CUTTERS IN GOOD SHAPE

SOUTH Cairns Cutters coach John Tootell will probably see plenty of familiar faces when the team is finally able to train together as a group.

The Cutters finished level with Port Douglas atop the AFL Cairns ladder last year but fell agonisingly short in the grand final against the Crocs.

A new season meant a new opportunity for the Fretwell Park club, and with some smart recruiting appeared to have built a list that could challenge for the premiership.

The coronavirus has forced a long pause on that plan, with no clear return date set for the competition, but Tootell expects to have most of his key weapons on board when they finally get the green light.

“A few of the boys went back home but we hope to have most of them back when the season does start,” Tootell said.

Based on their performance last season, retention and recruitment, the Cutters would have started this season as one of the favourites. But that is not as clear cut as it seems, according to the respected coach.

“People seem to forget that we’ve lost a few players as well,” he said. “We had to replace those players first … but we’re lucky to have a really good base of local players and younger guys we can call on.

“We had a few juniors stepping up this year and a handful of recruits.”

How this season will look is anybody’s guess.

Discussions have been had about the size and length of the AFL Cairns seniors competition, with options including midweek or Sunday afternoon games to get more games into a shortened campaign.

It will depend on when the competition can resume and how late in the year it could push, but if anything is certain the fight for top spot will be fierce.

“It might depend on how clubs have recruited,” Tootell said. “Port lost six or seven players but they’ve already brought in a few to cover.

“The Power guys will give the Tigers a lot more depth and strength. Everyone’s been doing something, it could be a lot closer.”