Returning coach Brad Cooper said Boone, captain of The Cairns Post team of the year last season and grand final best on ground Wearmouth were both unlikely to return to the Far North to defend their flag.
All clubs are still finalising their rosters and neither are listed on the AFL Cairns website as official clearances, but Cooper seemed resigned to the loss.
“Dylan isn’t quite confirmed yet but it looks that way; they both had big roles at the club and 12 losses is never what you want to see,” Cooper said.
It leaves a leadership void at the club, with the pair integral in the Crocs’ surge to a title last season and two of a select few to have stayed at the club for at least two seasons.
Mass changes to the squad is nothing new for Cooper, who is used to the transient nature of Port Douglas and the regular coming and going of players.
Every year they deal with similar losses but are generally still a top four team and last season won the Colts, Reserves and Seniors flags.
“You could call it a headache or a challenge – whatever it is, losing guys each season is part and parcel of Port Douglas,” the coach said.
“There is no big industry here for the career-oriented players, so it’s mainly tourism based which is all seasonal.
“It’s head down, bum up for us in terms of recruitment and we’ll certainly be a different team this season.”
They will use this weekend’s Preseason Cup at Cazalys as a chance to get some miles in their legs after an internal trial last week.
“And just a good chance to get together as a group,” Cooper said.
Despite last season’s cleansweep of the silverware the Crocs’ situation means they will not rest on their laurels.
“They are good memories, but that’s all they are now,” Cooper said of their 2014 premiership.
Article Courtesy of Murray Wenzel, The Cairns Post 18th March 2015
Last Modified on 18/03/2015 16:06