PORT Douglas coach Brad Cooper is expecting a torrid contest against Centrals Trinity Beach tomorrow.

The Crocs have opened a two-game gap between the rest of the chasing pack after eight rounds, including the third placed Bulldogs, and the utter dominance of their performances is causing plenty of discussion.

However, Cooper isn’t buying into the ‘how far’ Port Douglas talk as they shoot for back-to-back premierships for the first time in the club’s history. He's preparing for a fired up opponent at Crathern Park tomorrow who had their moments against the Crocs when they last met in round two.

“It’s still early in the season,” Cooper said.

“We’re in a fairly good position at this stage of the year and have been playing some good footy.

“But we’re up against a different side this week. They play a very aggressive brand of footy and have some bigger bodies.

“There is no doubt they’ll have us in the gun.”

The undefeated Crocs couldn’t have been more impressive last week in a 127-point rout of Cairns Saints. Cooper said it was the most dominant performance against the perennial AFL Cairns power in his time at the club. Port recruits Cole Laurie, Matthew Medcraft and Adam Gross were all influential and have been handy additions to the Croc Pit.

“They’ve all had an impact,” Cooper said.

“It takes a while for the new guys to grasp our game style but they’ve certainly fitted in nicely.

“Hopefully we can continue to improve as a team but there is a long way to go.”

The Bulldogs were in the match at half-time against the Crocs earlier this year before succumbing to a 55-point defeat.

AFL CAIRNS - ROUND 9:
Saturday 20 March, 3pm
Centrals Trinity Beach v Port Douglas
Crathern Park, Cairns

SELECTED TEAMS:

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