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/

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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

“Mothers Day”

Enjoy a $12 roast lunch available between 12-2pm followed by our mums raffle consisting of more than 20 prizes & meat trays to be won.

Happy hour also starts at 2pm with $4 wine & schooners.

See our friendly staff to join today.

Drink wise drink responsibly.

Call 62978888 to secure a reservation today!

2021 Men's Leadership Announced & Round 1 Preview

It's been a long time coming and the wait is over!

The Senior Competition Round 1 kicks off this weekend at Aulich Park as the Tigers hit the pitch and take on the greatly improved TVAFC in 4 grades.

As we head into the preview of games, the final piece of the Club Leadership was finalised Tuesday night with the announcement of the Men's Leadership Group for 2021. Like the women's program, the men's program have implemented the same format for leadership that keeps the club consistent with values and culture.

We are thrilled to announce the following:

The Performance leaders:

Joshua Bryce (1st Grade Captain)

and

Jed Simpson (Reserve Grade Captain)

The performance leaders are the leaders that appear on game day. They assess where the team is at during training and the team’s performance during games. Performance leaders are to maintain the team’s cohesiveness during a match, inspire unity and a high level of ferocity. They set the standards for other to strive to and lead by example on the field during games and training.

The Change room/Culture leaders:

Dean Ross & Jason Taylor

What you see on the field is only what is on the surface like an iceberg there is much more below. The team’s integrity relies upon not only the leaders on the field but also those behind the scenes.

Chemistry/Social:

Alec McCormick & Jonno Bowyer

The role is to keep the bonds of the team healthy, ensure all are good and okay. A team is made up of people and people need to relax and have a bit of fun. All teams have their own individual groups, the leader ensures that the groups get along and the bonds in the team remain strong.

The Youth/Transition Leaders:

Tyler Collins & Andrew Swan

The Youth/transition leaders are responsible for the care taking of both junior players moving up into the senior teams and helping out new players to the team and the club. This doesn’t just secure the future of the club but the team as a whole. With leaders there showing new recruits the ropes and guiding young players into the senior structures the Youth/transition leaders actively help build links that can stand forever.

The Queanbeyan Tigers congratulate all of the leaders that will represent the club in 2021.

Round 1 Preview

Rising Stars

Numbers continue to be an issue for our RS squad however the team has a great bunch

of committed players and with both the Seniors and Juniors working closely together, there is no doubt this group will still be able to compete very well in season 2021.

It will be a very young squad with a sprinkling of top aged players led by Alessandro Sergi, Jack Armstrong and Jarrod Barker who will add older heads to the group. We then add the likes of the younger talent in son of a gun Bailee Gilbert, Lachlan Fitzpatrick and Dayne Posthuma to name a few which should give balance and lead the charge of our younger brigade to follow.

This will be an exciting year for the lads as we look to integrate the squads into the senior footy club and gradually get them prepared for life as a senior footballer.

Reserve Grade Men

Having pushed through injuries late last year which ultimately led to their exit in the 1st week of finals, this group has worked hard in the off season and are ready to go.

Experienced Coach Paul James has taken the reigns of the group which will hold the team in good stead with balancing players pushing for senior selection. Added to this is the appointment of club favourite Jed Simpson as Captain.

Jed's appointment is perfect for those aspiring to be senior players as Jed has loads of experience in what it takes to work hard and build resilience in the fight for a spot, plus Jed still wants his senior spot so there is no one better for these players to use as a role model.

Reserve Grade success is hard to obtain in terms of silverware with players coming in and out but their success will be easily recognised with the amount of players who develop and gain that 1st grade opportunity through out the course of the year.

1st Grade Men

There is no better feeling than raising your Premiership Flag at home in Round 1 which is what the 1st grade boys will experience this Saturday.

Then it's back to business as the Premiership defense starts in earnest against the Valley. Tuggeranong have recruited well and with another preseason under experienced coach Jimmy Rice there is no doubt this will be a cracking game.

With the Tigers losing 7 players from their 2020 premiership squad, the club has been fortunate to replenish stocks with Jacob May (North Wagga), Joe Stapleton (CSU), Daniel Potts (Perth), Isaac Edgar (Albury) and Jackson Ritchie (VAFA) to name a few joining the club in 2021.

Added to these players is the fact the club has held onto 80% of the 2020 playing group

as well as seeing the return of former players & local juniors Sam Jensen, Kieran Shea, Daniel Hespe, Josh Fahey and Jayden Lehman. To complete the playing squad will be the return of long term injured players with Tyler Collins (Rnd 1), Dean Lord (Rnd 5) and Aidan Bowyer (Rnd 8).

Now it's all about starting off the year and hopefully banking some good early performances which sets up the season ahead.

1st Grade Women

Following 4 Grand Finals, 2 Premierships over the last 4 years, the Women's 1st Grade are now working through a rebuild with many seasoned players moving onto other facets of life.

With rebuild also comes excitement and the club has been thrilled to be able to keep playing stocks well nourished with an influx of new & experienced players as well as local junior talent coming through the system.

Adding to the Tigerettes in 2021 will be Laura Russell (Maq Uni), Danica Pedersen (St Kilda), Hollie Betts (Narooma), Tanika Bruce (Wodonga Raiders) and Mindy Quade (Wagga) to name a few as well as a host of new players giving the game a go.

The team will be led by Tigerette superstar Ella Ross along with Ruby Grounds,

Ash Jakim, Kate Woodward, the Hamilton sisters Lexi, Jayde & Cynthia, Jess Stramandinoli, Anita Manning and Ellen Squire leading the charge in 2021. We also can't wait to see the return of Amy Morschel who returns from long term injury.

So all being good and equal, the rebuild should still see the Tigerettes challenge again in 2021 and hopefully continue the outstanding growth of our women's program.