by Logan Marsh

The Port Douglas Dragons are looking to step it up a gear or two this season as they re-enter the Far North Queensland Premier League for the first time since 2008.

It is a bold move from the club given the results last time the team were in the Premier League but given the success of the previous two seasons and the increased number of locals settled in the team the club thought it was the right time to have another crack at the big time.

The team are certainly under no illusions as to how difficult the task they are facing is. It is a huge step up from Division 2, but it is one the team is relishing.

In recent weeks the club has stepped up their training from two sessions a week to four and the lads have taken to it with great gusto.

As the countdown to the seasons kick off ion March 24 there has been a realisation that the boys need to be incredibly fit if they are going to compete at this level.

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With an excellent nucleus of the past two season’s team still intact, as well as a handful of fresh faces at the club, there is a positive air around Cassowary Park.

As well as this there is always the promise of picking up one or two talented backpackers to fill out the squad as well as the hope of again having the services of Gavin Jenkin after a few years away from the club.

As always the predicament is getting through the first four to six games relatively unscathed until the full squad has been assembled and those backpackers start rolling into town.

Whichever way you look at it there are exciting times ahead for the Douglas United Dragons.