Resurgent Crocs looking for further grand final glory under AFL Cairns supercoach
BIG DANCE
There are a few things that never change in the Douglas Shire when September rolls around.
The humidity starts to increase, the locals get as much beach swimming in before stinger season starts and our various sports codes are deep into their respective finals’ series.
Another given is that you’ll find a powerhouse team from Port Douglas along with their coach battling it out at Cazalys for an AFL Cairns premiership.
Tomorrow, the Crocs face defending premiers Cairns City Lions, who again have been the standout team this year. While underdogs, the Crocs enter tomorrow’s big dance in good form.
In recent weeks the Crocs have beaten the Lions - last game of the regular season - then steamrolled both the Bulldogs and Saints in finals footy action to qualify for the decider.
As usual the Croc’s coach is measured and philosophical heading into the big one.
“The Lions are a class team that are stacked with talent, if you know the background of their players, they have quite a few ex AFL, VFL or State league players,” Brad Cooper told Newsport.
“We just want to do the little things right on the day, compete hard and go from there.
“We respect the Lions and the way they go about it, but as usual we’re focused on what we can control as a group.
“I’m expecting a good cracking game.”
The match gets underway tomorrow at Cazalys Stadium at 5pm.
Crocs Players to watch
Nic Salter
The ex-Port Adelaide player has been a key target up forward for the Crocs in recent times. Whether he’s at full forward or centre half forward Salter’s strong marking and ability to win the contest will be crucial if the Crocs are to overcome the Lions.
Josh Mawson
One of the most electrifying players in the competition Mawson’s skill by foot and ability to find targets off halfback is brilliant. Having recovered from a broken jaw earlier in the season the prodigious talent will be a key player in the decider.
Chris Colombo
Ever the opportunist Colombo has proved extremely handy up forward in recent weeks, snagging goals and creating a lot of forward pressure. A constant threat.
Liam Brandt
Ever the ball magnet the Crocs will look for Brandt to win the ball out of the centre and then find targets up forward. Port will need every bit of Brandt’s determination in the middle in order to get the job done.