The Cutters managed just one goal in the 14.12 (96) to 1.13 (19) mauling at Griffiths Park, forcing Lock to apologise to the club’s supporters and issue a notice to the playing group.
The loss followed a round one defeat to Port Douglas and sees them last on the ladder on percentage despite starting the season as one of the best and most-stable squads on paper.
Missing only a few of last year’s squad, the side features a great mix of young local talent, quality interstate pick-ups and grizzled AFL Cairns veterans. But they were all at sea against Saints in a day to forget for the club.
“I don’t know what to say, but our performance was not acceptable,” Lock said. “I’m dumbfounded.”
The lead-by-example coach said there would be a selection “shake up” in the wake of the loss, something that can at least be done with conviction given the reserves had a heartening five-point win against Saints in the earlier game.
“It’s not panic stations but I’ve got to see improvement and guys putting in, so there will be a shake up with selections,” he said.
“I genuinely went in thinking it would happen (improvement) and that we would lift from our round one against Port but maybe the guys are just coasting through at the moment.
“You could see in the boys’ eyes how embarrassed they were by it and the embarrassment for our members; I can only apologise for losing in that fashion.”
Their chance to redeem themselves will come in a handy package though, up against fellow bottom-dwellers North Cairns on what is always an emotion-charged Anzac clash at Fretwell Park on Saturday.
“If we can’t get up for that we are playing the wrong sport,” Lock said.
“But it’ll be tough; Tigers showed what they were made of on Saturday (in a close loss to Lions) and it’s a tight competition this season.’’
Article courtesy of Murray Wenzel The Cairns Post
Last Modified on 21/04/2015 13:08