It is not often the words “thrashing” and Cairns Saints are used in the same sentence but there is no other way of describing what Port Douglas did to the AFL Cairns premiers on Saturday.
Whether they want the tag or not, the Crocs are now the outright premiership favourites after thrashing Saints 26.19 (166) to 12.9 (81) in the tourist town.
The Crocs were up by 15 points at quarter time but unleashed a 1o goal blitz to crush Saints resistance.
Crocs coach Andy Viola said the change in tactics made the difference.
“Saints are a very good side and I guess I coached too defensively and played a bit too much mam-on-man, which stifled our normal free flowing game” he said.
“We acknowledge that at quarter time and decided to roll the dice and let the boys have free rein knowing if it didn’t work e could go back.”
But his fears proved unfounded.
Sam Boxall, Daniel Smith and Matt Shaw all boosted four goals for the Crocs but it was their counterparts at the other end of the ground who again shined.
Led by veteran Evan Hocking, the Crocs backmen monstered most of their forward rival to reinforce their standing as the league’s most fearsome defensive unit.
Despite the heavy attention, Saints forward Alex MacQueen finished with five goals, while Josh Walsh kicked two.
At Cazalys, the Manunda Hawks broke a two game losing streak by thumping South Cairns 27.16 (178) to 9.8 (62).
Hawks dominated from opening bounce and built a match winning 13 goal lead by half time.
Hawks coach Paul Griffiths said his players did all that was asked for them.
“We used the game as an opportunity to build some confidence and stick to the structures and rules we have,” he said.
“That’s what boys did and it was a pretty even performance.”
Last Modified on 27/10/2010 15:42