AFL Cairns: Port Douglas powerless to stop rampant Lions
Cairns City Lions are through to a blockbuster semi-final clash against the Tigers after ravaging the Crocs in a brutal 75-point victory at Cazalys Stadium.
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Cairns City Lions are through to a blockbuster semi-final clash against the Tigers after ravaging the Crocs in a brutal 75-point victory on Saturday.
It was an ambush at Cazalys Stadium.
The Lions were fierce from the opening bounce with a diving smother by Lions defender Edward Kadlecek setting the tone of the clash in what kickstarted a six-goal to zero first quarter mauling.
Matthew Walsh medallist Tyron Rainbird broke the game open after booting four in the opening term, but it was the Lions midfield and half-forwards that did most of the grunt work.
Bodies on the line, fierce tackling and suffocating pressure, the side who finished fourth swarmed the opposition with Crocs midfielder Lloyd Beever booting their only goal for the opening three quarters.
Lions coach Aaron Davey said he was extremely proud of his side.
“Fair bit of history between the two clubs, but it’s a great brotherly rivalry,” Davey said.
“Both clubs have a lot of respect for each other, obviously a bit of tension tonight, but they’re a great footy club. Touched us up the last two years so coming into finals it was always going to be tough. We’re strong in our beliefs, we used the width (of Cazalys Stadium) and our leg speed to get kicks into Tyron (Rainbird) fast and we stuck to the process. Amazing what happens when you get into (Rainbird) quickly and he’s the best full-forward for a reason.”
Flint v Brandt
A huge match-up coming into the game.
Liam Brandt, a leading contender for the Crathern Medal, has been unstoppable this season but Davey backed Beau Flint to take on the challenge.
“Brandt is the best player in this competition, but Beau embraced the challenge to go head to head with him.” Davey said.
Having a remarkable season himself, Flint is no stranger to the big stage with multiple best on grounds this season and put in a first-class performance against a side that leads the league in clearances.
His hunt for the footy, ferocious tackling and strong two-way running was a big factor in the Lions breaking the game open in the first half and he slotted a goal for himself in the second term.
Brandt had moments but wasn’t close to some of his incredible performances this season where he has racked up over 40 possessions and three goals with ease.
Factors were the big loss of fellow bull Sam Fairclough to injury, while moving the Crocs best ruck Ethan McCullough to the backline wasn’t effective.
McCullough, who was terrific in the ruck in last year’s premiership victory, plays like an extra midfielder with his agility and movement between the arcs.
He had an impact on the game when moved into the ruck later in the game and was one of the Crocs best performers along with half-back Daniel Davidson and Lloyd Beever.
Tall Order
With Crocs struggling with key position defenders this season, Lions pushed former Brisbane Lion Matt Eagles and fellow ruck Max Hoffman forward to the stretch the defence.
Eagles kicked the opening goal while Hoffman booted three majors.
The pair freed up the marking and scoring burden on Rainbird, while isolating him one-on-one against Peter Megee.
Crocs powerhouse Harvey Moore was the sides best defender on the day, while Lions captain Sean Connelly and Mitchell Hunter were outstanding at the other end.
Fly-in Brigade
Lions, a dark horse for the premiership, welcomed a Northern Territory brigade into the 23 with former West Coast Eagle Ashton Hams, Jake Twycross, ruckman Liam Read, Jonathan Lanyon, Phillip Wills along with Eagles (Victoria) in the line-up.
Crocs raised the question about Hams availability for the clash but it was confirmed the former West Coast Eagle met the appearance quota prior to the game.
Hams poise and experience was a huge bonus, particularly in the opening term and late in the game when he was moved to half-back.
While Wills was part of a gritty half-forward line which included Keith Brick, Jordan King and Thomas Lindenmayer that provided pristine transition to the tall forwards.
A few Lions could be question marks for selection next week following a third-quarter all out brawl between the sides.
Six yellow cards were handed out to Brandt, Noah Short and Lee Staple from the Crocs, while Lions Daniel Charlesworth, Branden Deslandes and Mitchell Hunter were also sent off.
‘One point’: Hawks break the Cutters hearts in last-gasp thriller
13 points down heading into the fourth quarter and with their star player Sophia Fowler sidelined.
It was beginning to look bleak for the Manunda Hawks.
The side that were crowned premiers last season were staring down elimination against the South Cairns Cutters at Cazalys Stadium before Lusa Wagia and Remie Bampton stood up at the death.
Collecting the ball inside the centre square, Wagia only had eyes for the goals bursting forward at pace.
With Cutters defenders gaining fast, she breached the forward 50 and slotted a remarkable solo goal to close the gap to five points.
Mere minutes later, Kris Hunt snatched a mark inside 50 before booting it towards the boundary.
The ball looked set for the boundary before a lurking Remie Bampton grabbed possession.
With the clock ticking, the Hawks leading goalkicker snapped a miracle game-winner from the pocket to put her side up by one point.
An outstanding end to a hard-fought final between two contenders.
Cutters guns Isa Matthew and Tatiana Finlan couldn’t have done much more their team, while Cassie McWilliam was a force between the arcs.
Experienced Hawks midfielder Tiarne Sparks and Jennifer Wren embraced the big stage, while
Kareena White and Jessica Roberts anchored the Hawks defence.
The reigning premiers will now look ahead to a tough clash against a stacked Cairns City Lions side looking to avenge their loss to the North Cairns Tigers.
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