After losing at home for the first time all season, Port Douglas insist the cobwebs have been blown out and the team is steeled for a finals run.
First-placed North Cairns crushed the Crocs on Saturday, restricting them to just eight goals on their home turf in a result that put Port back into third spot.
Crocs coach Brad Cooper said they were simply outgunned and needed to show improvement this weekend against Cairns City Lions at Holloways Beach.
"We came out of a mini holiday and we certainly played like that," he said.
"Our defence was not great; we were outgunned and it was pretty easy to pinpoint where we went wrong."
Their dominance at home this season had helped Port into the top three. But Cooper said it would not mean much for the rest of the season considering the finals series would be played at Cazalys.
"We won't be playing finals here so it doesn't really matter," he said of their impressive home record this season.
"We've got to win down there."
According to the coach, the geometrics of Cazalys should not worry the big, strong side.
"It's a mindset thing really; Cazalys actually suits us.
"We didn't play well there last time though."
Their destination is slightly north tomorrow, at Holloways Beach where Lions' player-coach Marc Harbrow will enter with confidence.
"I told the boys this week I was going to win and I just needed 22 with the same purpose," Harbrow said.
"After last weekend's loss I asked them to go home and think about why they played footy. So hopefully that flicked a switch for some and reminded them all why they are here."
He said beating Port meant keeping the ball out of the air. They are a big, tough side and play hard footy. If we kick high I'll tell you right now we'll lose," he said.
"If we play the spaces it gives us a chance."
Last Modified on 23/09/2013 15:38