Coach of high-flying Cape York Eagles talks up competition
CAPE York Eagles are on the verge of four straight AFL Cairns Colts premierships but their coach has thrown all the praise on their opponents’ coaches ahead of Sunday’s grand final.
The Eagles outlasted Centrals Trinity Beach in the preliminary final last Thursday to set up a decider against the Manunda Hawks, who have only been beaten twice in 2018.
Eagles mentor Sean Hunter is preparing to coach against Manunda co-coaches Elia Ware and Lachlan Martin, and he believes the pair have done an excellent job with the teenage Hawks over the past few years.
“They are giving back to their footy club, which is great,” Hunter said.
“Elia came through the junior program, is now playing senior footy, and to have the ability to go back and nurture the talent – it is fantastic for Hawks.
“It is a testament to them to build a rapport and relationship with the group.”
Hunter, who doubles as the AFL Cape York House development manager, said chasing a fourth flag in a row had been tough but his team were ready for Sunday.
“We do not have the bigname players that we have had in the past, guys like Fitzroy Greenwool, Timakoi Bowie and Tui Lowah,” Hunter said.
“We still have some good players throughout but it has been about working together and putting everyone on same page.
“We have had more external players from AFL Cape York House this year than we have ever had.”