Tigers head into Bye full of confidence!

The Tigers players, coaches and volunteers head into the June Long Weekend bye looking forward to a break following another successful weekend of results.

The injury hit men's and women's programs can now take some time to refresh and recharge with up to 25 players looking like they will return post bye from niggles and unavailability.

Rising Stars Men

Another tough one for the young cubs as they again fell by a narrow margin against the Valley last weekend. This is the lads 5th loss for the year and still have a % of over 100 which shows this group isn't far away from the best teams.

With numbers being very light on you certainly can't doubt the efforts and courage of this squad and with balancing 35 players between the 17s and RS teams, the boys are to be congratulated with their never say die attitude.

This was evident last week when the boys gave up a 4 goal start to not only get themsleves back in the contest but also lead late in the game. Spinks, Jack Armstrong and Jono Silver continue their great form with Alessandro Sergi leading the League Goal Kicking also having a fine season thus far.

Tuggeranong 5.3 5.4 6.6 7.6-48 Queanbeyan Tigers 2.1 4.4 6.5 6.9-45 Goal Kickers: E. Brennan 2, A. Sergi 2, Z. Levine, L. Gray Best Players: C. Spinks, J. Armstrong, J. Silver, M. Banic, D. Posthuma, O. Quantrill

Tigerette's Reserve Grade

Two wins from their last two starts have propelled Kenny's girls right back into the finals frame and with the playing list to strengthen post bye the other teams should be looking over their shoulders for sure.

It was Captain courageous Lon Flakelar once again leading from the front with Madi Lustri continuing her stella form in her first full season of senior footy. Verri and Anderson continue to be rock solid in tough contests and with the forward line boosting Shea and Chelsey Hamilton, the girls are getting rewards for efforts.

The inclusion of Maddie Martin from Wagga has also strengthened the side and has added to the midfield strength with Susie Armistead and Zalie Betts.

Queanbeyan Tigers 2.0 3.0 4.0 6.2-38 Tuggeranong 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0-6 Goal Kickers: J. Shea 3, Z. Betts 2, C. Hamilton Best Players: L. Flakelar, H. Verri, B. Anderson, M. Lustri, M. Martin, Z. Betts

Men's Reserve Grade

It was the second week in a row the undermanned twos squad had to play 16 a side due to numbers and for a second week showed great heart and improvement to steal another win.

This team is really starting to find ways to win and again like the women's program are expecting an influx of players post bye to help strengthen the squad. Hugh McKenzie is showing awesome form and is really knocking on the door of the strong 1st grade team looking for a call up.

There is now plenty of senior experience in this group all looking for there chance to impress and keep pressure on the 1s with Will Taylor, Morshead, Bridger, Hicks, Kieran Shea and Lehmo to name a few.

It was great to see the return of Aidan Bowyer from long term injury and quickly showed with a month of footy under his belt he will again be in the frame for senior footy. As mentioned with numbers returning the lads will be looking forward to challenging the teams above them in the coming weeks.

Tuggeranong 0.0 0.2 0.2 2.3-15 Queanbeyan Tigers 3.4 5.5 11.9 13.12-90 Goal Kickers: A. Sergi 3, W. Morshead 2, J. Lopes 2, O. Hicks, S. Kyle, J. Bridger, A. Bowyer, K. Shea, C. Cawse Best Players: H. McKenzie, J. Bridger, W. Morshead, K. Shea, J. Lehman, A. Bowyer

Men's 1st Grade

Heading into the bye with a 5 & 1 record has the senior boys well placed heading into the next phase of the competition and the most pleasing aspect of their position is again the depth in the club at present.

Like 2020 injuries, have again hit the club however despite the hiccups the squad is able to replace injuries with ready made senior players raring to go. Selections are certainly not fun at the moment but is exciting at the same time with the 1st Grade team knowing there are plenty in the 2s ready to take their spot.

Once again the twin towers of Swan and Stapleton kicked plenty of goals but it is the work of the defense gaining the praise internally. While the team is kicking good scores at the moment the fact the squad currently has the best defense in the league is a standout effort.

Iudica continues to shine off half back and with LoPilato, Simpson and McCormick all in good form the opposition certainly have to work hard to break through. Added to this are Derksen, Highfield, Conroy, Edgar and Griggs all in solid midfield form as well.

With Klemke to return next game, Freddie Lovell also close and Collins due back in 5 weeks, the squad looks to be stronger in coming rounds.

Tuggeranong 0.1 2.1 2.3 2.4-16 Queanbeyan Tigers 8.2 14.7 18.11 26.18-174 Goal Kickers: A. Swan 7, J. Stapleton 5, R. Pollock 3, J. Bryce 3, T. Clowry 2, S. Jensen 2, A. Page, T. Conroy, J. Iudica, Z. Derksen Best Players: A. Swan, J. Iudica, Z. Derksen, R. Pollock, D. Simpson, L. Highfield

Tigerette's 1st Grade

Chemistry hits the Tigerettes 2021 campaign

Like the Tigers Women’s squads of the past 2 years, the Tigerettes have started to show signs of returning dominance as they forcefully dismantled the Tuggeranong Valley Football Club at Greenway oval during round 6.

Despite the cold conditions the Tigerettes, dominated on the scoreboard, at the stoppages and around the ground as local wildlife (Kangaroos onlooking) where on lookers to Alexia Hamilton’s masterclass where she dominated the game from the midfield and forward, contributing a 6 goal haul in an already star studded line-up.

The first half started nicely with a quick goal within the very first minutes of the game by Cynthia Hamilton. A trend that would continue through the whole game with the likes of Ruby Grounds, Mindy Quade, Kate McGrath, Sophia Arcus, India Lehman and Alexia Hamilton all scoring goals during the game.

Coach Chris Clifton also helped Jess Stramandinoli celebrate her fiftieth first grade game for the Tigeretts when she was thrusted forward to get in on the goal scoring frenzy.

MVP: Alexia Hamilton

Still being fresh from her recent stint playing with North Melbourne in the VFLW, Hamilton has transitioned back home with ease into the Tigerettes line up. She had the ball on string during Rd 6 combined with her skillful execution and disposal that was on display for all to watch.

It was graceful to watch her move in and out of the opposition defenses, as she not only provided evasive forward craft, but also providing an extra gear to the Tigerettes midfield. Her versatility must also be mentioned as she was sent to the back line for a quarter, cutting off any chance for a Tuggeranong forward 50 entry.

Karl Anstey

Tuggeranong 0.0 0.1 0.1 1.1-7 Queanbeyan Tigers 6.4 13.5 19.11 23.14-152 Goal Kickers: A. Hamilton 6, S. Arcus 3, K. McGrath 3, R. Grounds 2, C. Hamilton 2, S. Close 2, M. Quade 2, J. Hamilton, J. Stramandinoli, I. Lehman Best Players: A. Hamilton, K. McGrath, A. Morschel , C. Hamilton, S. Arcus, J. Hamilton

Aidan Bowyer returns after long term injuries.

After a year and a half away from the game with chronic leg issues, the club was thrilled

to welcome back Aidan Bowyer yesterday when he ran out against the Valley. His return is a true reward for his patience and efforts to get back playing with his beloved Tigers.

The former Rising Stars Best & Fairest and Captain, Aidan has been held in high regard throughout his junior years as a future leader of the senior team and in fact his last game was in the 2019 First Grade Preliminary Final.

Aidan is a true role model for all of our graduating Rising Stars and senior players that hard work and dedication to your senior footy can pay off. We look forward to Aido getting back to full match fitness and enjoying his footy as we know once he is fully back up and going, he will once again push for senior selection.

It is also great to welcome back 2019 Premiership Tigerette Hayley Bowyer back playing after a year off.

The Bowyer name has been heavily involved with the Tigers since the early 80s with Ian, Peter and Murray all playing in multiple Grand Finals and Premierships with the club.

The entire family including wives Pauline and Joanne have contributed so much to the club over the years with their children now forging their own careers with the club.

Jack and Jonathon (Peter's sons) graduated from the juniors with Jack now up in Newcastle for work while Jono still cracking in with the tigers but unfortunately doing an ACL in last years Preliminary Final. Jono was last years vice captain and is held in high regard with his peers.

Alana, Hayley, Lara and Aidan (Ian's children) have all contributed to the tigers with Alana and Hayley playing in Premierships with the Tigerette's, Lara being more involved off field assisting the club as a physiotherapist and Aidan who is mentioned above.

Family connections have been a huge part of the tigers history and culture over the decades and the Bowyer's have and continue to be a massive part of this tradition.

Season ramps up with 4 from 5 wins for the Tigers!

We are only one week from the annual June Long weekend bye and our teams banked some much needed wins last weekend against the Eastlake Demons.

The club came away with 4 out 5 victories and with one more round before the bye, have set themselves up for when the colder months start to hit. Injuries have struck the squads hard however the teams are fighting hard and looking forward to what lay ahead.

Tigerette's Reserve Grade

A blistering start from the home side set up an important win against fellow finals contender Eastlake last weekend at Rockley.

Led by newcomers Maddi Martin and Tarsh Brockwell, the tigers held sway in blustering conditions setting up the match winning lead by halftime. Chesley Hamilton continues her return to form with a 3 goal haul and with Brie Andrson controlling the defence the team looked solid at both ends.

Queanbeyan Tigers 4.1 5.1 6.4 6.5-41 Eastlake 1.0 2.0 2.0 3.2-20 Goal Kickers: C. Hamilton 3, Z. Betts, J. Shea, E. Ross Best Players: N. Brockwell, M. Martin, B. Anderson, Z. Betts, H. Verri, M. Lustri

Men's Reserve Grade

Injuries have hit the senior men's teams hard with the Super Two's men only able to

field 17 last Saturday which included a cameo appearance from Paul "Slats" Slater and with 3 Rising Stars backing up helped the 2s get to 20 for the day.

A huge thanks to Shaun Young & Peter Jensen from Eastlake for agreeing to play 16 a side on the day, it certainly helped as the 2s team were back down to just 17 midway through the 2nd quarter due to more injuries.

It was a great game of footy with both teams going hard all day with the Tigers thankfully ahead at the close of play. Wilson Morshead has returned to his 2019 form with another stellar game and was supported well by Caleb Cawse and Ben Millymnn.

Eastlake 2.2 2.2 5.2 7.3-45 Queanbeyan Tigers 1.2 3.3 8.3 8.6-54 Goal Kickers: J. Carroll-Tape 3, T. Ashton 2, N. Coghill, P. Slater, W. Morshead Best Players: W. Morshead, C. Cawse, B. Millynn, J. Bridger, H. McKenzie, D. Potts

Men's 1st Grade

It was the 2020 Grand Final replay with both sides bolstered by the return of their respective VFL players and a couple of returning players from injury. It was another solid first half with both team trading blows with the tigers leading by 28 at half time.

The Eastlake boys came out humming in the third and kicked the first 3 goals to get the margin back to 10 points, however the Tigers rallied late and kept the ship steady to record a very good win away from home.

The back six were awesome all day with McCormick, LoPilato and Taylor all holding their opponents and with the forwards once again firing with Tim Shea and Andrew Swan playing their roles.

The club would like to congratulate Eastlake's Aaron Bruce who played his 250th First Grade game last weekend and in a sign of respect to his legacy, the tigers players and coaches helped form a guard of honour at the conclusion f the game - Congrats again Brucey!

Eastlake 2.3 2.8 5.9 5.10-40 Queanbeyan Tigers 2.3 7.6 11.9 14.14-98 Goal Kickers: A. Swan 4, J. Stapleton 3, A. Page 2, S. Jensen 2, T. Clowry, T. Shea, T. Stapleton Best Players: T. Shea, A. Lo Pilato, J. Taylor, A. McCORMICK, S. Jensen, J. May

Tigerette's 1st Grade

Coming off of their own Order 66 (Star Wars reference), the Tigers have not let themselves become overconfident in their play with training focusing more so on the team’s structures during play.

An overwhelming victory by the Tigers as well as allowing the transition for Alexia Hamilton’s return to the Women’s first grade with her duties in Victoria now complete and re-joining the Tigers at what may be a critical time. A re-enforcement most welcome alongside other players returning to the field.

The focus on the Tiger’s structures this week paid off with a 54-22 win against the Eastlake Demons, a team that lived up to its name as being a group of talented hell fighters.

The first half of the match started slow, with the Tigers finding their rhythm by the second quarter. Said rhythm was kept up throughout the entirety of the game despite the odd hiccup or two due to the play of the ball or intercepts.

Losing both Cynthia and Lexi who were both yellow carded during the game could've unsettled the team however their absences were negated by the Tigers teamwork and seamless transitions of play that meant the yellow cards had little effect on the efficiency of the team.

Kate McGrath: The Paragon

During the game against Eastlake Kate McGrath stood out amongst her teammates for her skills, good sportsmanship and ‘take no prisoners’. Leading to her teammates in forward line a back line to either change the direction of play or take advantage of it. Stronger than steel, with a heart of gold and more durable than tank armour one of the best people in the women’s first grade team.

Written by Karl Anstey

Eastlake 1.0 2.1 3.3 3.4-22 Queanbeyan Tigers 2.3 5.5 7.6 8.6-54 Goal Kickers: S. Close 3, A. Hamilton 2, M. Quade 2, S. Arcus Best Players: I. Kennedy, S. Close, K. Woodward, C. Hamilton, A. Hamilton, K. McGrath

Rising Stars

Another heart breaker for the RS lads which again showed signs of matching it with the the top 4 teams but again went down in the last quarter.

Loses of 13, 15, 32 & 26 shows this talented but undermanned group isn't far away from the top teams and with a couple of chances taken at various times, we could see the boys really challenge in 2021.

The boys keep crackin and there is no doubt they will see the rewards soon, hard work and dedication will always be rewarded and no one is working harder than this group.

Jarrod Barker played his best game for 2021 and was assisted by Caden Spinks and Bailee Gilbert. Jonathon Silver is having by far his best season and Zac Levine continues to grow as a player (no pun intended seeing he is already 7ft tall LOL)

It is also great to see that despite the lack of depth in both our 17s and RS squads, that all the players are willing to have their turn in helping each other out.

Eastlake 3.1 3.5 5.7 9.8-62 Queanbeyan Tigers 1.1 3.3 3.5 5.6-36 Goal Kickers: Z. Levine, E. Brennan, L. Asbock , L. Fitzpatrick, A. Sergi Best Players: J. Barker, C. Spinks, B. Gilbert, Z. Levine, J. Silver, W. Kellar