FINALS FOOTY: Cooper legacy looms large as Petrenko has Crocs firing ahead of Saints battle

FINALS FOOTY

Michael Warren

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Port Douglas player coach Jared Petrenko has the Crocs firing ahead of tomorrow's final against Saints. Picture: Crocs

The biggest question that loomed largest over the Port Douglas Crocs ahead of this year's premiership campaign was to what extent the perennially successful seniors' playing group would buy into the philosophy of its new head coach.

During a supreme run ex Crocs supercoach Brad Cooper guided the Far North Aussie Rules powerhouse to six premierships in eight years, including five straight between 2016-2020.

Cooper fell just short of coaching the powerhouse club to another title last season after his team was beaten by Cairns City Lions in the AFL Cairns decider.

Cooper has long been revered in Far North Queensland coaching circles following that level of success.

The Crocs entered season 2023 under the most change the seniors' squad had experienced in many years.

Enter new coach Jared Petrenko. The ex-Crows midfielder had mighty shoes to fill after taking over from Cooper, and to date, he hasn’t let anyone down.

Tomorrow, he leads the Crocs into a qualifying final showdown against Cairns Saints with the winner a step closer to September glory.

The Crocs have been flying under Petrenko, finishing three games ahead at the top of the ladder when the regular home and away season came to an end last week.

Now, further success awaits, as the Crocs again stand on the cusp of more greatness.

The Crocs proved too strong for Saints in their most recent encounter, and will go in as favourites ahead of their clash tomorrow at Cazalys.

Under Petrenko the Crocs have played, free flowing, dynamic, rebound type footy, in which it hasn't been uncommon to see them go from defensive 50 to kicking goals without the opposition touching it once before it goes through the big sticks.

Tomorrow's match gets underway from Cazalys at 3.45pm.

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