Cutters impress with off-season recruiting

South Cairns squad shaping up as the one to beat in 2020 season

AFL Cairns clubs cannot earn four points in the off-season for quality recruiting, but if they could – the points would be going to Fretwell Park.

The entire league has been busy building towards the 2020 campaign and while Centrals Trinity Beach and Saints have picked up some handy footballers, as have most other clubs, South Cairns have gone close to blowing the competition out of the water.

The Cutters have landed two experienced local footballers and almost a dozen southern recruits to bolster their squad, which was beaten in the 2019 grand final by Port Douglas.

Cutters coach John Tootell, who is going into his third campaign at the helm, says word of mouth played a role in the many arrivals.

“We have been pretty lucky; it has been mates that know people and a few boys looking for a sea change,” Tootell said.

“And, a few of them have fallen in our lap.

“But, in saying that, we have worked pretty hard behind the scenes to get them all, as well.”

Henry Mareko and Joel Karwan are proven performers in AFL Cairns, Daniel Weetra brings plenty of NEAFL and SANFL experience, while Koirot pair Lachlan Rhook and Ben Sinnot come from the strong Hampden Football League.

“Rhook will be handy; he played in a very good midfield down there and (his side) have played in six straight premierships down there,” Tootell said.

“He is only a young bloke, but he goes really well.

“Weetra will be a big one for us as well. He has moved over for work and has close family connections to the club.

“They all have something to bring to the table, which we are happy with, and it will give us some good depth and put pressure on our guys to perform.”

Experienced on-baller Ryan Etherington, quality midfielder Isaac Ketchen, dashing defender David Welch and Alex Rogers all exited the Cutters last season.

The AFL Cairns competition will start on the weekend of March 28-29.

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