PORT Douglas got back in the winner's circle on Saturday, spoiling Manunda co-captain Luke Powell's 100th game at the club in what was one of the most evenly-split contests of the season.
The Hawks will tell you it was a few easy misses that cost them, while the Crocs’ ability to exploit the Cazalys breeze in the third term was also crucial in the result.
They kicked five goals to one in that stanza to cling on for only their third win of the season 16.16 (112) to 15.10(100).
Manunda started strongly, with goal sneak Fred Pittorino kicking their first two in trademark fashion.
And the return of Glen Martin also bolstered the Hawks’ backline – the big defender even snuck forward to kick a goal and put the Hawks ahead by two goals approaching half time.
But the quick legs of the nimble Crocs’ midfield, coupled with the advantage of having the wind at their back, allowed them to steamroll the hosts after the main break.
The lead ballooned past 20 in the final quarter before Manunda made a late charge, eventually falling short by two goals.
Six men returned to the Crocs’ side after missing the previous round with injury, but the win still came without both captains and their vice-captain, who are on the long-term injury list.
It was a morale-boosting result for frustrated coach Brad Cooper, but he did not go as far to say that the Crocs had rediscovered their mojo.
"There’s no use saying that and there’s no use even really comparing the side to anything in the past because only two blokes from last year’s finals were playing on the weekend," he said.
"Definitely having more depth on the bench was the difference for us this weekend and it was a real team effort across the board that got us there."
Martin, one of the Hawks’ best on the day, lamented a some missed opportunities, but ultimately gave Port credit for the result.
"They controlled the play better in that third quarter but we missed maybe six easy shots; we could have won by four goals," he said.
For Port, midfielder Dylan Wearmouth, Pat Godsell, ruckman Julius Smith and young gun Jackson Brown (four goals) were all impressive.
The win puts Port within one victory of Centrals Trinity Beach, who lost to Souths on Saturday by 10 goals. The two teams clash next week.
In the other game, Cairns Saints put up their biggest total of the season, kicking 41 goals in their 171-point thumping of the Lions.
Last Modified on 25/09/2012 10:13