Sport
26 September, 2025
Tigers roared in grand final
THE North Cairns Tigers have ended a 37-year premiership drought, claiming the 2025 AFL Cairns men’s senior title with a 12.12 (84) to 7.14 (56) victory over the Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs at Cazalys Stadium on Saturday 20 September.
While the women’s team prevailed 5.4 (34) to 2.6 (18), also over Centrals.
For the mens it was their first premiership win since 1988, more than 13,000 days in the making, and the celebrations reflected the significance of the moment for players, supporters and the wider club community.
From the first bounce, the match was physical and intense. The Bulldogs applied early pressure, winning several contested possessions, but the Tigers’ forwards punished turnovers and gradually built momentum. By the final quarter, North Cairns had opened a buffer that the Bulldogs could not overcome.
The Tigers’ midfielders controlled clearances and delivered clean entries inside 50, while forwards converted crucial opportunities. The Bulldogs’ defenders fought hard, but wasted chances up front ultimately cost them.
Social media captured the excitement of the day. Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs’ Facebook page shared photos from the match, thanking supporters and celebrating the team’s effort. Highlight clips on Streamer captured key moments, including a decisive run of Tigers’ goals in the final quarter that sealed the win.
Isaac Sinnott from the North Cairns Tigers was named best on ground, taking out the Howard Kennedy Medal for his outstanding performance.
Fans packed Cazalys Stadium, creating a lively atmosphere and demonstrating strong community support for local footy. The 2025 grand final was a showcase of AFL Cairns’ competitive depth and a fitting conclusion to a memorable season.
AFL Cairns general manager Craig Lees said it was “one of the most extraordinary milestones in AFL Cairns’ history”.
“Just two and a half years ago, North Cairns snapped a 1500-day winless streak, and Saturday, they ended a 13,000-day premiership drought,” he said.
“It’s a story of perseverance, persistence and a club rebuilt from the ground up under Jason Tom’s leadership.”
