Returning South Cairns player-coach Daniel Lock isn't looking forward to his next phone bill, such has been the time spent on planning the Cutters' assault on the AFL Cairns premiership this year.
It has been his first preseason in charge of the club, having taken over midway through last season when Grant Russell was relieved of his duties.
Recruitment and planning have taken precedence but now he is keen to hit the park, the Cutters' first opportunity coming in a practice match against Townsville's Curra Swans at Fretwell Park on Saturday afternoon.
"The Telstra bill has copped a flogging. I reckon I've spent 300 hours on the phone lining up recruits and planning things," Lock said.
"it was a bit of a reality check (what the preseason involves) but now we are just keen to get out there and play a few games."
Those hours on the phone were not in vain, Lock able to woo former club best and fairest Curtis Allen and Cameron Campbell back to the club among a few fresh faces.
The squad went up Walsh's Pyramid before training last weekend and the second-year coach hopes the intensity and attitude he has seen in his side so far remains.
Last year the Cutters finished fourth, battling hard before going down by 25 points to Port Douglas in the first week of finals.
"Success comes when there is a unity in th squad and when you have a bunch of guys that want the same thing you don't have to try and sell any particular messag," the player-coach said.
"And we are not going to be happy with coming mid-table."
***The Cutters play the Curra Swans at 2pm Saturday in Bentley Park, before taking part in next weekend's AFL Cairns Preseason Cup***
Last Modified on 06/11/2014 15:12