The Bulldogs put up a typically brave fight, but they were ultimately outclassed by a Port Douglas side with revenge on their minds. The Crocs wrestled the AFL Cairns elimination semi-final in their favour with a bruising and fearless display that kept them alive in the race for their first flag since 2005.
They are now one win away from a grand final rematch with Saints. But to get there they must beat Manunda in Saturday’s preliminary final, after the Hawks were belted by nearly 100 points by Saints in the other semi-final at Cazalys on Saturday.
The 15.16 (106) to 9.8 (62) victory brought an end to the Dogs’ season, but under the pain the playing group made it clear they would only get better next year.
“We’re shattered that’s for sure,” assistant coach and player Gavin Miller said. “But it’s a young and talented side and with Tyson’s (head coach Tyson Lane) game plan and structure, the club is certainly building towards something good. Finals footy is a different game and full credit to Port Douglas – they toughed it out and played well.”
And it certainly was a physical game, with Port Douglas skipper Evan Hocking knocked out cold in the first half.
“I can’t remember much of it to tell you the truth,” he said. “But I do know we were happy to have improved on some of the areas we were poor in last week.”
Port held a three-point lead at half time but their tackle rate, forward line pressure and ability to win the one-percenters was the difference as they only allowed the Dogs to kick two more goals after the main break.
Matt Shaw kicked a game-high four goals for Port Douglas, while the level head of Timmy Karpany was outstanding for the Crocs.
“Our senior players definitely stepped up and did some good things and lead from the front,” Hocking said.
The skipper said they would be wary of the wounded beast as they prepare for Saturday’s preliminary final against the Hawks.
“I don’t think anyone expected them to lose like that, and it’s hard to tell how they will come back from that,” Hocking said. “They could be really flat, or com out firing, so we’ll need to be ready. But we’re quietly confident and I think we’re in better shape this year than we were at this stage last season.”
Courtesy of The Cairns Post.
Last Modified on 06/09/2011 16:25