Newsport journalist Michael Warren has identified five points of interest ahead of another big year of local sport.

Mossman sharks

Tipped by many local league experts to claim last year’s CDRL premiership the Sharks will be more than determined to make amends following their shock loss to eventual premiers Yarrabah in the 2021 finals’ series.

While grand finals aren’t won in round 1, the Sharkies started their year in perfect fashion after a 72-12 win over Yarrabah, followed by another against Edmonton.

Moreover, the Sharks will need to mix it with Innisfail and Brothers, as well, if they expect to be there at the business end of the season.

Reef Raiders

Long the envy of fellow FNQ rugby clubs for a strong front office and off field stability, the Raiders have everything to play for in 2022.

What a stellar two years the club has enjoyed.

Just eight points separated them from winning back-to-back premierships after a 29-22 loss to JCU in last year’s decider.

It would take a brave person to suggest they won’t return to the big dance come September.

With a steady roster and mostly the same squad from last season it would be a big surprise not to see the popular outfit at least finish top three. The Raiders started their season with a loss and will be keen to bounce back with a win on Saturday.

Port Douglas Crocs

An institution in local footy circles Port Douglas Crocs can lay claim to being one of the most successful amateur footy outfits anywhere across Australia over the past 10 years.

During this time supercoach Brad Cooper has made winning flags seem as easy as eating breakfast.

Dynasty is a very fitting word for this club. They may not have gotten the chocolates last year but that doesn’t take away from the six premierships this club has won in eight years. What a club.

This year, they’ll need to get past Cairns City Lions, who’ll start the season as favourites following last year’s breakthrough premiership.

The Crocs start their campaign against the Tigers this weekend.

Douglas Dragons

If the Crocs have created a local AFL dynasty than in the same breath the Dragons have been just as dominant in the local football scene.

The second division outfit will chase a fifth straight premiership in 2022 and will be heavy favourites to do so. What an achievement it would be. To win one premiership is hard enough but to be chasing a fifth in a row? Just Brilliant.

Gran Fondo

How could we not mention the Gran Fondo in things to look forward to in sport this year? This new cycling festival will ignite Port from September 9-11 with riders set to contest 100km, 136km and 48km courses.