Palmer tips Port Douglas Crocs for AFL glory

TRAVEL commitments have forced the Port Douglas Crocs’ sponsor and inaugural number one ticket holder, Clive Palmer, to miss the club’s bold attempt to secure a third consecutive grand final triumph this Saturday (22 Sept), when they take on rivals Cairns Saints in the AFL Cairns season showpiece at Cazalys Stadium.

The Crocs, who are sponsored by Palmer Sea Reef golf course, are aiming to land their fourth premiership in five seasons after dominating the local competition in recent years, a mantle they wrestled from their grand final opponents.

Palmer Sea Reef owner Clive Palmer cheered from the stands last season when the Crocs were crowned 2017 champions, and although overseas commitments will keep him away this season, he offered a message of support to the Crocs troops.

“The Port Douglas Crocs have what it takes to retain their title and I’m looking forward to hearing the news that they’ve made it three in a row,” Mr Palmer said.

“Far North Queensland’s best AFL team sponsored and supported by Far North Queensland’s best golf course is a recipe for success. I know they’ll give it everything on Saturday.”

Mr Palmer will be represented at the season finale by United Australia Party Federal Director James McDonald, who once held a managerial post at Palmer Sea Reef, and North Queensland Secretary Jen Sackley.

A strong AFL and Crocs fan, Mr McDonald said he’ll be sending regular score updates to Mr Palmer during each quarter.

“Clive is disappointed he can’t make it but wants to be kept informed of developments during the game,” Mr McDonald said.

“Clive, his businesses and the United Australia Party are strong supporters of grassroots sport and the grand final this weekend will be a great spectacle for the community.”

Far North Queensland is likely to see a lot more of Mr Palmer in the coming months. Just last week the United Australia Party opened its new office in Cairns with Mr Palmer hosting a packed lunch at the Cairns Aquarium.

“North and Far North Queensland deserve better representation. Not just at election time, but all the time. The United Australia Party has strong policies that will boost the local economy and we look forward to discussing them with the community,” Mr McDonald said.