Tough day for Tigers - Round 2 Review

Only 1 win from 4 grades last Saturday with the Rising Stars set to play tomorrow night provided a tough day out for the Tigers & Tigerettes.

Despite the results, nothing dampened spirits leading into the clubs 1st social event for 2021 with the Drop A Bundle Race Night being another outstanding evening. Just for the record, Rogan Josh (aka Josh Pavese) took out this years Black & Gold Cup!

Back to the Footy.

Reserve Grade Men

It was a tough encounter all day against Ainslie as both team traded goals with no team able to break away to any substantial lead throughout the game. It was Ainslie who came out on top with a 9 point victory by the close of play.

One of the highlights was the Shea brothers who all ran out together in the same grade and created another part of club history. All three playing well which added to the excitement of the occasion.

Jacob May continues to press for his 1st Grade call up with another outstanding performance as does Daniel Potts who is settling in very well. Daniel Hespe was a standout across half back with 2019 Best & Fairest Hugh McKenzie finding his best form.

Queanbeyan Tigers 2.3 3.5 5.9 7.10-52

Ainslie Tricolours 2.1 6.3 7.11 8.13-61

Queanbeyan Tigers Goal Kickers: O. Hicks 2, W. Taylor, J. Simpson, T. Shea, D. Potts, A. Sergi Best Players: J. May, D. Potts, D. Hespe, J. Simpson, T. Shea, H. McKenzie

Reserve Grade Tigerettes

The Super Two's girls have again faced stiff competition last week as a rampant ANU stamped their authority on the Women's Community Competition.

Heavily undermanned with injury and unavailability, the girls never gave up and while the score doesn't reflect the effort it was certainly there to see for those who were at Rockley last Saturday morning.

Susie Armistead showed all her experience and determination in the game and was assisted by Madi Lustri who is shining in her first year out of Youth Girls. Both girls pushing hard for a senior call up no doubt.

That's two tough losses in a row for this group but there is one thing for sure and that's the fact they will continue to fight hard and bounce back.

Queanbeyan Tigers 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0-0

ANU Griffins 2.3 6.7 10.9 15.15-105 Queanbeyan Tigers Best Players: S. Armistead, R. Brown, L. Flakelar, M. Lustri, M. Martin, J. Giacoppo

1st Grade Tigerettes

With all rebuilds there is going to be occasions that you will have ups and downs in games and that was certainly the case last weekend against Ainslie.

The girls gave up a 4 goal to nothing start with Ainslie playing some outstanding footy across the ground. Then "BANG", the tigerettes then bounce back and put on the next 6 unanswered goals to take a lead into the 3qtr time break.

To Ainslie's credit they settled back into their groove and kicked the last two goals of the game and despite the Tigers pressing the Ainslie goal line in the dying minutes the Tricolors held on and got the win by the barest of margins.

This was a belter of a game which kept everyone engaged throughout the contest and also shows how strong the AFL Canberra Women's Senior competition is continuing to be with lot's of players developing nicely. There's no wonder why our players in this competition are being looked at at AFLW levels.

Queanbeyan Tigers 0.0 3.1 6.2 6.2-38

Ainslie 4.0 4.0 4.1 6.3-39

Queanbeyan Tigers Goal Kickers: K. McGrath 2, M. Quade 2, K. Gumm, J. Stramandinoli Best Players: K. Woodward, K. McGrath, E. Ross, M. Quade, J. Stramandinoli, H. Rauter

1st Grade Men

The only win for the day came from the 1st Grade men who continued their solid start to the year with a solid victory over old rivals Ainslie.

The forward line continues to shine led by Andrew Swan with 8 goals however it's the defensive work from the lads that continues to impress the coaching staff. Jordan Iudica is playing a different role in 2021 as a half back flanker and continues to shine as does Dean Simpson who's form has been very pleasing.

Added to the defensive run has been the inclusion of Tyler Collins on the wing who missed all of 2020 due to injury and evergreen Toby Conroy who continues to rack up disposals at will. It was also great to see Campbell Lovell back from injury.

So a 2 and zip start for the lads with another massive challenge this coming Saturday against the Magpies with the carrot of being top alone of the ladder come 5pm Saturday the reward.

Queanbeyan Tigers 5.5 9.10 13.12 18.15-123

Ainslie Tricolours 2.0 4.1 6.2 7.3-45 Queanbeyan Tigers Goal Kickers: A. Swan 8, A. Page 3, J. Stapleton 2, T. Collins 2, L. Highfield, Z. Derksen, J. Bryce Best Players: A. Swan, K. Klemke, J. Iudica, Z. Derksen, D. Simpson, T. Colli

Shea Brothers add to Tigers Sibling History!

Remember the names, Dean, Kieran and Tim Shea who create their own history

tomorrow and join a famous group of brothers who have had three siblings play in the same team for the Mighty Tigers.

It started with the Williams brothers (5) of the 30s & 40s followed by Schow brothers of the 50s/60s, then came the Hopkins brothers in the late 70s and finally the Wynd brothers of the 80s & 90s had 3 plus brothers all wear the famous yellow and black and play in the same team.

The Tigers juniors will add their names to this list when all three come together for tomorrows Reserve Grade clash against Ainslie. We also hope to add the Hamilton sisters to this list in coming weeks with fingers crossed Jayde, Lexi & Cynthia all play 1st Grade together for the first time and with Chelsey now back playing it could even be 4!

Tim (21 1st Grade & 66 Res games) is 2014 & 2020 1st Grade Premiership player.

Tim's last two seasons have been stellar and even though he has had to come back this week due to Rhys Pollock's return he will no doubt be pushing hard for 1st Grade return next weekend.

Dean (Senior Debut tomorrow) the youngest, has only just started his senior career following the last couple of years in the Rising Stars. His senior debut tomorrow will add another special touch to the day.

Kieran (16 1st Grade & 24 Res games) was a member of the 2014 1st Grade Premiership team and then spent a couple of years away playing for Temora. He returned this year and again like Tim has plenty of senior experience and is pushing hard for a recall.

Added to this incredible story and family is that the boys sister Jill Shea is also a highly regarded and 2017 1st Grade Premiership player with the Tigerettes. There is no doubt parents Greg and Jan Shea should be proudest parents of what their children have and are going to continue to achieve with the Tigers.

Season 2021 Starts well for Tigers - Round 1 Review

Following 14 weeks of slog and pain, Tigers Senior Competition joined the Super Two's women and finally commenced their season last Saturday at Aulich Park.

To check out all of our Tigers Teams results for both Seniors & Juniors click on this link https://aflcanberra.com.au/fixtures-results/

Also for access and viewing of our wonderful Match Day Photos supplied by Danny Webster and Sam Franks as well as all other day to day club information click on our Facebook Page Queanbeyan Tigers Australian Football Club | Facebook

Men's 1st Grade

The defending Premiers began their defense with a solid hit out against the Valley.

Despite not winning a preseason game, the team was settled post the first 10 nervous minutes and began where they left off from last year. The squad welcomed new players Isaac Edgar and Joe Stapleton as well as the return of 2012 NEAFL Premiership player and local junior Sam Jensen as well as Jayden Lehman who returned from a year away.

An early 5 goal 1st qtr set up the win with the team showing excellent want to get their mates into the game with some very good connections so early in the season. The depth of the team again looks to be very good with seasoned midfielder Jordan Iudica playing off Half Back and joining a very solid defense led by Alec McCormick & Dean Simpson.

Highfield, Edgar, Griggs and Conroy showed the rewards of a good preseason and hit the ground running while the return of Tyler Collins & Alex Page from injury showed signs of early season excitement.

The big three in Swan, Bryce and Stapleton kicked 14 of the 24 goals but it must be said the delivery was very good and provided the opportunities.

A good start and banking early wins are important but with a long way to go there is no doubt the team will have to continue to improve to challenge again.

Queanbeyan Tigers 5.5 11.10 15.16 24.20-164

Tuggeranong Valley 1.2 1.2 3.3 4.4-28 Goal Kickers: J. Bryce 5, A. Swan 5, J. Stapleton 4, A. Page 3, T. Collins 3, L. Highfield 2,

I. Edgar, S. Jensen Best Players: L. Highfield, T. Collins, A. Swan, J. Stapleton, W. Griggs, T. Conroy

Tigerettes 1st Grade

After 14 weeks of preparation and watching their sisters from the sidelines the 1st Grade were let loose and with no more practice matches or training its live fire.

The first half of the game started slow, with their opponents gaining an early lead in the first quarter. However, by the second the Tigers, having ‘warmed up’ with the Tigers adjusting well to the pressure mounted on their defensive line and shoring up their forwards with a strong mid field and a fresh interchange of players.

Kate McGrath had this to say about the Tiger’s progress; “The combination really started to come together in the second quarter”. A noticeable change in play as it was around the same time as the TVFC fans started to get a bit unhappy.

An honourable mention to a show of good sportsmanship was by the Captain Ella Ross during the 2nd quarter after one of her opponent’s was injured on the field. Escorted away with approval at Ross's actions by the TVFC supporters in the grandstand.

The second half showed a desperate play by the visitors as the Tiger’s gave the TVFC the old one-two punch again and again. By the finally blast of that loud horn the score was at 62-14 in the home team’s favour.

A very proud McGrath said that it “was a good hit out for our first game of the season”

Jess Stramandinoli: The ‘Tiger’ Tank

Of all the things a player can encounter on the field, a tank is something that one does not expect. Mobile fire power is what Strama is. Her dash through the backline and through the mid-field allowed for a number of scoring shots with Strama useing her absolute physical skill. Co-captain McGrath commented that “the physicality is one of the reasons you play the game”. Jess certainly showed that by shrugging off several hits that left her opposite number rather dazed.

Written by Karl Anstey

Queanbeyan Tigers 0.1 6.1 6.6 9.8-62

Tuggeranong Valley 1.1 1.1 1.2 2.2-14 Goal Kickers: R. Grounds 3, M. Quade 2, L. Watson, L. Russell, I. Kennedy, K. McGrath Best Players: R. Grounds, K. Woodward, E. Ross, A. Jakim, K. McGrath, J. Stramandinoli

Men's Reserve Grade

Boasting a new look squad in 2021 including new coach in Paul James, any thought this

group would struggle to gel was quickly extinguished with a big performance.

Again like the other sides, there were plenty of new players it was so good to see a host of gradutating Rising Stars begin their senior careers with Jack Manners, Caleb Cawse, Nic Coghill and Alessandro Sergi all playing very well in the win.

It was also great to see new recruits Jacob May & Daniel Potts run out for their 1st game for the club as well all the return of former local juniors Daniel Hespe and Kieran Shea and we also welcome our other new players to the club. Finally was fantastic to see the return of Will Taylor and Campbell Lovell from injuries last year.

Queanbeyan Tigers 7.2 11.5 16.9 20.10-130

Tuggeranong Valley 0.0 1.0 1.0 3.2-20 Goal Kickers: W. Taylor 5, A. Sergi 3, J. May 3, E. White 2, N. Coghill 2, J. Simpson, J. Lopes, W. Morshead, D. Hespe, J. Manners Best Players: J. May, W. Taylor, D. Hespe, C. Cawse, J. Manners, A. Sergi

Tigerettes Reserve Grade

Coming off back to back wins to start the year, this was another big test against ADFA.

Once again there were plenty of list changes but this doesn't seem to worry this group as they hooked in and played some exciting footy. It was great to see the return of Hannah Verri from long term injury and coupled with the return of Alanna Kolano, all of a sudden the team has some experience back.

Susie Armistead and Lon Flakelar continue to drive the back line and with the young gun Madi Lustri controlling the ruck this team despite the loss will once again challenge heavily in 2021.

Queanbeyan Tigers 1.2 3.3 3.3 4.3-27

ADFA Rams 1.2 2.3 3.6 4.10-34 Goal Kickers: C. Hamilton 2, S. Fenwick, J. Shea Best Players: M. Lustri, L. Flakelar, I. Street, N. Brockwell, R. Brown, S. Armistead

Rising Stars

Once again this young group of men are leading the way in determination and desire to play for this great club.

It was only 4 weeks ago that there was a real chance the club couldn't field an 18s team, however with some great work done behind the scenes between the Junior & Senior clubs and some proactive thinking the team has come together and started the season.

And didn't the boys do the club proud with a resounding win in Round 1 and the 17s

boys also playing some very good footy last weekend. It's a couple of very young squads that are working hard together and improving weekly.

Led by Caden Spinks, Bailee Gilbert and Lachlan Fitzpatrick the team jumped their opponents and with Alessandro Sergi marking everything the scoreboard kept ticking over. Added to these boys was the excellent games by Pambula player Will Kellar and locals Dayne Posthuma & Michael Armstrong.

Queanbeyan Tigers 3.1 5.5 11.9 15.14-104

Tuggeranong Valley 0.1 2.1 2.1 2.1-13 Goal Kickers: A. Sergi 4, C. Spinks 3, M. Armstrong 3, L. Asbock 2, L. Fitzpatrick 2, T. Russo Best Players: C. Spinks, A. Sergi, B. Gilbert, L. Fitzpatrick, B. Rauter, D. Posthuma