‘Curious’ cats Tigers are keeping it simple

A CAST of old Hawks will continue to guide their team’s rising stars into the AFL Cairns grand final this weekend, veteran Cameron Gauci says.

The Cazalys Stadium-based club’s talented juniors, including Alex Davies and Jake Staska, will play an important role if the Hawks are to cause a boilover against the undefeated Port Douglas Crocs on Saturday AFL RICHMOND will be put through its paces on Saturday as it looks to counter having another week off, according to defender Dylan Grimes.

Grimes said it would maintain its “one club” philosophy as both the AFL and VFL outfits chased a grand final berth, starting with a bumper training session in two days’ time.

But he said the Tigers were afternoon. But midfielder Gauci said the club’s mix of veterans and talented teenagers had been its secret to success this finals campaign.

“Just the experience Fred Pittorino has for a 42-year-old, Fred brings that if he is playing forward or back,” Gauci said.

“Swainey (Sagiba) brings an infectious attitude to the team since he came across from Cairns City Lions in the summer.

“He has a real hard work conscious of sticking with what has been working thus far.

“We’ll have a hitout this Saturday and then support our VFL as well,” Grimes said.

“Everything’s pretty much just business (as usual) for us – the same as the week off in between (the bye) and the first final. We’re keeping our routine relatively the same.

“For us, it’s a great opportunity for some rest and recovery – it’s been a long season – but I’m sure there’ll be plenty ethic – that is why he is in the side as well.

“The blend of experience and youth is starting to reap real rewards for us.”

Gauci, who spent time at WAFL clubs Peel Thunder and East Fremantle, is daring to dream ahead of their contest with the unbeaten Crocs.

“We just need to pressure them,” he said.

“With Port, they are very well structured and coached but if we bring that belief and of interesting footy to watch this weekend.

“We’ll be keeping a close eye on that, for sure. We’re pretty curious about what’s going to happen.”

AFL Players’ Association MVP Dustin Martin said upon accepting his award on Tuesday night that the team was given a few days off following last Friday night’s qualifying final win over Geelong and while he had “enjoyed myself over the weekend”, it was that hard work ... it is a grand final – you never know.”

The Crocs are shooting for back-to-back flags but that is not worrying Hawks coach Marc Harbrow.

“We have never put out our best side against Port so we have not shown our cards to them,” Harbrow said.

“We are an unpredictable side and have versatility in all lines – that is one advantage we can take.

“We go in with confidence.” “back to business” now. The ballwinner was also hotly tipped to take out the Brownlow Medal next week, rated the shortest-priced favourite in history with TAB.

Grimes said the Tigers couldn’t be prouder of their star teammate and were hopeful there was more to come.

“We’re tremendously proud of Dusty,” he said. “Most importantly, he’s a great part of our club and our team culture.”

Richmond has a dozen players that have featured at AFL level currently contributing in the VFL, with the club’s state league outfit playing in a preliminary final this weekend.

Grimes said that generating such depth had long been a focus at Punt Rd.

“One thing that’s been really exciting is the improvement we’ve seen from our younger players,” he said. “For them to still be in finals and a real chance for the (VFL) cup as well is really exciting.”