Crown No.5 in Crocs’ sights
A MIRACLE.
That is what South Cairns or Cairns Saints are going to need to stop Port Douglas from lifting their fifth straight AFL Cairns premiership.
The all-conquering Crocs won through to the 2020 decider in a one-sided semi-final on Saturday night at Cazalys Stadium against Saints.
When the Crocs get to the business end of the campaign, they are just a class above.
They are too strong on the inside of the contest, they spread on the outside quicker and more effectively than anyone else, and just generally they are a much better footy side than the teams they play against.
On Saturday, Port recorded 12 scoring shots before Saints could even make their goal umpire work up a sweat at the other end.
Brad Cooper’s men just know, when they get to this point of the campaign, when the big stage of Cazalys Stadium presents itself, it is showtime, and the opportunity to get the reward for all the effort through the pre-season and season itself.
Saints are a proud club — they did not lie down and just die — but their fightback counted for little as Port had already put the contest to bed before the quarter-time siren sounded.
Premiership-winning Port coach Brad Cooper was pleased to qualify for another grand final.
“We have the week off now. We will use that to rest a few up and prepare for a fortnight’s time,” Cooper said.
Former Geelong forward Ben Johnson was a tower of strength inside 50, kicking a handful of goals inside three quarters, while the usuals like Adam Gross and Kye Chapple chipped in as well.
The result was never in doubt as the Crocs won 18.16 (124) – 4.4 (28).
Port lost instrumental ruckman Ben Morrow after just four minutes of play, going from the ground holding his arm and looking in serious pain.
The untimely injury forced a reshuffle of the Crocs structure as Tyson Young went into the middle of the ground.
Morrow was taken to hospital and will be in doubt to play any more footy in 2020.
Saints playing-coach Wes Glass turned his attention to the Cutters in seven days time.
“We have got the double chance and now we face a good South Cairns side, who played a tough game against just the other week,” Glass said.
Saints will now face South Cairns, who eliminated City Lions earlier in the day.