New AFL Cairns draw

AFL Cairns will determine the draw for its preseason cup competition early this week after the first week of play was washed out due to heavy rainfall across the region.

League officials met with coaches on Saturday night but a revised fixture wasn’t determined. AFL Cairns operations manager Craig Lees said a new draw would most likely be released today.

Hawks to sharpen up

HAWKS spearhead Jack Gunston says the side must iron out its efficiency in front of goals leading into round one after inaccuracy proved costly in JLT series games.

After losing to the Western Bulldogs last weekend, the Hawks were overrun by Carlton at UTAS Stadium on Saturday night, with wayward kicking an issue.

Hawthorn had 10 more scoring shots than the Blues in Launceston, but failed to convert on a number of chances to finish with 13.19 in the five-point loss.

“We have two weeks to rectify a few of the negatives and look forward to round one,” Gunston said. “Our scoring efficiency needs to improve.”

No panic over ankle

CARLTON assistant coach Cameron Bruce is confident Matthew Kreuzer will be fit for the AFL season opener after the ruckman was forced from the field with an ankle injury in the club’s final pre-season match.

The Blues came from behind to beat Hawthorn by five points in Launceston on Saturday night, their second trial win from two.

Kreuzer limped from the field in the first quarter and didn’t return.

“At this point … we’re pretty confident. He should be good to go in round one,” Bruce said.