ALL IN THE HEAD, SAYS IAON

NORTH Cairns Tigers coach Iaon Drake believes the key to the build-up to a game or training is mainly between the ears. “The battle is getting mentally prepared instead of getting physically prepared,” Drake said. “The playing group can be as fit as 10 men and run around but if they are not ready mentally, the physical side is out the window. “You know as a coach when they are switched on and even as a player you can look around the change rooms and see if guys are ready. “After being around footy clubs for years, you can tell when the group may be a little bit off in the preparation or when everyone is raring to go. “That is the challenge of a coach to get them ready.”

LACING UP: North Cairns Tigers before training