Lions use camp to hone side

A “SPECIAL experience” together as a group on Fitzroy Island last weekend has AFL Cairns club City Lions primed for season 2020.

Lions’ player-coach Aaron Davey took around 25 of his playing group to the island across two days for a pre-season camp.

The players were split into teams, completed hikes, challenges, rode in kayaks as well as tasks like carrying big water bottles to help bring the group together ahead of the upcoming campaign.

At night, Lions players completed a trivia session with questions based around Fitzroy Island itself and City Lions’ history as a club.

The Holloways Beachbased club were the surprise packets of the 2019 season, reaching the top four and pushing Manunda in an elimination final, and Davey thinks the camp will benefit his team.

“It was pretty special for the group,” Davey said.

“We used to do it at AFL level as well – there is hard work to be done at camps like this, but there is always the fun element as well. Making sure they are working hard, it was special for our boys to be able to do a camp like that.

“It is great for our club to get a big group of guys over there in Lions colours representing our club and brand.”

Former West Coast Eagleslisted small forward Ashton Hams will feature for AFL Cairns club City Lions in 2020.

The 33-year-old played 39 games at the elite level, kicking 41 goals for the Eagles, across three seasons. He has most recently played with the Tiwi Bombers in Darwin’s NTFL.

“I think he will play the majority of games at this stage,” Davey said.

“He is a great person and leader and he will be in a perfect position for our club. All the Tiwi boys have said how great his leadership has been since he has been at that club.”

Pre-season: Cairns City Lions v Cairns Saints at Holloways Beach Sporting Complex today from 11am.