LIONS ROAR IN HISTORIC AFL CAIRNS FINALS RUN
THE Cairns City Lions have already made history just by making the AFL Cairns post-season, but now the boys from Holloways Beach are eyeing the major prize as they prepare to face the five-time defending champions in the preliminary final.
The Lions won their first finals match in 21 years, but captain Brodie Deverell warned his side would equal their ferocity when they faced a Port Douglas outfit smarting since a 22.18 (150) to 14.8 (92) hiding at the hands of Cairns Saints.
But it’s more than what’s happened on the field.
Deverell, the captain of two seasons, attributed the club’s turnaround to the work club president Shane Law and coach Aaron “Flash” Davey had put in since joining up four years ago.
The Lions were routinely thrashed before former Melbourne Demons player Davey took the helm.
“What he’s done, with Shane behind the scenes as well, has been significant for the club and the direction it’s going in,” Deverell said.
“In my first year, we made our first finals for a while and lost by about a goal.
“Next year we lost by about two points.
“So on the weekend it was good to be able to get over the line after being so close in the past two years.”
The Lions’ history-making finals triumph came in the form of a 9.13 (67) to 7.11 (53) win against the Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs.
Deverell said the win itself was great, but it was the joy it brought members of the club – who had endured decades without post-season success – that made it special.
“I reckon it’s meant a lot to them, especially those who have been there for the hard periods,” he said.
“It’s good that we as players, and other people who’ve come into the club, have been able to get that success.
“It just means the most. Being around the club, there are hard times; when you put in a lot of work, time and effort it’s good to see success for those people.”
As for Saturday’s win or go home clash, Deverell said the side was peaking at the right time.
“I reckon with us, we’ve got a very good team that’s gelling well over the last month,” he said.
“We’ve just got to have that belief that if we play our best footy, we’re going to beat teams.
“We’re probably going in a bit as underdogs given their experience in finals footy, but knowing what we can achieve, we’re going in with a good fight on our hands.”
Port Douglas will be no pushovers, having won the past five grand finals – and six of the past seven flags – as they built a reputation as arguably the best in regional Queensland.