Hawks believe their build-up well timed
THE Manunda Hawks feel they are dangerous come September.
They only landed in the top four with a higher percentage than Cairns Saints, both locked on 40 competition points, but as they found two seasons ago – the Hawks know anything can happen with a bit of momentum.
In 2017, the Marc Harbrow-coached Hawks finished fourth, upset South Cairns in the first week of the finals, before doing the same against Centrals Trinity Beach to reach the decider.
Everyone wearing brown and gold at Cazalys Stadium are hoping history can repeat itself over the next three weeks.
“It is nearly a spitting image of that year, almost,” Harbrow said when comparing 2017 and 2019 up to the finish of the home and away rounds. “We have hit our straps at the end of the year, and that is when you want to do it.
“We go into the finals full of confidence, but we know we need to play four quarters of really good footy to beat Cairns City Lions.”
Their opponents will play finals for the first time in 13 years this week.
In Round 19 on Saturday, the Hawks led at halftime at Fretwell Park before South Cairns kicked away in the second half, putting on 11 goals to three. Duncan Seden, James Farley-Smith and Tom Clarke missed the defeat to South but Harbrow is hopeful of regaining them against Lions.
“We add them, it adds a different dimension to our team,” Harbrow said.
At Watsons Oval, Centrals Trinity Beach finished the season on a high with a victory over North Cairns while the winless Tigers kicked three goals in an improved display.