2019 Tigers Late Long Luncheon a Huge Success

The Tigers 25th Annual Long (Late) Luncheon was a huge success with over 250 people in attendance. It was indeed a special occasion with many in attendance being former players or associates of the organisation covering the 25 years of the function.

During that period many quality guest speakers and performers have appeared at the Long Lunch including the likes of Sam Kekovich, Tony Lockett, Ann Sargeant, Kevin Bartlett, John Longmire, Jason Dunstall, Kevin Sheedy, Alistair Lynch, Max Walker, David Foster, Brent Harvey, Glenn Archer and Todd Viney to name a few.

This year’s speakers were excellent with Simon Madden and Damien Fleming capturing many wonderful moments through their respective careers as well as a special appearance from current & injured GWS Giants Captain Callan Ward.

Simon Madden

Damien Fleming

Callan Ward

Fleming however stole the show with a remarkable collection of memorable moments from his cricketing career. Thank you to both speakers along with the expert Master of Ceremonies Troy Gray.

Troy being a former Tigers Premiership player certainly adds a wealth of professionalism to the function and his friendship with so many attendees certainly adds to a quality performance.

Thanks also to the many corporate tables in attendance but particularly to our Long Lunch Partners Canberra Data Centres, Construction Control, RDW Roofing and National Capital Toyota – Tuggeranong.

To those who assisted with the setup of the function on Thursday evening and to those assisted during the event – a very special appreciation to each of

you. They included, the Tigers Social Committee headed by Chrissy Craven, Kylie and Geoff Squire, the Pavese Family, members of the Tigers Board, Junior Manager Lynne McKenzie and a very special thank you to the Hellenic Club staff and Management for their assistance throughout the event. General Manager Adrian Pavese is once again complimented for the organisation of this function.

The Tigers Wall of Premiership Flags gained considerable comment with many former players in attendance having “team me

Car winner Paul Williams left with Duncan Brede from NCT right.

mbers in attendance” photos taken alongside their premiership flag/s.

Congratulations to Paul Williams who won the reverse draw car raffle – being presented with the key of a Toyota Yaris by Principal of National Capital Toyota Duncan Brede.

2nd Prize went to last years winner Josh Bryce, 3rd Prize to current women’s player Jordie Bardlsey and 4th Prize to Debbie Res.

Some of the old faces in attendance included many from the eighties who were responsible for where the club is now. They were either players or officials and, in some cases, both but included the likes of Peter Duncan, Roger Cheetham, John Abel, Col Imrie, Wally Gisik, Mick Palmer, Steve Wightman and Brian Cannon, once again to name a few.

5 from 5 for the first time this Season.

The Tigers won five from five at the weekend with most games being won convincingly. The exception being the Men’s 1st Grade which battled hard to

defeat a very determined and improved Gungahlin combination at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval.

The club also had the chance to send off our beloved Chapo Scotty Minchin with the 5 wins, who due to work commitments will miss the remainder of season 2019! We thank “El Chapo” for everything he has done for the club and can’t wait to have him back soon.

Tigerettes Reserve Grade

In perfect conditions on Saturday the Tigerettes Reserve Grade played Eastlake at Kingston Oval.  Although slow out of the blocks, the youthful Tigerettes gained the ascendancy in the final quarter to post 7 goals to run out comfortable winners by 105 points. Up forward the Morgan Margosis posted 6 goals, two beauties in the opening term from the far pocket. Liv Straker was at her very best producing an outstanding game on the eve of her trip overseas for the next month.

The Tigerettes are currently second on the ladder with a top of the table clash at Allinsure Park against the Riverina Lions sure to drag a strong contingent of Tiger followers to the game on Saturday 15 June at 2pm.

1.0-6

17.9-111

Eastlake Demons

Goal Kickers: C. Eaton Best Players: C. Gordon, K. Fessey, Z. Langtry, K. McKinnon, C. Stuart, C. Eaton

Queanbeyan Tigers

Tyler Collins played his 50th Club Game last weekend.

Goal Kickers: M. Margosis 6, O. Straker 4, S. Dal Santo 2, L. Watson 2, J. Shea, C. Hamilton, C. McCarthy-Partridge Best Players: O. Straker, M. Margosis, L. Watson, C. McCarthy-Partridge, K. Dobing, J. Bardsley

Tigers Men’s 1st Grade

It was never going to be easy against a very improved Gungahlin Jets on Sunday at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval. The Jets have been extremely competitive in 2019 and with the addition of a few quality Canberra Demons players they pushed the Tigers to the final siren, the visitors eventually posting a 36-point victory.

The game was in the balance until the final five minutes with a couple of late goals to the Tigers blowing out the final score. Gungahlin Coach John Love was extremely pleased with his charges as their gradual improvement this season is sure to worry a few teams later in the season.

In the visitors change rooms the mood for a winning game was the complete opposite, with most (in particular the Coach) knowing full well they will need to improve if they are to be a true contender come finals.

Regardless, there were positive performances to come from the game. Matt Grocott was a dominate force up forward posting 4 goals and being a target each and every time the ball went forward.  Liam Greenwell played close to his best game to date for the Tigers with Captain Josh Bryce being inspirational with his attack on the footy at all times.

Several players in the Tigers Reserve Grade are sure to push for selection after the bye this weekend. The Tigers next game will be against

Tuggeranong Hawks at Greenway before an important clash against Eastlake at home on Sunday 23 June.

8.5-53

12.17-89

Gungahlin Jets

Goal Kickers: R. Corbett 4, S. Tonkes 2, L. Martin, M. Sheldon Best Players: L. Martin, M. Hambleton, M. Sheldon, I. Taylor, R. Corbett, A. Kinasch

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: M. Grocott 4, T. Clowry, J. Bryce, T. Conroy, C. Palombi, B. Lagana, L. Squire, J. Simpson, P. Slater Best Players: L. Greenwell, J. Bryce, M. Grocott, A. Page, C. Palombi, L. Highfield

Tigers Men’s Reserve Grade

The Tigers took the field against a depleted Gungahlin Jets combination and dominated proceedings from the outset. The Tiger had 14 goal kickers with Marcus Lawrence and Jack Carroll-Tape posting 8 and 5 goals respectively.

Both are former 1st Grade Premiership players for the Club and due to work, holidays and injury have commenced the season in Reserve Grade but based on their performances last weekend, that could change in the foreseeable future.

Great to see James Huntley take the field after an extended stay on the sidelines. Newcomer Tom Flight has also had an extended stay on the sideline due to knee surgery and made the best of his opportunities. General Morshead, Kyle Doherty, Captain Gisik and Mitch Price also deserve mention.

0.1-1

29.17-191

Gungahlin Jets

Best Players: A. Dudley, S. Durdin, J. Maes, B. Martyn, N. Sheldon, C. Davies

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: M. Lawrence 8, J. Carroll-Tape 5, J. Huntley 2, A. Bowyer 2, W. Morshead 2, t. flight 2, M. Price, C. Taylor, S. Kyle, B. Gisik, K. Doherty, H. Straker, A. Lawder, H. McKenzie Best Players: J. Carroll-Tape, M. Lawrence, W. Morshead, K. Doherty, B. Gisik, S. Kyle

Monica McGrath played her 50th Club Game last weekend

Tigerettes 1st Grade

The Tigerettes posted one of their highest scores since being promoted to 1st Grade. In fact, the score is the history of the Tigerettes in either grade.  It was a comprehensive win for this very talented combination. Jessica Stramandinoli and Lexi Hamilton posted 9 and 8 goals respectively up forward the ball being well delivered by Ella Ross and Captain Carly Res. Megan Godfrey dominated her position whilst also chiming in for a well-deserved 3 goals.

To their credit, the Gungahlin Ladies never gave in and were praised for their efforts after the match in the now familiar group huddle by both teams at the final siren. The Jets suffered an unfortunate injury in the final term and although the game continued there was much concern on the sideline until an ambulance arrived. A huge thank you to the Tigers Medical team that assisted the process of stabilizing and assisting throughout. The Jets player reportedly recovered and was discharged from hospital that evening.

0.0-0

31.19-205

Tigers Under 18 Grade Rising Stars

The Tigers were concerned mid-week of not having enough numbers to field a competitive team for their clash against Gungahlin Jets. A loss would see the Tigers drop out of finals contention at this early stage of the season. In addition, Coach Clifton would be away sunning himself in Fiji!!!

On the day however, the Jets were in a similar position with a few injuries and players being unavailable.

The Tigers came out on top to post 65 point victory in the early game at Gungahlin Oval under Assistant Coach Kane Cawse.

Up forward Captain and goal kicker Jack Manners posted another 5 quality goals but he was well served by the likes of Jahrod Foley and Lachy Brennan. It’s a fantastic effort from Lachy who although working in the area, travels home to Batemans Bay each week before traveling back to play in the Tigers Under 18 Grade team. Ben Purdon was excellent in the back line alongside Hugh Clark and the hard-hitting Ben Thurling.

With a bye this weekend there will be much anticipation for their match against Tuggeranong at Greenway on Sunday 15 June – the team they are vying for in a race for the final spot in the four at this stage.

5.4-34

14.15-99

Gungahlin Jets

Goal Kickers: J. Thorpe 2, B. Jones 2, J. Kemp Best Players: O. Langshaw, B. Hardy, B. Holloway, J. Thorpe, L. Lawrence, T. Withers

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: J. Manners 5, J. Fahey 3, J. Armstrong 2, J. Foley, J. Jackson-Pomare, H. Thompson, A. Sergi Best Players: J. Foley, J. Manners, L. Brennan, B. Purdon, B. Thurling

First Win at Ainslie Oval for Men’s 1st Grade since 2015

Traveling to the Alan Ray Oval (Ainslie’s home ground) – the reigning Premiers in Men’s 1st, Reserve and Under 18 Grades is never easy, in fact, it can

be quite daunting.  As was the case last Saturday.

Four grades of footy were played with the visitors winning three – the undermanned Under 18 Grade Rising Stars unfortunately being defeated in the opening game of the day.

Men’s 1st Grade

Several forced changes to the Tigers 1st Grade Men’s team had a flow-on effect down through the grades.  But no-one told the playing group in either the 1st or Reserve grade teams. Out injured from the 1st Grade match against Belconnen would be Alec McCormick, Brandon Lagana, Ollie Hicks and Anthony Lopilato. On the eve of the game Harry Grant – (named to play his first 1st Grade match for the Tigers) – was called into the GWS GIANTS NEAFL team.

Tyler Collins and Matt Bernasconi returned from injury with Jason Taylor and Jed Simpson both elevated after brief stints in the Reserves. (Unfortunately, Matt Bernasconi broke his arm and dislocated a shoulder in the opening term and may miss the remainder of the season).

In warm conditions a rejuvenated Tigers combination were by far the more determined team on the day to defeat Ainslie on their home turf for the first time since 2015. On that occasion the Tigers stole the game in the final 30 seconds when Brett Fruend “stole” the footy from his opponent and snapped truly to win the game by a solitary point.

Prior to that the Tigers won by 47 points in 2012 – 17.12 (114) to 10.7 (67)

Wins at Ainslie Oval have been few and far between over the last decade but last Saturday the difference was a comprehensive 52 points – 17.10 (112) to 8.12 (60).

Youngster Lachie Squire was a standout with 4 impressive goals, two from the 50 metre ark at crucial stages of the game. Tim Clowry was at his best – also notching 4 goals with former Ainslie player Lachie Highfield and Matt Grocott both chiming in for a lazy 3 goals each.  Down back, the Tigers standout defender this season has been Dean Simpson.  He along with Jono Bowyer and Campbell Lovell were outstanding in what was a quality performance by the Tigers – particularly after the dismal showing against Belconnen in the last round.

8.12-60

17.10-112

Ainslie Tricolours

Goal Kickers: H. Delves 2, B. Jamieson 2, F. Hawkins, M. Ward, F. Dwyer, H. Phillips Best Players: M. Ackland, M. Teasdale, W. Beaumont, H. Delves, J. Taylor, J. Cuzner

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: T. Clowry 4, L. Squire 4, M. Grocott 3, L. Highfield 3, J. Bryce, J. Simpson, J. Taylor Best Players: L. Squire, D. Simpson, B. Greenwood, T. Conroy, T. Collins, J. Bowyer

Men’s Reserve Grade

There were multiple changes to the Tigers Reserve Grade side following their strong win against Belconnen in Round 5. Forced changes due to injuries

in the higher grade plus a few players being unavailable forced several players back from injury earlier than expected but they didn’t let the team down.

In what was the closest match of the day. The Tigers posted two late goals to seal a 1-point victory. The “clutch” of the situation being Tim Shea who continues to perform week in week out. His last goal of the day with only a minute remaining was a classic from outside fifty ably assisted by Ella Ross cheering from the other end of the field!!!

Returning after injury Aiden Bowyer, Harry Straker, Hugh McKenzie and Jackson Monck (playing his first game in three seasons) were all outstanding along with strong games from Justin Galloway and the ever-reliable Marcus Lawrence.

The Reserves now have a two-game break at the top of the ladder and given the circumstances and players “not” being available each week, this is quite remarkable.  In coming weeks there are further players returning however and unfortunately a few will be taking a mid-season overseas break.

6.7-43

7.2-44

Ainslie Tricolours

Goal Kickers: T. Maddocks 3, L. Jamieson, L. Carter, H. Beaumont Best Players: L. Carter, J. Bishop, T. Maddocks, H. Muir, A. Mitchell, S. Sienkiewicz

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: J. Galloway 2, H. McKenzie, A. Bowyer, T. Shea, A. Jones, M. Lawrence Best Players: R. Worn, T. Shea, J. Galloway, M. Lawrence, H. McKenzie, H. Straker

Under 18 Grade Rising Stars

Once again, the Tigers very young combination of Under 18 Grade Rising Stars would feel the full brunt of players being elevated into higher grades or via the NSW / ACT RAMS team.  Harry Grant (GIANTS NEAFL), Lachie Squire (1st Grade), Josh Fahey and Brad Rauter (NSW / ACT RAMS) and Ben Thurling (injured) were all missing.

However, the youngsters did themselves and the club proud as they battled through the match outscoring their opponents in the last term to make the score respectable. This team will certainly improve and will battle for 4th spot on the ladder. Sam Frost played a ripper match and he along with guest player Ben Ashley-Cooper were fantastic competitors throughout. Add the likes of Sam Robinson (until injured), Jarrod Foley, Hayden Hunter and Hugh Clark and the Tigers will have a strong outfit as the season unfolds.

10.12-72

5.4-34

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: H. Hunter 2, S. Frost, K. Loadsman, J. Manners Best Players: S. Frost, B. Ashley-Cooper, S. Robinson, J. Gilbert, J. Foley, H. Clark

Tigerettes 1st Grade

The Tigerettes 1st Grade maintained their unbeaten run and competition lead when they soundly defeated Ainslie in the final game of the day at Alan Ray Oval. From the outset, they were by far the stronger combination welcoming back Tarni Evans after a long stay on the sidelines with injury. The usual names come forward in a long list of best players including that of Res, Stramandinoli, Ross and Hamilton but it was pleasing to see youngster Ellen Squire playing consistent footy alongside the experienced Ruby Grounds. The Tigerettes were also missing a few names one of which returns in two weeks’ time, that being former Captain Hannah Dunn who has just completed a strong off season with Norwood in the SANFL Women’s Summer competition.

1.4-10

14.3-87

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: J. Stramandinoli 4, R. Grounds 3, E. Ross 2, E. Squire, M. Godfrey, T. Evans, A. Jakim, J. Hamilton Best Players: J. Hamilton, J. Stramandinoli, A. Hamilton, R. Grounds, E. Ross, C. Res

Tigerettes Reserve Grade

The Tigerettes Reserve Grade also won convincingly when playing Tuggeranong Hawks at Greenway Oval in the late game which started at 6pm.

Played under lights the Tigerettes dominated proceedings to from the outset to hold a commanding lead at half time and then went on with the match holding their opponents scoreless while posting 15.14 (104). That surname “Hamilton” keeps popping up, this time it was Chelsey posting 4 goals and being adjudged amongst the best on the day.

Veterans Kristen Turner, Lani Watson, Melissa Hurley and Susie Armistead are certainly showing this mainly youthful combination their many tricks of the trade they have gained during their playing careers with the club. Jill Shea showed that it isn’t just her brother with goal kicking skills posting 3 goals herself.

0.0-0

15.14-104

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: C. Hamilton 4, J. Shea 3, L. Watson 3, M. Hurley, M. Margosis, K. Svager, O. Straker, K. Henry Best Players: K. Turner, O. Straker, L. Watson, C. Hamilton, M. Hurley, S. Armistead