North Cairns player coach Kane Richter hopes the added incentive of silverware will build the rivalry between his side and Cairns Saints, as they shape as the top contenders for the AFL Cairns premiership this season.
North Cairns’ major sponsor has initiated the Mystyle Homes Challenge Cup to be played between the two teams when they meet at Watsons Oval each season.
"I think it’s fitting that the two teams vying for top spot are playing off for this and hopefully it will enhance the rivalry," Richter said.
Saints will start outright favourites considering their untouchable aura this season, but player-coach Brenton Powell is aware of Norths’ ability to test them. "Both sides had a few out last time when they gave us a scare," he said.
But Powell acknowledged that he felt confidence in the troops at his disposal this season.
"I think definitely our depth in the midfield, where we are rotating nine or 10 guys, has been the major difference from last season and the season before that."
Norths know they are up against it but, with key players Rex Liddy and Adam Mueller set to line up against Saints for the first time this year, are up for the challenge.
"Saints are the benchmark; we are trying to see where we are at and what we need to work on," Richter said.
"With Liddy and Mueller back in the side, at the very least it will provide a good spectacle and hopefully there’s a good crowd for it."
Courtesy of The Cairns Post
Last Modified on 25/09/2012 09:30