Sport
15 October, 2026
Crocs end season with best
THE Port Douglas Crocs brought their 2026 season to a fitting close with their annual presentation night, celebrating the achievements of all three teams and recognising the players, volunteers and club figures who made their season a memorable one.
The seniors, reserves and women’s teams were all honoured throughout the evening, with a host of players receiving individual awards for their performances and contributions across the season.
Tommy Cantwell was one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home the seniors best and fairest award before adding the prestigious Andy Smith Medal to his collection. Shay Linke was named best and fairest runner-up and also finished the season as the seniors’ leading goal kicker. Other senior awards went to Murphy Short for most courageous, Ben McPhee for most determined, Zayne Moore for best defender and Jared Petrenko for best in finals.
The reserves were led by Sam Wall, who claimed both best and fairest and most consistent, while Tyler Ronalds was recognised as best and fairest runner-up. Jack Featherby was named most determined, Ryder Hunt most improved and Josh Ednie received the coaches award. Wall also added the Ernie Baxter Medal to an impressive night.
In the women’s team, Ella Jones was awarded best and fairest, with Caity McPhee finishing runner-up. Hannah Gullane was named best first year player, while Daisy Quilter took out most improved and Kirra Revell was recognised as most courageous. Haley Nash received the coaches award, with Kristie Hynes named most consistent.
The club also recognised the people who contribute away from the playing field. Greg Herring was named best club person, while John Hill received volunteer of the year honours. Ben McPhee and Georgia Walker were awarded the Lea Family Perpetual Trophy, with Mitchell Brown taking home the No. 1 Water Runner Award.
Club president Matt Laskey said the presentation night was a fitting way to finish the season. “The night was a fitting finish for the season it was for us. We look forward to doing it all again in 2027,” Laskey said.
“We certainly didn’t ease into the year. We kicked things off with a massive Good Friday, followed by having Dustin Martin down at the club and then straight into ‘Pink Day’ the following week.
“It was a massive start to the season and really set the tone for what was going to be a very successful year for the Crocs.
“On the football side of things, it’s been a bloody good year.
“Our reserves and seniors both finished the home-and-away season as minor premiers and then went on to win their respective grand finals.
“To achieve that in both grades is a massive effort, and congratulations to all the players, coaches and support staff involved. You’ve done the club proud.
“Our women’s team also deserve a massive amount of credit. They finished fourth again and made finals, which is a fantastic achievement considering this is only their third year of women’s football at the Crocs.
“We’ve had big crowds, big events, new volunteers, plenty of new faces around the club, and most importantly, people enjoying being part of the Crocs.
With the celebrations complete, the Crocs can now turn their attention towards another campaign, carrying the momentum and achievements of 2026 into the new season.
