Day, the footie players are following suit and they are doing it for the right reasons.

“I encourage everyone to come down and support this cause and enjoy an excellent day at the footie,” he said.

A combined sports day annual brunch – which is sold out – is being held before the match at Palmer Sea Reef from 10.00am to 12.00pm and all tickets sold will support the charity.

Pink Footy Round also celebrates the launch of the AFL Cairns Women’s Season on Saturday. Reigning premiers Manunda Hawks will be tailoring there Guernsey’s in Pink for the opener of the season against Centrals Trinity Beach at 1.30pm at Cazalys Stadium.  

The other women’s match involves North Cairns Tigers and South Cairns at Watsons Oval at 12.00pm.

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