Cutters to be down on troops

IF you were interested to see if South Cairns had made any ground on Port Douglas, you are not going to get a fair reflection this afternoon.

In the first meeting of the two powerful AFL Cairns clubs since last year’s grand final, the Cutters will be without a glut of experienced players today at Fretwell Park.

The home side will be missing playing-coach Cameron Campbell, gun forwards Paul Smith and Dwayne Bosen, reliable defenders Luke Anning and Daniel Lock as well as David Welch and Tristan Keilar through a mixture of unavailability and injury.

The Cutters omissions take a bit of sting out of the biggest game so far of the 2017 season but Crocs coach Brad Cooper is still expecting a fierce contest.

“There is rivalry when you play sides multiple times up here in finals,” Cooper said.

“We have played them in the last three years in finals footy.

“It will be a hard task, they are always strong on their home deck.

“They have a terrific list, we are gearing ourselves for a redhot contest.”

The Crocs will be without Alex Bendle, who suffered a knee injury last Saturday at home to City Lions and could miss the rest of the season, but will have an MRI on Tuesday.

Journeyman ruckman Josh Wilson will play his second game of the season with the Crocs after stints with Central Districts in the SANFL and Wanderers in the NTFL.

Campbell still expects to compete with the reigning premiers despite their lack of experience.

“We have still picked a strong team. Thomas Borrillo will play his first senior game for the club,” Campbell said.

In other Round 7 contests, Cairns Saints host Lions at home while North Cairns play a rare Sunday fixture, at home to finals aspirants Manunda.