Crocs add bite to forward line
Bruce arrives to help shorthanded 36ers
PORT Douglas’ much-vaunted forward line will get stronger next year following the signing of talented goalsneak Wayne Pavitt.
The Crocs’ domination of the AFL Cairns competition shows no signs of relenting, with the addition of Pavitt adding to their embarrassment of riches forward of centre.
Pavitt, affectionately known as Pee Wee, has been a strong performer in the Ovens and Murray and Essendon and District Football leagues in Victoria with Myrtleford and Pascoe Vale respectively.
He was also a star for Montmorency and South Morang in the Northern Football League, and joins the Crocs after winning the Kyabram and District league goalkicking award with Dookie United.
Pavitt said that he was excited to be moving north to join the three-time reigning premiers.
“I met Chris Bradsworth (former Port Douglas president) at the pub a few years back when Bulldogs and Swans played off in the AFL Grand final,” he said of his connection to the Crocs.
“He knew me from when he was president of the Wodonga Raiders when I was playing for BASKETBALL ADELAIDE 36ers replacement player Shaun Bruce is confident he can provide valuable minutes to help steer the club into the playoffs and is comfortable with his brief preparation ahead of a debut against Perth tonight.
The 190cm Bruce, 27, who last played with Wellington in New Zealand, comes in to fill in for US import Ramone Moore. Myrtleford in the Ovens and Murray. We’ve kept in contact ever since.”
Pavitt said he had watched “a few games” of AFL Cairns footy and was itching to join his new teammates when he relocates to Port Douglas in March.
He said he was willing to play in any positions under premiership coach Brad Cooper in 2019.
“I play my best footy (forward) but they’ve already got an amazing forward line, so you never know, you could see me up on a wing.
“I’m happy to play wherever fits into the side.”
The Crocs return to preseason training today at the Port Douglas Sporting Club in preparation for the approaching season.
The club will train twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday nights leading up to their first practice game against Manunda under lights at Cazalys Stadium on March 22.
Crocs President Barry Lea said it was a first for the club to be able to train on those nights.
“I must acknowledge the Douglas Muddies Cricket Club for their support,” he said.
“The club will be open for networking and bonding opportunities every Thursday night.”
The 36ers this week placed Moore on the long-term injury list after scans revealed a calf strain.
He is unlikely to play in any of the remaining eight matches of the regular season.
It is not exactly a like for like, with Bruce more of a pure point guard, while Moore is equally comfortable in the shooting guard role.
But with Moore spending more time with the ball in his hands over the past month, it shapes as a smooth transition.
“I always felt comfortable at this level and thought there would be another opportunity on the horizon,” Bruce said.
“I just had to be patient and be ready for whenever that was.
“I guess Ramone’s been playing a lot at the point the last month or so, so I should be able to slip in there and, I guess, compete for those minutes.”
Sixers coach Joey Wright had nothing but praise for Bruce, who was training with Cairns up until Christmas.
“He’s a really smart player, a tall point guard. He’s more of a full point (than Moore) but can shoot,” Wright said at training.
The addition of Bruce comes as the Sixers’ season is at a critical stage. They are outside of the top-four and have eight matches to make their run to the play-offs.