Dogs finding their groove
THERE is only so much a team can take out of a 215point thrashing, but Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs coach Luke Morgan was a happy man after his side’s massive Round 5 victory.
The Bulldogs kicked nine goals in the first term, led by 94 points at the main break, then added 23 majors to add to North Cairns Tigers’ woes at Crathern Park.
While the Bulldogs were barely troubled by the Tigers, Morgan was pleased with the way in which his side went about their business.
“It’s hard to comment – you can only play who you come up against – but we were happy,” Morgan said.
“The margin was a blowout but we played better footy than we have in previous weeks.
“It was pretty pleasing, and we’ll keep working so we’re ready for tougher competition in a few weeks.”
Tom Eltringham reaped the rewards, kicking 11 of the Bulldogs’ majors, as his side dominated the entire contest.
Eltringham has been one of the best players in the competition for the past few seasons, and Morgan hinted he could become even more dangerous as he further develops his game.
“He’s working on his game and with new players coming in, it’s always going to take some time to get that consistency,” Morgan said.
“He played pretty well up high, which was good, and he came back for a bit and was playing more of a 360 role.”
Jack Cornish earned his senior debut in the big win, stepping up from colts to gain valuable experience in the senior competition, while Gene Clement, Jackson Williams and Kade Wilson all suited up for the first time this season.
“When there’s a lot of turnover in the list, it’s going to take some time for things to gel and come together,” Morgan said. “We’re still chasing that four-quarter performance.”
For Norths, it was a matter of new week, same story, as they slumped to yet another thrashing as they endure years of torment as the competition’s worst-performing team.
Perhaps the solace Tigers coach Brendon Braithwaite could take out of the result was that his side managed to kick seven goals for the second consecutive week, and aside from the first round’s diabolical single-goal outing, has shown some fight.
Elsewhere, Cairns City produced a remarkable comeback to maintain its unbeaten start to the season.
Held to just two points in the first quarter, Lions turned an eight-goal second term into a 33-point thumping of South Cairns Cutters.
Port Douglas Crocs celebrated their Pink in the Tropics day with a 45-point win over Cairns Saints.
Lee Staple and Shaun Wilson each kicked three goals as the Crocs overturned a firstquarter deficit and produced a roaring victory.
There are now five teams tied on 12 points after five rounds of the AFL Cairns senior season.