RUN TO FINALS HEATS UP
IN a competition that is often criticised for being too onesided and top heavy, AFL Cairns has certainly been tossed on its head over the last three weeks.
Just a few weeks ago, most would have widely accepted Port Douglas were going to cruise through to another minor premiership, probably still undefeated, while City Lions looked assured of securing fourth position, which would have been their first finals appearance since the merger.
On the other hand, Manunda and Centrals Trinity were languishing at the foot of the ladder and South Cairns were just plodding along in the finals race.
After Round 15, all those scenarios have changed.
The defending premiers have now dropped two games in a row for the first time in at least five years, South Cairns have moved into the position of likely minor premiers and the Manunda Hawks occupy fourth slot on the ladder, just weeks after looking well off the pace.
City Lions’ season is stuttering and on Saturday afternoon Centrals caused the upset of the the decade in AFL Cairns.
Crocs coach Brad Cooper, although bitterly disappointed to drop two straight games, believes the 2019 competition is as tight as its been in years.
Premiership mentor Cooper is the longest tenured coach in the Far North and believes the upset results can only benefit the entire competition.
“Every club is in it to play finals at the moment, outside of North Cairns, who are building foundations for the future,” Cooper said. “You have to say that is healthy for the competition that most of the sides feel they can play finals now.
“Hawks and Saints have been hurt by injuries this year but they are now starting to get their players back. There are a few new coaches in the competition as well, who are starting to get their messages across to their groups.”
Centrals coach Wayne Sharkie said the hot run home to the finals was good for the league.
At Holloways Beach, classy midfielder Duncan Seden became the first recipient of the Jerry Frank Medal for best on ground in the Hawks and City Lions contest.
Cairns and Northern Territory football legend Jerry Frank passed away during the week and the two clubs created the medal to honour the champion.
A minute’s silence was held at the start of the game.
Jerry’s son Ezekiel played for Hawks, just days after his father’s sad passing, kicking a goal and being named among Manunda’s best.