CHANGE KEEPS IT FRESH

An online petition calling for change at the club was created in 2014 and you were keen to return to the board. How do you reflect on that now?

AWe have had our differences but they have kept the organisation afloat. They made the coaching change last year that a lot of people thought was necessary. Hats off to them for that. I just hope they keep that momentum and change things once they get stale. They took too long to move on Fearne, in my opinion. Having said that, 20 years down the track, we are looking forward to another season.

If you were to get back involved at a board level at the club, what would you look to change or add to what is already happening?

AThe club relies on 14 games and a few preseason games for revenue right now. Hopefully finals games too. And the generosity of sponsors. I think worst-case scenarios need to be looked at. Let’s say we finish last this year and the season ticket support dries up. I think the club needs a place where the fans and members can revisit the history to remember the good times, like a sports club or bar. A sports club can provide revenue 364 days of the year as well as giving skills and employment to players or development players. I think that could help retain players and bring players to Cairns, knowing there is something after basketball for them.