Port Douglas captain Evan Hocking has admitted his team must collectively lift if they want to remain in the race for an elusive Cairns AFL premiership. The Crocs last won a flag in 2005 and were edged by Saints in last year’s decider after dominating the regular season.
A lacklustre performance against the same opponent last weekend saw them relinquish second place after holding it for exactly half the season, meaning they face a dangerous Centrals Trinity Beach in an elimination semi-final at Cazalys tomorrow. Hocking made no secret he was unhappy with his side’s performance last weekend and after training on the Cazalys turf on Wednesday night, he has asked for a little bit more this weekend.
“We were pretty average last week and we all know that,” Hocking said. “It showed what can happen when your intensity is not there. If you switch off you’re as good as done.”
While he stopped short of criticising his side for not trying, Hocking sait it was clear their level of effort was well below that of the Saints’.
“They won the contested ball and wanted it more,” Hocking said.
And they will need to be on their game, particularly in the mid-field, against a Bulldogs side lined with hard-nosed warriors. Player coach Tyson Lane, Gareth Oughton, Lee Campbell and Brent Craighead will not take a backward step.
“Their midfield is always strong; they work hard and get lots of ball. It will be our job to stop them,” Hocking said.
Courtesy of The Cairns Post.
Last Modified on 02/09/2011 17:11