Dogs still looking at Far North

WESTERN Bulldogs chief executive Gary Kent sent some positive news to the Far North this week.

Cazalys Stadium has been the Dogs’ home away from home in recent seasons but they hope their historic Ballarat fixture this season persuades the Victorian Government to almost double Eureka Stadium’s capacity.

But, in saying that, Kent left the door open for more Doggies games up our way.

He said the extra Ballarat game next year might not come at the expense of the Dogs’ annual Cairns fixture against the Gold Coast.

In Round 22 the Dogs host Port Adelaide in what looms as a finals-shaping clash with both clubs eyeing the top four.

Port Douglas are a very good football side, there is no doubt about that.

The Crocs year on year get the best recruits and have the most prepared coach in AFL Cairns.

But what sets them apart from the rest might be the effort of their back room staff, as they would put it in European soccer.

The Crocs have a few statisticians at games, ready to feed the players and coach more information and regularly will have a “spy” at the other two games each weekend.

■ There were a couple of clever South Cairns fans down at Fretwell Park on Saturday afternoon.

While their side was never really in the contest against Port Douglas, they certainly saw the funny side of the Crocs’ preseason issues.

If you do not get the joke, the Crocs forfeited the preseason grand final due to lack of numbers through injury and heat exhaustion a few months ago.

Very smart from the Cutter lads – but maybe they should focus on the scoreboard next time.

■ THE injury news out of Griffiths Park is not very good for Saints fans.

Arguably their two most important players, Jack Philp and playing-coach Tim Lamprill, look set for a decent layoff.

And, with a trip to Port Douglas this week, it could not come at a worse time.