DON'T try telling North Cairns coach Kane Richterthat the Tigers' Anzac Day clash against the South Cairns Cutters is just an ordinary game of football.
Played on arguably the most sacred date on the Australian calendar, today's contest at Fretwell Parkis about more than four competition points.
"As a club we feel privileged to be involved in such a special occasion," Richter said.
"A lot of our senior players will go to the dawn service and treat it with a great deal of pride.
"I know in our group we've got a few boys with grandparents and great-grandparents who were diggers, so they definitely take the occasion to heart."
A fired-up Tigers outfit will a be tough proposition for the Cutters, who parted ways with coach Grant Russellon Tuesday.
Cutters veteran Daniel Lockhas been installed as coach and faces a testing initiation against the side many consider to be the AFL Cairns premiership favourites.
The Tigers are the only unbeaten team left after four rounds, but Richter said his side still had to improve if it wanted to be a September force.
"We've been reasonably good so far. I think we've won 11 out of 12 quarters for the year, but we've also got work to do," he said.
"There are still a few things we haven't got in place.
"The positive thing for us is that we have a lot of depth.
"There are a lot of boys in the reserves who are pushing the seniors to perform each week.
"That's definitely a positive, but we know there's a long way to go yet.
"It's only round five, and we're under no illusions about how much more we have to do."
While his club has endured a disrupted preparation because of Russell's departure, South Cairns president Lance Dixonisn't ready to discount the Cutters' chances.
"It's a big occasion," he said.
"Once the national anthem and Last Post is played, the blood starts to pump and the fervour starts to build.
"Maybe having the change in coach will inspire the boys to a big performance."
Today's game will have a spectacular opening, with a parachutist set to deliver the match ball into the venue.
The match starts at 3.30pm.
Last Modified on 14/06/2013 12:51