Douglas Heat prepare for blockbuster clash

HOOPS CHALLENGE

Jake Black

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The Douglas Heat are set to face the Northern Beaches Heat again, working diligently on their skills and strategies to turn the tide after a previous defeat. Picture: Jake Black

The Port Douglas Heat are just under a week away from the club's most anticipated matchup of the year against Northern Beaches Heat. In April 2024, the Port Douglas Heat faced the Northern Beaches Heat at home, where Northern Beaches dominated, winning 12 of a possible 14 games and teaching the team a very valuable lesson.

Since that matchup, both the coaches and players of the Port Douglas Heat have focused on improving their skills and game plans in preparation for the rematch. Following the April game, the Port Douglas Heat have participated in various competitions against teams from all over the region, showing rapid improvement and winning most of their games.

The Port Douglas Heat have also implemented a new way to sharpen their game plans without facing opposing clubs. Early in the 2024 season, the club introduced an interclub competition where teams play against each other, allowing them to practice tactics and techniques in a game format. On Saturday, September 7, the Port Douglas Heat hosted an interclub competition as a last-minute event to prepare and work on any finishing touches before the big game in exactly one week.

When asked about the interclub days, all coaches at the club expressed a similar view, stating that "it’s great for the kids to play against each other." They noted it allows players to work on their skill sets, learn their teams’ strengths and weaknesses, grow as a group, and, most importantly, work on cardio and agility, as there are very limited substitutes.

The Port Douglas Heat will have one last training session before making the road trip to Cairns for the much-anticipated game. The Heat will enter boys' and girls' teams in all age groups, making it a two-day tournament.

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