HERE is a claim that could make coaches in the AFL Cairns competition wake up in a cold sweat during the midnight hour: the Souths Cairns Cutters can improve.

Cutters coach Steve Daniel made the statement after watching his players rampage across Cazalys Stadium on Saturday on their way to a thumping 38.19 (247) to 8.7 (55) victory against reigning premiers the Manunda Hawks.

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Despite his side boasting an unblemished record after six rounds, Daniels said the Cutters had still not reached their potential.

"There are criteria we want to meet as a club and we’re only starting to meet them now," he said. "The boys are getting better and better every week, which is real pleasing. But at times today (Saturday), I thought we were a little bit sloppy. The level we’re trying to get to and the footy we want to play, we’re still a little bit off that.

"The pleasing thing is if we can reach that, we’ll be an exciting side. It’s all the work we do off the football. We pride ourselves on being the hardest working side in the comp – the boys work so hard for one another and are learning what it’s all about."

While Daniels will hate the tag, the Cutters are now clearly the premiership favourites after producing their finest performance of 2008.

The Hawks did their best to go with the Cutters early.

Sparked by some smooth touches from youngster Miles Kerindun, the Hawks started the game brightly and traded goals with their opponents early before the Cutters’ superior run prevailed as the term went on.

By halftime, the Cutters were up by 40 points and not even a good old fashion rev that measured 8.2 on the Richter scale from coach Michael Purcell could inspire the Hawks to the standard of the ladder leaders.

The Cutters’ forwards were almost unstoppable with Marcus McMillan and Pat Ratray finishing with huge hauls.

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