Bosen backs Cutters to deliver elusive flag

An AFL Cairns hardman can see his big chance to grab a premiership near the end of his career.

South Cairns' Dwayne Bosen is tackled mid air by Port Douglas' Kurt Bradshaw in the AFL Cairns men's grand final match between the Port Douglas Crocs and the South Cairns Cutters, played at Cazalys Stadium. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

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South Cairns hardman Dwayne Bosen can see his big chance to grab a premiership.

The experienced and physical Cutter has been all around the league throughout his career — Watsons Oval, over to Holloways Beach and now down at Fretwell Park — and the goal-kicker thinks 2020 is his best opportunity since 2013 to lift the elusive flag.

A young Bosen was a key cog in the North Cairns side that went down to Cairns Saints in 2013 and his Cutters sides have been around the mark over the last few years, getting knocked over on the final day of the campaign by Port Douglas in 2019.

But, the smiling Bosen, in his mid-30s now, reckons 2020 is the Cutters’ big chance, with a solid list of locals topped up with quality from interstate.

South Cairns' Dwayne Bosen is tackled mid air by Port Douglas' Kurt Bradshaw in the AFL Cairns men's grand final match between the Port Douglas Crocs and the South Cairns Cutters, played at Cazalys Stadium. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE.

At AFL Cairns’ season launch on Wednesday, most club representatives had the Cutters in their top two for premiership favouritism, if not the leading club.

“I reckon we are a fair chance with our recruits ­coming through, they are getting used to the Far North,” Bosen said.

“I think this is my best chance since 2013, fingers crossed, but we have a big chance to get up there.

Cutters' Dwayne Bosen kicks a goal in the AFL Cairns men's grand final match between the Port Douglas Crocs and the South Cairns Cutters, played at Cazalys Stadium. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

“The recruits have been great, respectful, getting along with everyone around the club and we are looking ­forward to having their talent and seeing how well we can go this year.”

The livewire Bosen also had a stint with North Hobart Demons in the Tasmanian State League a few years back.

Viewers of Cutters training at Fretwell Park have marked Bosen’s stepson Parlyane Na’awi as a potential revelation for Souths in 2020 with the emerging, dashing back-pocket defender looking as fit as a fiddle.

As a competition, AFL Cairns cannot wait to be back this weekend, leading the sporting world in FNQ back to some normality.

Both seniors men’s and women’s leagues commence this Saturday with quality ­contests scheduled.

“Footy is back, which is ­really important,” AFL Cairns football manager Craig Lees said.

“Queensland has done the right thing and here in Cairns, it has been hard work for ­players, coaches and volunteers to adhere to the ­policies and this weekend they get a little reward for ­effort as they commence round one.

“It is exciting for everyone.”

South Cairns’ Dwayne Bosen, Hawks Jack West and South's Parlyane Na'awi. PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS.

South Cairns will honour the memory of dedicated and popular club man Kris Seivers with their annual memorial match against ­Manunda this weekend down at Fretwell Park.

Originally published as Bosen backs Cutters to deliver elusive flag