Sport
21 June, 2024
Can anyone beat Cutters?
CAN anyone beat the Cutters? Game to watch is South Cairns taking on Port Douglas Crocs in round 12
Not a new question in this column, but one that is looking increasingly difficult to say yes to.
The manner of their wins against all opponents makes it hard to find any real weakness in this line-up as they look primed for a premiership tilt.
They have been irrepressible and completely ruthless in games against teams outside the top four, refusing to take their foot off the throat.
That is almost as impressive as their willingness to adapt and try different things, spearheaded by coach Cresswell, when plans A and B are not working. Tigers have come closest, but could not outlast the final quarter avalanche on ANZAC Day.
The game to watch will be their trip to Port in round 12.
Two wins and significant percentage separate fourth-placed Tigers and fifth-placed Bulldogs, while sixth and seventh placed Saints and Hawks have a solitary win between them.
Both the Dogs and Saints have improved as the season has gone on, and have been gallant at times against top four opponents.
The Dogs have the best chance of the teams outside the four, particularly if Jaiden Butson continues on the way to superstardom, but they will need to start winning those “eight-pointers” against Tigers and Lions.
That is easier said than done. There is not a world where I could imagine Tigers or Lions doing the Dogs any favours as they themselves jockey for position in the top four, which leads me to… is a Crocs vs Cutters grand final already pencilled in?
They are by far the form teams of the competition as we approach the second representative break. Reigning premiers Port have only lost twice, once against the Cutters and once against the Tigers where they were undermanned and very inaccurate. Tigers were three minutes from beating the Cutters on ANZAC Day, but have been hot and cold since.
The Lions have shown glimpses of their back-to-back premiership winning best, not least in a rampant second half against the Tigers, but have lost both home fixtures to Port. Premierships or grand finalists are not decided in June, but there are two clear favourites at this stage.
Is Troy Barbero a Crathern Medal smokey in a winless team?
There has not been much to smile about if you are a Hawks fan so far this season as they face a second consecutive winless season. Lion-hearted skipper Barbero has provided a bright spot every week, on his way to being one of only two players with seven best player nominations at this stage of the season.
