A commanding final term from the reigning premiers has sent a message to theAFL Cairns Womens competition that they are hitting their straps at the right time.
has sent a message to the AFL Cairns Womens competition that the defending premiers are hitting their straps at the right time.
The brown and gold were three goals down at three-quarter-time to premiership fancies North Cairns on Saturday, before roaring back into the contest with four final term majors.
The Tigers started 2019 with a nine-game winning sequence but have dropped two of their last three games, as well as just falling over the line against City Lions a fortnight ago in that one win.
Hawks have had an up and down season, after winning the 2018 decider, and Manunda playing-coach Kareena White believes her side’s defensive effort has lifted.
HARD FOUGHT: North Cairns Tigers’ Leashay Warburton-Richards gets a kick away with Manunda Hawks in hot pursuit during their AFL Cairns Womens game.
Picture: ANNA ROGERS.
“We just tried to keep up the pressure all game because lately we have had one bad quarter that has cost us the game,” White said.
“The pressure from four quarters was key, especially our back line when the big Cazalys Stadium wind was howling towards them.
“We caused them to kick a lot of points through our pressure, which helped us when it was our turn to score.”
Hawks ruck Melissa Kelly was a standout, according to White.
The expanded AFL Cairns Womens competition will include a four-team finals series this season, with Lions and Centrals Trinity Beach on the outside looking in after 12 rounds.
North and South Cairns have the bye in the upcoming Round 13.
