NewsBite

AFL Cairns: New-look Tigers driven by fresh club culture

North Cairns coach Ronnie Burns is hoping a stark turnaround in club culture will translate on to the field in his first AFL Cairns campaign.

North Cairns coach Ronnie Burns is hoping a stark turnaround in club culture will translate on to the field in his first AFL Cairns campaign.

The former Geelong forward was enlisted to lead the Tigers’ rebuild, with a senior men’s side that has struggled to be competitive in recent years, culminating in a forgettable 0-16 record in 2019.

North Cairns Tigers men’s co-captain Chris Lee, coach Ronnie Burns and women’s captain Tarin Moke. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN
North Cairns Tigers men’s co-captain Chris Lee, coach Ronnie Burns and women’s captain Tarin Moke. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

“What happens in the past is in the past and we’ve got to move forward,” Burns said.

“Since November, our numbers have been great, there’s a new committee, everyone’s chipping in and doing their bit and morale is really high.

“There’s been a good aura around the club, an enthusiasm, and everyone’s up and about.

“We’re just looking forward to round one now.”

> AFL STAR’S DESPERATE ACT AFTER FOUR-DAY DRUGS, ALCOHOL BENDER

The Tigers will open their new campaign against Saints at Griffiths Park on July 11, with Chris Lee set to be handed the sole captaincy duties, with co-captain and Tigers’ reigning best-and-fairest winner Anthony Stewart nursing a shoulder injury.

Burns said the experienced utility would likely miss the first 3-4 weeks of the season.

> AFL HEAVY-HITTER ON BRONCOS’ RADAR FOR TOP JOB

While the men’s side couldn’t chalk up a single win last season, the women’s side was quite the opposite, claiming the premiership to avenge 2018’s grand final loss.

Tarin Moke has been named captain for the upcoming season, taking over from premiership-winning skipper Staci Trindle-Price.

Originally published as AFL Cairns: New-look Tigers driven by fresh club culture

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl-cairns-newlook-tigers-driven-by-fresh-club-culture/news-story/d1a8d77bed0abb709c4d607f87cbc380