SAINTS SWEEP JUNIORS
THE club might be going through a rebuilding phase in the seniors competition, but if Sunday’s five-flag AFL Cairns Juniors haul is anything to go by, Cairns Saints have a very bright future ahead of them.
The Saints marched to a perfect grand final record this season, winning five from five, beginning with their Colts side’s 31-point defeat of South Cairns Cutters on Wednesday night.
At last Sunday’s grand final day, Saints were represented in four of the five deciders and went on to win all four.
Cairns Saints president Craig Hards said it was a great day for the club.
“They just kept coming,” he said of the club’s five grand final victories.
“I think the presenters got sick of calling out Cairns Saints.”
Hards said the club’s success started with the work of junior co-ordinator Shane Liversidge.
“He’s done a great job since taking over early last year,” he said.
“He puts a lot into it and his wife, Natalie, is a great help – they’re a great team.”
Saints would have had the chance to make it six flags in 2019, but their under-15 Youth Girls’ side narrowly missed a grand finals berth after a threepoint loss in their preliminary final.
“We started the side this year with about four girls and have ended up with about 30 by the end of the year,” Hards said.
“Next year, there’s a few girls that will have to go up, so it looks like we’ll be able to field an under-18 Youth Girls’ side as well.
“It’s a proud moment for the club.
“I put it down to good people, a good culture at the club and a focus on making it enjoyable for the kids.”