Lions eye top-two challenge after roaring win
GROWING familiarity and consistent performances across the park have Cairns City Lions coach Brodie Deverell believing his team is evolving into one which can challenge for the AFL Cairns Women’s premiership.
The Lions were barely troubled in their 74-point thumping of South Cairns Cutters at Fretwell Park, on the back of what Deverell said was a full team effort.
There was no standout for the Lions – Deverell and his fellow coaches had trouble settling on their best players – as they earned their first victory in a month.
Cairns City was boosted by the return of star twins Laquoiya and Litonya Cockatoo-Motlap, who further strengthened the Lions as they marched to the massive victory.
“They always stand out on the field,” Deverell said.
“It really lifts the standard of play when they’re on the field. To have them back, as well as Luana (Healey) and Sodyla (Kris), it was really good for us.”
While they are far from the final, finished product, Deverell has seen enough in his improving squad to believe it can challenge the top sides for the flag come September.
“I believe we can,” he said. “We’re getting a few games under our belt and we’ve got a number of girls who are playing their first season in the game.
“If we can keep improving and working hard, we’ll get back in touch with the top two.”
At Crathern Park, Margaret Dau kicked four goals to power North Cairns to a 60-point win over the Bulldogs, who hit the scoreboard once via a Regina McGee goal in the final term.
The league’s top two teams – Cairns Saints and Manunda Hawks – had the bye.