The two teams that looked the sharpest will meet in next Saturday's AFL Cairns Preseason Cup decider, but with most clubs still in the midst of massive personnel changes there is still plenty to discover ahead of the season's opening round in a fortnight's time.
North Cairns were slick and efficient on their way to qualifiying for the decider - their performance against the Centrals Trinity Bulldogs particularly impressive. Saints will try to defend the Cup they won last year, before going on to dominate the regular season and win the club's 11th flag since 1994. Port Douglas and the Bulldogs were the only clubs not to register a win, but there is source for optimism.
Port drew with Norths in a high-quality practice match last Friday at Cazalys, while Centrals' new faces have just arrived or are yet to come. AFL Cairns operations manager Sean Hunter said there would be the usual major influx of country Victorian talent into the league this season, but also solid numbers from Tasmania and South West Queensland. "Obviously clubs have connections with ex-Victorians living up here and with guys like (new Bulldogs coach) Peter Seymour moving up there is that link now," Hunter said. "But it's good to see clubs still trying to target Queensland footballers."
Saints, who are usually one of the busiest sides in terms of clearances each season, have been relatively quiet to this point. But Hunter said to expect lots of activity in the next few weeks as local clubs finalise their squads.
Last Modified on 04/04/2013 17:43