Sport
14 August, 2026
Stern tests for players
CUTTERS confident against Hawks, Lions have challenge vs Tigers.
Women’s round 17 preview
Hawks versus Cutters
AFL Cairns’ triple-bye round sees only two fixtures this weekend, as the Hawks host the Cutters and the Lions host the Tigers.
We start this week’s preview chronologically, with the Hawks hosting the Cutters women at Cazalys at 10.45am.
Back in the competition, the Hawks have really committed to rebuilding through their promising youngsters and will be looking to add to their already commendable three wins in 2026.
They face a stern test this weekend though, as the third-place Cutters are coming hard for second and a crucial double chance come September.
The Cutters, behind the Dogs only on percentage, only play teams lower than them to finish the regular season, while the Dogs still have to face the irrepressible Tigers (more on them in a second) in round 18.
The Cutters will be confident that if they take care of business, they will wrap up second place and a date with the Tigers in the first preliminary final.
Lions play Tigers
THE Cairns City Lions enter round 17 one win outside the top four, but unfortunately for them, they play the top two in their last three games, so getting to the finals will be an almighty achievement.
They are coming off a win and then the bye, so they should be full of energy, and will look to pull off something incredible.
Often, knowing that you are an outside chance can be liberating as you throw caution to the wind and the Lions will be hoping this is the case.
Their opponent this weekend is the number one ranked Tigers, who are putting together one of the most dominant seasons in any league in any sport as they seemingly try to outdo their 2025 premiership.
Unbeaten, and with a percentage of 592%, they have only conceded 145 points this season, or just over 11 points per game.
After squeaking through rounds three and four by a combined five points, they have won their next nine by an average of 72 points.
With three of the top five goalkickers for season 2026, they are just about impossible to stop when they get a roll on.
The Lions know they will be next-to-no chance if they cannot stifle the Tigers momentum and movement.
