Cutters on foreign soil

Title contenders get first sight on Cazalys

SOUTH Cairns Cutters players will need to set their global positioning system in their cars this morning in search of Cazalys Stadium.

The epicentre of AFL footy in the Far North, Cazalys Stadium is home ground to Manunda Hawks, but in 2016, many top clubs have rarely played on the premier venue.

While many of their players would have used the ground during pre-season and representative footy, the Cutters will play their first home and away match at the venue today from 3pm against the Manunda Hawks.

In comparison, the side Cutters will play in seven days’ time at the venue, Port Douglas, have played on the ground three times this season.

While the other two finalists, Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs and Cairns Saints, have seen the oval just once and twice respectively.

“It is an interesting one, I am not sure if I am with or against it,” Cutters playing coach Cameron Campbell said.

“It has a few unique elements as a ground, the wind that comes through there and the way the ground plays. The ball really gets stuck on the grand stand side a lot.

“The breeze can be a big factor too, it will be good to get a taste of it.

“In the past, our boys have pulled up a bit sore from playing at Cazalys, so we will do a little bit of extra recovery.

“We will train there leading into finals too.”

Elsewhere in Round 21 matches today, Cairns City Lions will host the Cairns Saints while North Cairns Tigers will tackle Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs at Watsons Oval.