SWANS VISIT PORT
PORT Douglas footy fans got a taste of the big league on Tuesday when about 200 people turned out to watch the Swans train at Port Douglas Sporting Complex.
More than 80 cars rolled into the home ground of the Crocs to catch a glimpse of the AFL powerhouse on its final day inside the Cairns hub.
The Swans, who took it up to AFL premiership fancy Brisbane on Sunday night at Cazalys Stadium, have won plenty of admirers in the Far North with their accessibility and willingness to interact with supporters from a COVID-safe distance.
Port Douglas coach Brad Cooper, who accepted a signed jumper from Sydney coach John Longmire as a gift to the club following the session, said that the club had gone “above and beyond” during the 80minute drill.
“Horse (Longmire) spent most of the session over on the wing talking to the crowd which was just fantastic,” he said.
“There was a lot of paperwork and things we needed to tick off from the AFL to ensure this happened but I think they all understood the situation the town has been in and it could provide a bit of a buzz.
“But the biggest positive is it has exposed the club to what Port Douglas has to offer.”
Cooper said the seaside town had all the ingredients to become an attractive option for pre-season camps across the AFL and NRL.
He said resorts such as the beachside five-star Sheraton Grand Mirage, which the Swans visited, had all the facilities to accommodate elite sporting teams with onsite gym, lap pools and golf course.
“The real motivation was to show these guys that there is a little place called Port Douglas, 60km up the road from Cairns, that has absolutely everything they could ever want in terms of a training centre,” he said.
“They’ve got eyes on the place now and they’ll get to see a bit of the town and what we have to offer. I’m sure a lot of them will want to head back here for a holiday once there season ends.”
The Swans final home-andaway match of the season is against Geelong at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.