The Crocs are still basking in their third straight AFL Cairns premiership, while the Sharks ended a 20-year premiership drought at Barlow Park three weeks ago.

Mossman and Port Douglas residents will get the opportunity to salute their heroes with parades in the respective towns. See Parade Schedule below.

Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said the region’s outstanding sporting prowess needed to be recognised. “This is a really special moment for these clubs,” she said.

On Friday night, the Dragons opened the scoring with a goal by Adriano Gaultieri in the 20th minute, but this was cancelled out five minutes later. But shortly before the half-time whistle, a Mareeba player was given a red card reducing them to 10 players for the rest of the match.

A highlight of the first half was the number of crucial saves made by Dragons goalkeeper Heath Melton.
The Dragons had to wait until a 75th minute goal by Ross Delaney and then the clincher by Daniel Ferrero in the last minute before the celebrations began.

“It was a tight game and we made it hard on ourselves, despite having the advantage of playing against 10 men. But we got the job done and crowned another great season for us,” said captain Logan Marsh.

This is the fourth time since 2010 the Dragons have won the division. They ended top of the table from 17 wins, two losses and two draws.

Meanwhile, Council and local police have organised the processions to span the two towns, with a police convoy leading the parade at 12pm down Front St on Tuesday, October 9.

Players and club officials will be wearing club colours and travelling in the back tray of trucks.

Buses will then take the clubs to Port Douglas, where they will convoy from Market Park at 1.30pm to the sporting precinct.

The parade will head down Wharf St, turn right down Macrossan St and turn right down Owen St.

Mayor Leu encouraged businesses and residents to show their support for the Douglas Shire athletes.

PARADE SCHEDULE - TUESDAY 9 OCTOBER:

Mossman
11:30 am - Clubs gather at Pinjarra Place Car park.
11:45 am – Route Debrief
12:00 pm – Convoy departs for Council Building. From Mill Street, turns left
down Front street, sticks to left and ends at car park in front of the Council Admin building.
12:30 pm – Arrive at Council Building.

Buses wait at Admin building and depart for Port Douglas.

Port Douglas
1:00 pm – Buses arrive Port Douglas Markets
1:15 pm –Route Debrief
1:30 pm – Convoy departs Market park for sporting precinct. From Wharf
Street, turns right down Macrossan Street, turns right down Owen Street to finish at the Port Douglas Sports reserve.

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