IT is official - the Manunda Hawks are on a winning streak.
The Hawks won their third game in as many weeks when they outlasted a determined Port Douglas Crocodiles 21.14 (140) to 19.4 (118) in round 12 of the AFL Cairns at Griffiths Park on Saturday.
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The victory moved the Hawks to fifth on the ladder with percentage the only thing keeping the reigning premiers out of the top four.
Hawks coach Michael Purcell said it was no coincidence his side’s form had improved as the club had welcomed back its senior footballers from injury and suspension.
"We were able to include some handy players this weekend and they made a massive difference," he said.
"Just with their leg speed and their ability to carry the footy – it set up a lot of our attack.
"We had 12 or 13 extra scoring shots, so the margin could have been a lot better but we blew some chances we should have taken."
It was those missed scoring opportunities that nearly cost the Hawks the game.
Even the cockiest punter in the world would have been hesitant to put money on the result heading into the last quarter, despite the Hawks leading by 12 at the final change.
Both sides at different times throughout the clash looked capable of winning.
The Crocodiles kept in contention with some accurate goal kicking but could not create enough chances in the last term to catapult themselves in front when it counted the most.
Each team had star performers.
Hawks forward Kevin Rundle finished the match with nine goals, while Crocs onballer Caydn Beetham looked like he had the Sherrin glued to his hand such was his involvement.
Crocs coach Paul Cox said the defeat had killed off his side’s faint hopes of a top-two finish.
"Our goal now is to make sure we win enough games to keep ourselves in third or fourth position," he said,
"If you look at our 10 games, we’ve only been thrashed the once by Saints.
"Other than that all our losses have been by four goals or under, so there hasn’t been a lot in it.
"It’s always disappointing to lose a game but we got some good things out of it and know where we are at."
Last Modified on 05/06/2009 14:44
