Port Douglas Crocs Coach Brad Cooper would be well pleased with the form his team displayed at the Croc Pit on Saturday.  Their opponents, Centrals Trinity Beach, were outgunned by the faster more skilful home team.
 
The weather conditions were ideal for football and the Crocs produced a blinder which thrilled their supporters, especially after suffering some disappointing losses in recent weeks.
 
In a brilliant opening, the Crocs burst out of the stalls like a greyhound after a lure, and in ten minutes had four goals on the board, all kicked by the laconic Jackson Brown. 

It was impossible to find a poor player for the Crocs.  Ben Herbert was prominent in the backline, Dylin Wearmouth kept ripping through the midfield, and Kurt Bradshaw had the ball on a string. 

Mark Nuggin kept bobbing up everywhere, finishing off the first quarter with a nice goal and then for good measure, snapping the first goal of the second quarter.  Lachie Meyer followed up with two quick goals of his own, and Skip Gribbon leapt tall buildings to haul in a skyscraper.  Scintillating football at its best. 
 
The second half continued in the same vein.  Jackson Brown took the Mark of the Year getting fingertips to the ball, falling on his back but somehow hauling it in.  Every aspect of the Crocs' game worked.  Lightning fast handpasses, accurate footpasses, sure marking, and amazingly straight kicking for goal.
 
Although the score board suggested a one-sided game, for the Crocs' supporters it was never dull because of the commitment and persistent effort shown.

Port Douglas 31-8-194 def. Centrals 6-6-42.
 
Goals:  J. Brown 10.  C. Williams 4.  M. Nuggin 3.  A. Boone 3.  J. Smith 2.  L. Meyer 2.  K. Bradshaw 2.  J. Pierce 2. G. Jacks. S.Gribbon. D. Wearmouth
 
Best:  K. Bradshaw.  J. Brown.  S. Gribbon.  D. Wearmouth.  M. Nuggin.  G. Jacks.
 
In the Reserves encounter coach Darren Wall's team returned to the winning list.  Centrals struggled to field a full team and the Crocs made the most of their opportunities.
 
It was great to see Darryl "German" Taylor return to the field for the first time this year in order to reach his target of playing 100 games for the Crocs.  Well done German!

The Crocs had an excellent blend of experienced and very young players and they combined brilliantly.  Under 16s' Sean Pierce and Liam Edwards worked well with team mates including Kayne Freyling, Chad Bertram, Kerrod Andrews, Sam Evans, "Harry" Wilkie, Pat Barnett and Michael Pidgeon to constantly push the ball deep into the Crocs' scoring zone.
 
The endeavour shown by the whole team augers well for their crack at the finals in a few weeks time.
 
Port Douglas 18-12-120 def. Centrals 0-0-0

Goals:  J. Wilkie 12.  K. Taylor 3.  J. Caswell.  M. Pidgeon.  K. Freyling.
 
Best: K. Freyling. C. Pattinson.  J. Wilkie.  H. Bovicevic. C. Bertram.  J. Caswell.

Next week The Crocs return to the Croc Pit for their last game of the season. Port Douglas will be at home to the Cairns City Lions.
 
Make sure you stay on after the game for the vote counting for the Best and Fairest in Under 18s, Reserves and Seniors.
 
GO CROCS!