TIGERS CLUB NEWS ARCHIVE

TIGERS NEWS September 2006

Queanbeyan Reserves through to Grand Final!!

The Queanbeyan Tigers Reserve Grade team have entered the 2006 AFL Canberra Grand Final day with an exhilirating four point victory over favourites Belconnen at Manuka Oval last Sunday. In perfect conditions, the Tigers led all the way to cement a Grand Final berth against the Eastlake Demons who had progressed to the Grand Final by way of the second semi final the week before, also with a four point victory over the Magpies. A three goal final quarter and four goals over all to Tigers Legend Michael Niesen paved the way for a 14.10 (94) to 13.12 (90) victory to Queanbeyan.

Gaining instructions prior to the Preliminary Final are some of the Tigers Reserve Grade squad which caused a major upset defeating Belconnen by 4 points to enter the Grand Final next Sunday.

Belconnen had lost only two games throughout the season. Defeat at the hands of the Tigers for the first time this season would have been a devastating blow to a Club who has demonstrated to everyone involved in AFL Canberra a commitment to be the best in the League. Fortunately for Queanbeyan, on this occasion it wasn't to be with the Tigers providing commitment and desperation throughout the match. This was particuarly so in the last five minutes. A seemingly 24 point advantage was withered down to just four points as the Magpies thrust everything upon a well worn Tigers defence.

The backline maintained their strong form throughout the match, with the inclusion of youngster Leigh Prior into the team being a smart move by Coach Jamie McGinley. 'Lethal' had the big job on Belconnen's 'go to man' Andrew Smith who, coming into the game was the Leagues third highest goal scorer but was left goalless and almost without a touch of the Sherrin after Leigh dominated for the entire match. Another youngster in the backline who was also able to hold his head high after a solid contribution was redhead John Murphy. His aggressive brand of football was commendable and he managed to shut down many Magpie raids into their forward line. Michael Wescombe also had another excellent match and picked up numerous possessions all over the ground.

But the real hero of the day, as previously mentioned was Michael Niesen. Once again the Tigers stalwart and the Leagues all time leading goal kicker proved the difference with three magnificent goals in the opening minutes of the last quarter. He was a solid contributor throughout the match up until the last quarter when he decided to turn it on and show the Magpies who owned the forward 50. The Magpies tried to drop another loose player into the backline to tag team the big man, but it just seemed to spur him on. He took some excellent marks under immense pressure and gave a hard contest when the ball hit the deck. In a fantastic career totalling 169 1st Grade games, "Nieso" now enjoys playing in the Reserves with his second goal of the last quarter being 'something special' from the boundary at an impossible angle whilst being tackled.

Every picture tells a story. Smiles all round as the victorious Tigers combination leave the field of play at the conclusion of the match.

Next weekend could well be his last game for the Tigers as he once again contemplates retirement. Not only will it be his ninth grand final for the club, which includes eight 1st Grade for three premierships, but it also marks his 200th Club game for Queanbeyan after being recruited from Adelaide in 1994 on a one year arrangement. It would be a fitting climax for one of the great characters of the game in Canberra

Next weeks Reserve Grade Grand Final at Manuka against 2005 Grand Finalists, Eastlake, should be a fantastic encounter. Queanbeyan posted the Demons first loss of the season mid year when they looked almost unbeatable. They have since lost only one game and enter that one game in September as firm favourites. They will have a number of players available for selection after their 1st Grade team were humbled by Belconnen in the Preliminary final on Sunday, the Magpies entering their 6th 1st Grade Grand Final in a row.

Good luck to the boys this weekend. For all supporters of the Tigers, there will be a supporters bbq on Friday night at MDO from 6pm. All welcome. Get along and support the boys in their quest for a Reserve Grade Premiership in 2006!!

Even Senior Grade Coach Mark Arsmtrong gathered the troops in at 3/4 time for some instrucutions.

AFL Canberra Grand Final Day is a promoters dream. Three ACT Clubs up against three NSW teams. Our own State of Origin Day.

The Under 18 Grade match is between Tuggeranong Hawks and Wagga Tigers at 9:00am. The Reserve Grade Grand Final between Queanbeyan Tigers and Eastlake Demons will commence at 11:15am, with the main match at 2:30pm between the undefeated Sydney Swans and Belconnen.

Results.

Queanbeyan 14.10 (94) def. Belconnen 13.12 (90)

Goals: Niesen 4, Longmore 4, Davis 2, Fruend 2, Wescombe 1, Dickinson 1.

Best: Prior, Wescombe, Longmore, Davis, Murphy, Ward.