Key points from round
Rainbird kicks on, Tigers show teeth and Cutters strong
After two rounds in the AFL Cairns season, we have four undefeated teams across the men’s, seniors and women’s competitions.
Port Douglas is the only side on two wins in the men’s, with the Saints winning in round 1 and then having the bye in round 2.
While in the women’s, the Cutters have surprised the league and are sitting first by percentage over the also undefeated Saints.
Here are three things we learned from round 2.
RAINBIRD IS THE BEST FORWARD IN THE COMP
Tyron Rainbird kicked five goals in the Lions’ loss to the Saints in round 1 and very well could have had a few more.
In wet and slippery conditions in round 2, Rainbird managed three goals in a side that kicked 10.14 for a full game.
A strong presenting forward is what any team searches for, the Lions have that in Rainbird.
Part of the 2022 premiership Lions, Rainbird was close to winning the Matthew Walsh Leading Goal Kicker award.
Despite losing two key players in Jake Long and Robbie Turnbull, Rainbird is still getting quality delivery out of the midfield.
To have the powerful forward is burst out of the goalsquare is a midfielder’s dream.
TIGERS ARE A DARK HORSE THIS SEASON
North Cairns Tigers took it up to Port Douglas Crocs in round 1, leading at halftime and three-quarter time before the Crocs ran out 27-point winners.
In Tuesday’s Anzac Day clash against the South Cairns Cutters, the Tigers broke a 10year hoodoo to claim a 15point win at Watson’s Oval.
The recruitment of 12 new players during the off-season has given the Tigers some belief pushing them in the right direction.
The Cutters led by nine points at three-quarter time but the new game plan thanks to coaches Jason Tom and Sam Hughes challenged the players to not let South Cairns run away with it.
CUTTERS COULD END SAINTS’ STREAK
In 2022, the South Cairns Cutters finished last, winning just one game throughout the 16game season.
Fast forward 12 months and the Cutters remain undefeated with back-to-back wins to start the season.
A 68-point win over last year’s finalists the Bulldogs was a massive way to start the season but it was the nailbiting win over the Tigers in round 2 that showed where this team is heading.
A late goal from vice-captain Jocelyn Bowditch, resulting in the match winner, has set them up for the upcoming game of the round in the women’s competition against the Saints.
The Cutters tackling pressure throughout the game, stopped the Tigers from getting a run on.
It was demonstrated after North Cairns kicked the opening goal in the final term to give them the lead and had majority of possession during the quarter.
The Saints haven’t looked overly dominant in the first two rounds compared to last season and could have their winning streak finish on 41 wins.