HOT DOGS’ HAT-TRICK OF WINS
THERE have been a few more smiles and a bit more banter floating around at Crathern Park over the past three weeks.
After a disastrous start to the 2018 AFL Cairns campaign, Centrals Trinity Beach players admit there was low morale at the kennel but it has slowly picked up as their results and performances have improved.
Since their 167-point drubbing at home to Port Douglas in Round 5, the Bulldogs have put together three quality efforts for three triumphs to jump into the top four.
In the process they have beaten two finalists from last season in South Cairns and Manunda as they pushed their credentials for a finals berth in 2018.
The Bulldogs made it three on the trot at home to the Hawks, the side that upset them in last year’s preliminary final, on Saturday to continue their stunning form turnaround on the back of an injection of returning players.
Bulldogs coach Mick Seymour believes his playing group, led by skipper Jackson Williams, has driven the morale boost after their poor start, which included a loss to Cairns City Lions.
“We probably realised we needed to start playing some good footy, especially against sides we know we are going to be competing against to play finals,” Seymour said.
“It is always hard to be happy when you are losing and we just were not playing well.
“We were getting injuries and it felt like everything was getting stacked up against us.
“I have noticed a big difference in morale and mood over the last three weeks and that is put down to the players, they are throwing themselves into the cause a little bit more.”
The strong winds on Saturday afternoon did not help the skill level of the contest but the hosts led at every change to earn a comfortable 15.13 (103) — 9.8 (62) victory.
Skipper Williams shared in 10 majors with impressive youngster Max Culpitt as they both finished with a handful of goals.
Former co-captain Max Mclachlan is in strong form following his return to the club while the Bulldogs were well served by James Hanrahan and big blokes Aaron Robins and Michael Chitham.
After winning at Crathern Park earlier this season, Manunda never really threatened to make it two for the season despite an impressive third term.
“I think the boys played hard, our endeavour was there, but our skill level dropped a bit,” Hawks forward Tyler Gorogo said.
“We narrowed the gap at three-quarter time.”
I HAVE NOTICED A BIG DIFFERENCE IN MORALE AND MOOD OVER THE LAST THREE WEEKS AND THAT IS PUT DOWN TO THE PLAYERS. BULLDOGS COACH MICK SEYMOUR