AFL Cairns: Tribunal reaches final verdict, women’s rep clash heats up

An AFL Cairns legend reveals why this weekend’s rep game is important, a Manunda gun celebrates his milestone game and a contentious issue is concluded. MORE IN OUT OF BOUNDS >>

THIS weekend’s inaugural North Queensland and South Queensland women’s clash will serve as a chance for not only young players to get exposure on the big stage, but for veterans to finally experience the Sunshine State classic.

The best of AFL Cairns’ men’s and women’s competitions will descend upon Southport’s Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday, and while the men’s rep game has been played since 2014, this is the first time women have had the opportunity to represent North Queensland.

Cairns AFL legend Jo Butland will make history as NQ’s first coach.

Left to right: Tiarna Ahwang (Saints), Matilda Flint (Lions) and Kate Fowles (Saints). Picture: Harry Murtough

“I think we’ve selected a team that has some really good talent across the regions, with a fair bit of experience as well,” the former Australian all star said.

Seven Cairns players were named for NQ, with Saints quartet Kate Fowles, Kate Wheaton, Tiarna Ahwang, Grace Perry joined by Jennifer Wren (Hawks), Grace Johnson (Lions), and Jasemine Ware (Tigers).

While the clash will give young talents such as Ahwang an opportunity to get exposure for their potential professional playing futures, Butland said the match would be equally important for more experienced players like Fowles.

“She gets plenty of football week in, week out,” Butland said.

“It’ll be great to see what she can bring to that next level.”

For the men’s, Lions gun midfielder Jake Long will make his debut for the NQ team boasting 16 Cairns players including five Lions.

The Aaron Davey-coached squad will play at 4pm, while the women’s side will play at 2pm.

APPEAL DISMISSED BY AFL TRIBUNAL

Port Douglas has had its appeal against the length of suspension for South Cairns player-coach Brad Johansen dismissed.

Crocs midfielder Josh Mawson’s jaw was broken in two places after he and Johansen collided during their clash in round 8.

An AFL Cairns tribunal deemed the incident unintentional on the part of Johansen, who copped a four-game suspension.

South Cairns Cutters and Port Douglas Crocs players clash after Brad Johansen and Josh Mawson collided during a game. Picture: file

The Crocs appeal cited the use of Johansen’s elbow, as well as personal impacts on Mawson, as grounds to harshen the suspension.

The decision was upheld, with the original punishment to stand.

Port’s Chris Colombo received a one match ban after he shoved Johansen in the incident. He was sent off the field, where he also approached the Cutters bench.

FLINT MARKS 100TH GAME

MANUNDA Hawks midfielder Corey Flint has brought up 100 senior games for the brown and gold.

Corey Flint of the Hawks in action during the AFL Cairns men’s match between the Manunda Hawks V Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs at the Trinity Beach Sports Club. Picture Emily Barker

The mulleted machine has been an integral part of the Hawks outfit since 2011, booting 109 goals and notching best on ground votes in 58 appearances during his career.

He added two goals to that tally, and was named in Manunda’s best again despite a 35-point loss to CTB.

CTB WEARS STRIPES OF ‘FREEDOM’

IT was hard to miss the striking jerseys of South Cairns, Manunda and North Cairns on the weekend, with the three teams celebrating Pride Round with specially designed playing strips.

AFL Cairns celebrated its pride round last week, highlighting inclusivity and diversity in the sport and wider community.

Manunda Hawks player Jennifer Wren and Centrals Trinity Beach player Regina McGee. Picture: Richard Nichol (RAWI)

For the Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs, a slightly different approach was taken, with women’s president and jersey designer Sophia Cooke adorning the kit with two multi-coloured lorikeets.

“I decided to do something a little bit different than just the normal rainbow and brought in the Australian rainbow lorikeets,” she said.

“It’s all about flying, freedom … it was a really fun art piece to put together for the girls because it’s the first time the Doggie are wearing a pride jersey for the round.”

CTB beat Manunda by 17 points.

Originally published as AFL Cairns: Tribunal reaches final verdict, women’s rep clash heats up