McCarthy and Dejonge combine for 11, Cutters dominate the CTB Bulldogs with 167 point victory
League leaders the South Cairns Cutters have put the CTB Bulldogs to the sword on Saturday afternoon, while the Tigers and Lions joined them in 100 plus point wins. Read all about the weekend’s action >>>
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There was a goals onslaught in round 13 for AFL Cairns as three premiership contenders put their opponents to the sword.
High quality Cutters Liam McCarthy, Michael Dejonge and Tom Fields have combined for 15 goals to put the CTB Bulldogs to the sword with a 26.19 (175) to 1.2 (8) thrashing at Crathern Park.
Half-back McCarthy covered every blade of grass while slotting six goals in a best on ground performance.
Small forwards Dejonge (five goals) and Richard Wuruki-Barba were a handful, while Jamie Wells (two goals) was outstanding in midfield.
Wells plays a role for his side that often flies under the radar, but throughout the season has balanced the attacking prowess of midfielders such as Tyler Roos and Joseph Ugle.
McKeown brothers, Beau and Luke were outstanding again with the later playing with a bit more freedom in the absence of former Docker Ryan Nyhuis.
Beau McKeown said his side were without a number of personnel, but it was a chance to give an opportunity players who have been banging on the selection door.
“Patrick O’Sullivan, captain of the two’s, he played a big role with his leadership and his voice out there,” McKeown said.
“Young Boston (Oches) played his first game for the seniors this year I thought he played quite well. He found space out on the wing and was able to use the footy when he had his turn.”
It’s a game to be forgotten for the Bulldogs who were beaten in all areas of the field with Adam Manser managing their only major in the fourth quarter, the only time the crowd came alive.
Dan Smith started on the wing and dropped back as the spare in defence, racking up a number of disposals in the free role but the football barely escaped the defensive 50.
With ruckman Caiden Gardiner on the sidelines, captain and lockdown defender Ben Finnerty played a surprising role in the ruck, before being shifted onto Tom Fields (four goals) after the former Carlton Blue overwhelmed younger defenders.
CTB Bulldogs rising stars Flinn Kelly, Joshua Butson and Mitchell Hurst competed hard against far bigger bodies and can hold their head high for their dare and attack on the footy despite the scoreline.
Cutters had 11 different goal kickers.
“Numerous goal kickers is huge for footy now,” McKeown said.
“Days are gone for relying on a big (key) forward. To have numerous guys running from midfield, big forwards, small forwards, it was (great) to have a mix.”
Cutters welcomed a surprise guest in AFL Hall of Famer Paul Roos who was in attendance to watch son, Tyler Roos.
Around the grounds, North Cairns Tigers dominated the Manunda Hawks on Friday as Cairns enjoyed the long weekend.
Tigers’ James Neale kicked six goals in the first half to give the Tigers a commanding lead as they continued to pile on the goals after half time to run out winners by 117 points at Watsons Oval to hold onto third spot while the Hawks are still chasing their first win since 2022.
Meanwhile on Saturday the Lions took care of the undermanned Saints at ITEC oval.
The win puts the gap between the Lions and fifth placed Saints to four games now as we close in on the back end of the season.
Lions’ Tyron Rainbird booted seven goals as he kicked clear on the Matthew Walsh Medal, chasing it for the second year in a row.
It sets up a mouth watering clash between the Lions and South Cairns Cutters at Fretwell Park in round 14.
Cruel Reidy blow as Bulldogs bite back
Jade Ransfield and Grace Frost have charged CTB Bulldogs women’s back into AFL Cairns finals contention with a crucial 6.5 (35) to 2.5 (17) victory over the Cutters, but at a cruel cost.
Ransfield was a force in the forward line, charging into every contest at Crathern Park with ferocity and proving to a tough player for the Cutters to match-up against.
She booted two goals (nine for the season) but it was her strong marking and pressure in the forward half that impacted the match most.
Fellow gun Frost, who is having a remarkable season, had a huge impact, chasing down possessions and notching two fine goals.
The number 39 tested her head guard late in the third quarter, putting her head over the ball and copping a huge knock but bouncing back up seconds later.
Angelina Brim had speed to burn with her dash up the wing, while young Southern Districts (NTFL) recruit Rhania Hewitt, ruck Mya Thomas and Brooklyn Lancaster were also standouts.
Cutters midfielders Tatiana Finlan and Precious Simeona, two of the best in the competition, were once again outstanding while mid-season recruit Cassie McWilliam in her fourth game for the season was a standout.
The 21-year old, who has previously participated in the AFLW Under-18 Championships with the allies, while also suiting up for Williamstown (VFLW), Swan Districts (WAFLW) and Nightcliff Tigers (NTFLW), played a hybrid ruck role for most of the match.
McWilliam is a tall, tough, athletic player who was eager to burst forward, adding an interesting dynamic to this Cutters side as they hope to hold their finals spot.
Kalika Struber and Kylie Banu also put in strong games.
The match was overshadowed with a cruel second quarter blow to Bulldogs captain Naomi Reidy who was stretchered off with a lower leg injury in a tackling contest.
The irreplaceable skipper plays a key role for the Dogs on and off the field in what would be a blow if she were to miss the remainder of the season.
More Coverage
Originally published as McCarthy and Dejonge combine for 11, Cutters dominate the CTB Bulldogs with 167 point victory
Crushed by a drunk driver, robbed and abandoned at 18, to chasing Olympic gold at 52
Laying on the ground in a country thousands of kilometres from home with a broken back and neck aged 18, Lisa Parkes was told she would never walk again. Now a world champion at age 52, she dreams of making her Olympic debut in 2028.
Alleygators unleash former Reds prospect in backrow shake-up
A shock backline reshuffle at Palm Beach was sparked by the quiet return of a former Junior Wallaby—whose switch from prop to flanker could redefine the Gators’ title push. Find out more.