When Kim and Brendan Tennick first walked through the doors of North Cairns Football Club six years ago their friends were a little worried.
"People were asking us if we knew what we were getting into and when I Googled the club I was shocked Brendan would want to play for them," Kim said.
She was referring to the grand final brawl in 2004 between the Tigers and Port Douglas that dominated headlines right across the country and left deep scars on the club's reputation.
"I don't like talking about it and I get angry when I read about it, but it's taken a long time to get to the point where we can put it behind us and I think this year is the furthest we've ever been from that."
"I remember coming in a bit wary and then realising everyone was quite friendly (six years ago). This year I've noticed how helpful everyone has become and people outside the club don't refer to that (brawl) any more when you mention Norths."
"It's a completely different place now and I can't quite believe the transformation."
Tennick will manage the reserve and senior sides in Saturday's grand finals and on Monday night was named AFL Cairns' volunteer of the year.
Some silverware would put a symbolic barricade up between the future of the club and the turbulence of 2004, Tennick said.
"The girls and I are making the senior banner for the first time and it's an exciting feeling at the club," she said.
"It's a funny feeling, but Kane (coach Kane Richter) is making sure that there is no over-confidence."
Tennick, whose husband is a vital part of the top side, said that Richter had a lot to do with the club's vastly improved image.
"He came on board and basically said 'enough is enough,' the manager said.
"Without him I don't know whether we'd be in this position. Not just our wins on the field but the people involved behind the scenes."
Norths seniors finished on top of the ladder but lost their semi-final to Saints, while the reserves managed to blaze an identical path.
"To have two sides in will be great; I'll be busy but it'll be a really good kind of busy," Tennick said.
"People have been asking to buy apparel and there is so much interest about the weekend, so hopefully we are well supported on Saturday."
The reserves will play Port Douglas at 1pm while the main game will be at Cazalys from 3pm.
Last Modified on 11/10/2013 16:12