The 2024 AFL season has come to a disappointing end for the Port Douglas Crocs who went down to Cairns City Lions on Saturday night.

Taking to the field under lights at Cazalys Stadium, the Crocs were no match for the Lions who came out firing from the get go kicking six majors in the first term and managing to keep the Crocs goalless at quarter time.

It didn’t get much better from there with Crocs kicking just one goal in the first half which came from new recruit Lloyd Beever late in the second quarter. Frustration clearly started to get the better of the Crocs as a few spot fires popped up throughout the third quarter before it finally escalated to an all in brawl resulting in two yellow cards. A third yellow card was issued soon after to Crocs Noah Short leaving the Crocs two players down heading into the final term.

Two late goals from Davidson and one from Critchley wasn’t enough to keep the Crocs finals hopes alive leaving the final score of 4.6.30 - Lions 16.9.105 something to be desired. 

After dominating the league last year, it was a different outfit for the Crocs in 2024. The loss of a number of key players, new coaching staff and an influx of injuries throughout the season saw inconsistencies pile up on the field which reflected on the scoreboard. 

The victorious Lions will now take on North Cairns Tigers in the preliminary final with the winner to meet South Cairns Cutters in the Premiership battle. The Cutters, who have been dominant all season, secured their spot in the big dance with a two-point win over the Tigers on Saturday. 

As the Crocs reflect on their year, there’s no doubt that questions will be asked about what went wrong and how the team can rebuild to return to their previous premiership form.