Bulldogs overcome injuries to sweep aside South Cairns
INJURIES are a mere speed bump for the Bulldogs, and one they overcame handily to have them on a trajectory for a huge season according to coach Fraser Lucas.
Lucas got his first victory as coach of the team in the form of a hardfought 5.4 (34) to 2.0 (12) win against South Cairns.
“The win probably makes things easier in the sense that I can come in and know what I’m trying to teach the girls, they can apply,” he said.
“Seeing them get the win on Saturday will help push them a little more with what we’re trying to learn at training.
“It was a great reward, more so for the girls than me but it was a good way to get things rolling.”
Both the Bulldogs and the Cutters had each other locked down in the opening quarter, however the former managed to pull away as the heated contest raged on.
“The first quarter was a bit of a stalemate but once the girls started to win the ball in the midfield in the second quarter, they started to get on top a bit,” Lucas said.
“We got a bit of a buffer there to ease the pressure off and we were able to control the game.”
Lucas said top Centrals players Brooke Knight, Brooklyn Lancaster and Jade Ransfield all battled injuries and illness throughout the game, but all managed to keep their composure.
“Those three were tremendous with what they did throughout the day, especially Brooklyn who kicked two goals from the midfield,” he said.
“Angelina Brim was another one that stood up.
“She had to play through the midfield with a couple of those girls being a little bit sore.
“She generated plenty of ball as well. I though collectively they all played well.”
Cairns City Lions also powered through a tight match with the Manunda Hawks to win 3.8 (26) to 3.2 (20) and spoil the latter’s first home game at Cazaly’s Stadium.
Both the Cairns Saints and North Cairns Tigers had byes.
All six teams play at Cazalys Stadium on Saturday for the Dreamtime by the Sea round.