Crocs get bumper Good Friday opener
AFL CAIRNS
PORT Douglas will kick start its premiership defence on Good Friday in a bumper clash against South Cairns.
The AFL Cairns fixture was released today with the Crocs set to host their arch rivals at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex on Friday 30 March.
The club has been pushing for a Good Friday fixture for the last two seasons.
"It's going to be huge," Port Douglas president Chris Bradsworth said.
"Port Douglas has long been on the lookout for a marquee match of its own and should expect to hang the 'full house' sign outside the Croc Pit when it hosts South Cairns.
“It’s a tribute to this club’s track record of innovation, community involvement and a credit to all the great volunteers who make our club unique.”
Bradsworth acknowledged a minority of football fans remain opposed to Good Friday scheduling, but the decision was made based on ‘societal changes’ and the nationwide appetite for footy on this day.
“The afternoon time slots were chosen to ensure it did not conflict with other major Good Friday services on the day,” he said.
“It gives locals and visitors an opportunity to create history by witnessing the very first Good Friday AFL game in their own backyard.”
The senior game will start at 3pm with the reserves at noon. The competition powerhouse will be gunning for a third consecutive premiership in 2018.
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Other highlights include the traditional Pink in the Tropics match on Saturday May 12 against Cairns Saints, when the club turns pink to support Breast Cancer awareness.
Bradsworth said the club was currently in talks with local businesses who could offer employment to a number of potential recruits.
“The Club offers a unique point of difference within the employment market by matching skill sets to a wide variety of jobs, and enhancing local businesses by employing loyal and dedicated newcomers who have shown a commitment to our community,” he said.
The AFL Cairns season will officially commence with a stand-alone Friday night fixture between North Cairns and Cairns City Lions on March 23 to celebrate the opening of Watson Oval.
PORT DOUGLAS - 2018 AFL CAIRNS FIXTURE
R1: South Cairns (H) - March 30 (Good Friday)
R2: Cairns City (H) - April 7
R3: BYE
R4: Manunda (A) - April 21
R5: Centrals (A) - April 28
R6: Cairns Saints (H) May 12 (Pink in Tropics)
R7: Cairns City (A) - May 19
R8: North Cairns (H) - May 26
R9: South Cairns (A) - June 2
R10: Manunda (A) - June 9
R11: Centrals (H) - June 16
R12: BYE
R13: Cairns City (A) - June 30
R14: South Cairns (H) - July 7
R15: Cairns Saints (A) - July 21
R16: North Cairns (A) - July 28
R17: Centrals (H) - August 4
R18: Manunda (H) - August 11
R19: BYE
R20: Cairns City (H) - August 25
R21: Cairns Saints (A) - September 1
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