Three bolstered sides snapping at Crocs’ heels

A TRIO of premiership contenders will use the remaining rounds of the AFL Cairns season to find form in their bids for finals glory.

The undefeated Port Douglas Crocs are the overwhelming favourites to win a second consecutive grand final this September.

But South Cairns Cutters, Manunda Hawks and Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs have all pushed the ladder leaders this season and will welcome back quality players in the coming weeks.

Bulldogs senior coach Mick Seymour said his side had four players returning for this week’s clash with South Cairns: Hugh Nicholson, Jason Campbell, Max Culpitt and Damien Roe.

“We just need to get our best side back on the park and settle a little bit,” he said.

Bulldogs are a certainty to play Port Douglas in their first final, with Seymour confident his side can match it with the ladder leaders.

The Cutters welcomed forward Dwayne Bosen back last week but in a devastating blow have lost midfielder Ryan Etherington for the season.

Player-coach Cameron Campbell said Etherington would undergo a knee reconstruction after twisting his knee against North Cairns Tigers.

“It’s absolutely shattering because his leadership is fantastic,” he said. “Billy English and Michael Markham will miss our game against Saints this week as well.”

Cutters were the last team to beat the Crocs, winning their first final last year.

Manunda have shown steady improvement throughout the year and with matches against last-placed Cairns City Lions and North Cairns, are likely to finish the season with three consecutive wins.