Rusty takes bite at president gig

Port Douglas Crocs

Bryan Littlely

Journalist

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Rusty Bradley is the new president of the Port Douglas Crocs. Picture: Bryan Littlely

Rusty Bradley has been around football and community clubs and in plenty of roles over the years, but he has stepped up to the plate as leader for the first time to become President of the Port Douglas Crocs for season 2025.

The Crocs football operations manager for the past two seasons takes on the role from Barry Lea, who has stepped down to spend more time with grandchildren.

Rusty says he is looking forward to the job and that “the future is looking bright” for the Crocs.

“There’s been a big change in the committee,’’ he said.

“My Vice President is Matt Leskey, a past premiership player with the Crocs and he coached the reserves in 2023.

“Secretary Emelia Rockcliff is in her second year.  She was injured in the first women’s game for the Crocs and won’t be playing but involved still as secretary which is great.’’

Other committee members include long time Treasurer John Cameron; past president Rob Barnett and ex-champion SA footballer Jim Buckley, along with assistant A-grade coach Lee Staple.

“Three female players have jumped on too… young and enthusiastic which is really good,’’ Rusty said.

“We need young ideas on the committee and we have Georgia Walker, Bec Shephardson and Maddy Keeble bringing that.

“And Life members Darren and Louise Wall and John Liddel and Craig Reynolds bring plenty of experience to the committee.’’

The Crocs have had six sessions of pre-season training and will be on a break until around Australia Day.

“We’ve got 11 recruits that we are talking to plus we are talking to our base with some good Under 17s coming through,’’ Rusty said.

“We have had half a dozen recruit signings already and we’re just waiting on the other five and the depth in the juniors is brilliant.’’

The AFL Cairns season kicks off in April.

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