Tigers sharpen claws with 2 rounds to go!

With finals only a matter of 3 weeks away, the Tigers headed to Gungahlin focused on not letting up and continuing to sharpen all aspects of their game with Belconnen and Eastlake still to come leading into their finals campaign!

Tigerettes Reserve Grade

After two successive Grand Final appearances, the Tigerettes reserves will unfortunately miss this years finals following another tough loss to Woden. It has been a tough year for the girls with the rebuild and losing many experienced players over the off season.

However the future looks very bright for the group with a host of new players getting through their first year of football as well as the return of some former youth girls players with all of the above improving greatly over the season.

With one game to go, the team currently sits on 7 wins / 7 loses so it certainly went down to the wire in missing the finals and if they can get the win this weekend they will finish with a positive ledger in 2021 and that's a good season in anyone's terms.

Jade Giacoppo continues her stella form since coming to the club and with Brooke James finishing the year strongly there is every chance the girls can finish with a bang!

Queanbeyan Tigers 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.6-6 Woden 0.5 1.8 5.12 6.13-49 Best Players: J. Giacoppo, B. Anderson, M. Martin, B. James, N. Brockwell, A. Kolano

Tigerettes 1st Grade

Injury and unavailability has hit the group at the wrong time of the year however, with set backs comes opportunities with the senior team running out with 6 Rising Stars and debut of Hollie Betts last weekend.

The solid win keeps the girls chances of a top two finish alive and with Belconnen one of those teams vying for the same spot, this weekend game promises to be a belter. The positives for the Tigerettes is the clubs depth is beginning to build again with more and more players becoming ready to play 1st grade as the season has progressed.

New recruit and a last name familiar with the Tigers Mindy Quade continues to shine up forward and with the experienced players of Jess Stramandinoli and Ruby Grounds around her, the forward line looks very dangerous with the big games ahead.

Strama has found her 2020 form over recent weeks and with Lexi Hamilton, Kate McGrath, Madi Czubara and Anita Manning to name a few also starting to get their mojo back, this group could be in for a fun ride in coming weeks.

Jayde Hamilton and veteran Ella Ross are also showing solid form from the weekend with the hope some of the injured players begin their comeback to only strengthen the team before finals.

Gungahlin 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0-0 Queanbeyan Tigers 6.3 13.7 17.9 22.13-145 Goal Kickers: J. Stramandinoli 7, A. Hamilton 5, M. Quade 4, K. McGrath 2, Z. Betts 2, J. Hamilton, K. Gumm Best Players: J. Hamilton, M. Czubara, J. Stramandinoli, M. Godfrey, M. Quade, A. Hamilton

Rising Stars

19 points down at 3 quarter time again showed this young group can match it with the best teams in the competition however the last qtr fade out shows there is still a lot of work this group needs to do over the summer.

Full credit to the young cubs who continue to improve and show fight despite being under strength and the youngest team in the competition. These lads (37 in total) that fill our 17s / RS commitments should be commended with how they have carried themselves in 2021 and hopefully a 17s Grand Final & RS finals spot can be the reward.

The return of 1st Grade player Alessandro Sergi certainly gave the group the spark they needed early against the powerful Marist with Will Kellar continuing his awesome late season form also providing some great drive as did 17s captain Owen Quantrill. Caden Spinks played another solid game as did skipper Bailee Gilbert.

Currently sitting in 4th and 1 win and 29% in front of Ainslie, the next two games are critical to the lads holding on and playing in the first semi and if anyone can surprise the opposition it is this group.

Marist 3.1 4.3 7.7 13.8-86 Queanbeyan Tigers 2.3 2.4 4.6 4.8-32 Goal Kickers: A. Sergi 2, S. Lee, L. Asbock Best Players: C. Spinks, W. Kellar, O. Quantrill, B. Gilbert, A. Sergi, J. Ryder

Men's Reserve Grade

Kieran Shea celebrated his 50th club game in style with a good win against the Jets. The big question going forward however will be how far can this group go if and when they get some numbers back?

There is no doubt that there is talent in the squad but putting it together consistently has been an issue and the true test comes in the form of ladder leaders Belconnen this Saturday.

If you talk consistent efforts then the tigers can look to Wilson Morshead who is having his best season yet and skipper Jed Simpson who leaves nothing on the field week in week out. Added to these two will be the steady improvement of Dean Lord who is still finding from from a long lay off and Hugh McKenzie who is rarely beaten.

It is great to see local juniors starting to gel into the seniors program as well with Harry Straker, Jack Manners, Nic Coghill and Caleb Cawse all showing the fruits of playing junior footy at the club as they begin to forge their senior careers.

We all wait to see if this group can click because we know that once they do - look out!

Gungahlin 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1-1 Queanbeyan Tigers 5.6 10.10 15.15 22.16-148 Goal Kickers: D. Lord 5, J. Lopes 3, J. Simpson 2, H. McKenzie 2, N. Coghill 2, K. Bray 2, K. Shea 2, D. Hespe, M. Haley, M. McKenzie, J. Manners Best Players: W. Morshead, H. Straker, K. Shea, M. Haley, D. Hespe, D. Lord

Men's 1st Grade

Down to 1 on the bench at half time was not in the script as the Tigers took another solid win over the Jets to solidify top spot with 2 to play.

Tim Shea, Alex Page & Brad Rauter weren't risked following little niggles which meant the other 21 had to step up!

And step up they did with local juniors Josh Fahey & Aidan Bowyer leading the defending premiers to victory in what was at times a tight contest. It was great to see Aido back in the ones following missing all of 2020 with the youngster showing he hasn't lost his 2019 form that seen him ruck in a senior Preliminary Final.

Will Griggs continues to wind back the clock with another big game in the middle while it was Joe Stapleton's turn to hit the scoreboard in bulk with 6 goals. Solid games by Tim Clowry and Rhys Pollock was also pleasing to see with the back 6 doing a great job with no rotations. It was also great to see Tyler Collins and Campbell Lovell back in the top grade following lengthy lay offs.

The injury toll is beginning to mount for the Tigers and with two big games to come against Belconnen and Eastlake the boys will need to lift if they want to secure top spot and a home final, the clubs depth will certainly be tested once again.

Gungahlin 0.0 2.0 2.0 2.0-12 Queanbeyan Tigers 9.5 11.7 17.12 21.15-141 Goal Kickers: J. Stapleton 6, T. Clowry 3, J. Fahey 3, J. Bryce 2, A. Swan 2, R. Pollock 2, T. Collins, A. Page, L. Highfield Best Players: A. Bowyer, J. Fahey, W. Griggs, J. Stapleton, T. Clowry, R. Pollock

Benmax & Nectar sign on for 2022/2023!

Two more long time Major Corporate Partners Benmax & Nectar Mortgages, have once again committed to the Tigers for a further two years in a massive boost to the club!

Benmax have been with the Tigers for the past 4 years and Director Scott Polsen was thrilled to deliver the great news to Tigers GM Adrian Pavese that they will be continuing until the end of 2023!

"We deeply understand the importance of partnerships and like the Tigers share the same values of putting back into the community and for us to be able to support a club as proud as the Tigers then we are all in" Scott said

"The Tigers family environment and willingness to do what ever they can for their people is exactly how we operate Benmax, you are only as good as the people around you and like the Tigers we believe in the same philosophies at Benmax" he added

GM of Football Adrian Pavese echoed the relationship and its importance, "Scott and the team at Benmax have been huge for us and to have their support is truly valued and appreciated" Pavese said.

"The relationship is just not footy either, over the past year we have worked really well together as to be able to provide employment opportunities for our tigers family with Benmax and we will continue to support Benmax in this area" he added.

In a further boost, Canberra's Number 1 Mortgage Brokers Nectar have signed on for a further 2 years and like Benmax will enter their 5 year in 2022.

Led by Regional Manager Scott Cameron, Nectar's relationship with the tigers provides another service to it's members when it comes to finding the right loans and providers!

“With this continued partnership, we have aligned ourselves with one of the strongest mortgage brokers in the area. Scott and his team can assist all of our members who are looking for sound advice and guidance when looking for a loan. “ GM of Football Adrian Pavese said

"Also having personally used Nectar for my family, I can thoroughly recommend their team and expertise, I didn't have to worry about a thing and they got me the best rate at the time" he added

Scott was excited about the next phase of the Partnership, "We love being apart of the Tigers family and look forward to assisting all members and even those outside the tigers in their quest to find the best deals" Scott said

"There are not too many clubs like the Queanbeyan Tigers who align themselves with Partners that are targeted to be able to help their people and we love being apart of this club" he added.

Thank you Benmax and Nectar, your support is appreciated.

Klemke celebrates 100th in stirring come from behind win!

The beautiful morning sunshine didn't last long last Saturday morning as the tigers returned to Aulich Park for their Round 12 clash with Ainslie. There was plenty riding on the results across all grades with each outcome having a big bearing on ladder positions for the tigers.

1st Grade Men

It took the full 120 minutes for the tigers to get the win and how important this result will be come finals will be known over the next 3 weeks.

Staring down the barrel of a 23 point deficit at 3qtr time, a loss would see the tigers fall from the top of the ladder and the likely hood of missing that all important home final - however no one told the boys that defeat was an option.

Down to 2 on the bench and kicking into a steady breeze this group again found the resilience to get back into the game and keep the pressure on Ainslie. Just like the 2020 finals campaign where injuries decimated the squad, the tigers rallied for each other and found a way with Tim Cahill aka Andrew Swan soccer kicking the match winner.

Captain Josh Bryce once again led from the front as did Will Griggs with both players leadership coming to the fore in the tight contest. Jordan Iudica & Alec McCormick continue to play well in the back half and the return of young gun Josh Fahey proved critical with his 33 touches driving the team into attack.

We wish Sam Jensen and Anthony LoPilato all the best with their injuries and hope to see both boys back bigger and stronger very soon.

Queanbeyan Tigers 2.1 2.1 5.5 11.8-74 Ainslie 3.1 6.2 9.4 11.4-70 Goal Kickers: A. Swan 4, S. Jensen 2, A. Page, K. Klemke, J. Iudica, R. Pollock, J. Bryce Best Players: J. Bryce, W. Griggs, J. Iudica, J. Fahey, A. McCORMICK, A. Swan

Rising Stars

Talk about important wins - this was definitely one of them for the young cubs. Battling Ainslie for the all important 4th spot on the ladder, this was a must win for the lads and didn't they perform!

The pressure was next level as the young cubs took it up to Ainslie all day in heavy conditions. Pambula product Will Kellar continues to grow as a player and played his best game for the club through the midfield. Caden Spinks and Dayne Posthuma's seasons have been outstanding and their efforts on Saturday were huge in the win.

Captain Bailee Gilbert once again led from the front despite being ill all week but you wouldn't have known it while his partner in crime Lachlan Fitzpatrick played out of his skin for his best game of 2021. Finally youngster Jordan Bogie announced his arrival in U18s footy with one of the toughest efforts in the midfield seen all year - well done Jordan.

The win now puts the lads one game clear plus % in front of Ainslie with 3 games to play and hopefully the boys can hang on for that finals spot as no one deserves it more than this group!

Queanbeyan Tigers 1.4 1.6 3.8 4.11-35 Ainslie 0.1 0.1 0.1 1.5-11 Goal Kickers: K. Gibbs, L. Asbock , W. Kellar, M. Armstrong Best Players: W. Kellar, C. Spinks, D. Posthuma, L. Fitzpatrick, J. Bogie, B. Gilbert

Tigerettes Reserve Grade

It was the girls first road trip for 2021 as they headed up to Cooma to play the Valley in an important game to keep their slim finals hopes alive and didn't they respond.

The team didn't suffer any jet lag and hit the ground running with a 2 goal blast in the 1st qtr and from here they managed to hold the advantage to pick up the important win. Brie Anderson continues to shine since her return and with the support of Maddi Martin and Haley Bowyer, the girls remained on the front foot all day.

It was great to see Zalie Betts return from injury while Brooke James return has also given the team a boost. New recruit in 2021 Tarsh Brockwell has had a stellar season and evergreen veteran Lon Flakelar keeps doing here thing week in week out.

Currently on 7 wins with only two games to go, the Tigerettes would normally be in the top 4 easily however this is a tight comp in 2021 and the girls will need to win their final two games and have other results go their way to sneak in. If anyone can do it, it is definitely this group!!

Tuggeranong 0.1 0.2 1.4 1.4-10 Queanbeyan Tigers 2.0 2.1 3.1 3.5-23 Goal Kickers: Z. Carl, T. Bruce, Z. Betts Best Players: B. Anderson, M. Martin, H. Bowyer, L. Flakelar, N. Brockwell, B. James

Tigerettes 1st Grade

This clash was an incredibly close game with top spot on the line as teams race for a top 2 finish to the season and the double chance. It was literally one goal standing between victory and defeat. Time was just not on our girls’ side this game with the Tigerettes going down by 4 points.

A terrible day on the injury front and for the finals campaign for player Amy Morschell who, after holding a formidable defensive shoulder in the first quarter left the ground with an injured wrist.

The pressure was high. Both sides started the game with tenacity and physical pressure in tough weather conditions with the Tiger’s back line holding its own. Despite missing the likes of Laura Russel, India Lehman and the exit of Amy Morschell (injured), their absence would be felt throughout the rest of the game.

With goals scored by Ruby Grounds and Mindy Quade it was to no avail with the Tigerettes missing many scoring opportunities in front of the sticks to have commanding leads throughout the game. However, it is not all doom and gloom for the Tigers with improvement shown by completing 4 quarters of footy against an equally good opposition.

Captain Ella Ross identified during training, leading into the clash, that it would take 4 full quarters to beat the Ainslie and that every player would need to step up contested ball winning and physical pressure to match Ainslie.

Losing is never fun but the Tigerettes made the most of the situation they were in, and despite being dealt a bad hand they played well and still fought on to the very last moments of the game stopping only when full time was called. Coming into the finals and with perhaps tougher games like this one ahead the Tigerettes are on the right pathway to something special.

MVP: Mindi Quade, Ruby Grounds and Amy Morschell

Mindy Quade and Ruby Grounds kept hope alive by scoring goals. It was their efforts that led to the game coming down to being a close defeat. However, the rest of the forward line should not lose heart as they all performed well as they could given the circumstances they found themselves in.

I want to give special mention to Amy Morschell. You did good. Not better than good you did absolutely, positively, spiffing and ultimately heroic work in your position in the back line. You played superbly, and despite becoming a casualty early on and exiting the game you didn’t give an inch. Karl Anstey

Queanbeyan Tigers 0.1 1.1 3.4 4.6-30 Ainslie 2.2 3.3 4.5 5.5-35 Goal Kickers: M. Quade 3, R. Grounds Best Players: K. Woodward, K. McGrath, A. Hamilton, A. Manning, M. Godfrey, J. Hamilton

Reserve Grade Men

When this group finally clicks then look out as once again the lads showed when they are on they are on. Another slow start by the group allowed Ainslie to take a half time lead and some hard questions were asked by coach PJ at the break.

Again, when this team clicks it is some of the best footy you will see and the 3rd quarter showed as much with the tigers completely dominating the 20 mins and taking the lead going into the last quarter.

I am sure PJ, Hully Captain Jed and Vice Captain Wilson talked at length post game about how they can find consistency in their performance while there are some excuses that can be made regarding getting the best possible squad together.

Daniel Hespe, Daniel Potts and Wilson Morshead all continue to play solid consistent footy while it was great to see Campbell Lovell and Tyler Collins back from injury and unavailability over the last 6 weeks.

Aidan Bowyer again pressed for senior selection while it was also great to see his cousin and 1st grade stalwart Jono Bowyer back for his first games since his ACL injury in last years 1st Semi Final.

Queanbeyan Tigers 1.1 2.2 4.4 4.8-32 Ainslie 2.2 3.4 3.6 7.8-50 Goal Kickers: A. Sergi 2, J. Lopes, D. Lord Best Players: C. Lovell, T. Collins, D. Hespe, D. Potts, A. Bowyer, W. Morshead