Three from three – all losses

Unfortunately, in footy there are winners and losers.

1. The Clubs first round of finals footy resulted in three wins from three.

2. The second week of finals footy would see the reverse with three losses.

3. The three loses were a combined total of only 21pts.

Now what remains is the Tigerettes 1st Grade Grand Final to be played next Saturday at Manuka Oval under lights, the game commencing at 5.30pm.

Tigerettes Reserve Grade

The Tigerettes Reserve Grade lost their Grand Final last Saturday by just 5 points to Riverina Lions – the game played at Allinsure Park.

In a close and exciting encounter, the Lions held on to win in front of a strong and vocal supporter base considering the Men’s teams were playing at Manuka Oval. Little separated the teams throughout the encounter with just one point being the difference between the two at half and three-quarter times.

Riverina posted the only goal after half time in the last quarter to win back to back premierships and enjoy the long journey back to Wagga.

For the Tigerettes – in just their second season of the Reserve Grade competition, they were fantastic throughout – particularly against the more experienced Riverina combination in the Grand Final. Congratulations to Stacey Close on winning the Best on Ground Medal!!

Thank you to all participants, coaches and volunteers who were involved with the Tigerettes during the 2019 season.

Grand Final

2.4-16

3.3-21

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: C. O”Neill, M. Hurley Best Players: S. Close, M. Callender , K. Reid, O. Straker, M. Hurley, K. Pye

Tigers Men’s Reserve Grade

At the same time the Tigerettes were playing at Allinsure, the Tigers Men’s Reserve Grade were doing battle with Belconnen Magpies at Manuka Oval in the Preliminary Final.

Had they kicked straight in the final term, a win was there for the taking.

Posting 2.7 to the Magpies solitary 1 goal resulted in a disappointing 6-point loss for the team and for the Tigers highly respected Reserve Grade Coach Alex Lawder.

“Alba” announced he would not be continuing in the role next season but would like to be involved – although a young family will take precedence.

The Tigers started slowly against the Magpies in a low scoring encounter which has been a feature of many games in this competition during the year.  Being three goals down at three quarter time, they rallied to have 9 scoring shots to one in the last period, with two posters, but it was not to be, and the footy boots are packed away for yet another few short months until preseason training commences again in November.

Their elimination was an opportunity lost considering their form early in the season.

The lack of a strong high marking forward has certainly been a downfall for the club through the grades this year with last year’s leading goal kicker Dean Lord out injured all season and the loss of Jayden Cutts through suspension through the finals hampering the Tigers goal kicking abilities.

A replacement Coach for the Men’s Reserve Grade will be announced at the Clubs Presentation Night on 18 October.

Preliminary Final

7.7-49

5.13-43

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: J. Fahey 2, J. Galloway, W. Morshead, D. Ross Best Players: S. Lancaster, W. Morshead, D. Ross, J. Fahey, A. Godfrey, M. Lawrence

Men’s 1st Grade

The Men’s 1st Grade Preliminary Final against Belconnen Magpies was another close encounter. Both teams went goal for goal for most of the match in what was an exciting encounter for spectators in attendance.

Belconnen featured in several opportunities in front of goals during the match which resulted in major scores courtesy of certain decisions by the controlling umpires which more than mystified many in attendance.

The difference in the two teams came down to the conversion of forward 50 entries with the Magpies taking their chances. In the last quarter the Tigers held the ball inside attacking 50 for up to 12 minutes scoring 4 behinds and again being on the wrong end of some tough no call free kicks that could’ve been the difference.

Regardless, the Tigers showed real composure and discipline to work past these calls and kept cracking in all the way to the final siren. Sometimes you can play well and still lose, the lads can hold their heads high!

The result may be disappointing for the Tigers however the positives from the experience and with the knowledge that the majority of players are continuing into 2020 has certainly be uplifting in the wake of the loss.

Preliminary Final

12.14-86

11.10-76

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: T. Clowry 3, A. Page 2, A. Bowyer, B. Fruend, M. Grocott, T. Collins, C. Palombi, B. Lagana Best Players: T. Conroy, T. Collins, P. Slater, L. Highfield, J. Bryce, D. Simpson

Wally To Hang Up the Watch!!!

30-year veteran Wally Thompson is about to “hang up the timekeepers watch” at the close of business in 2019. After serving the Tigers as the senior

Noel Miller (Team Manager 1977 – 2016), Wally Thompson (Timekeeper 1989 – 2019), Bobby Griffin (Player and Coach mid-50’s to mid-60’s, numerous positions since including Masseur from 1999 – Current).

club timekeeper since 1989, Wally will call it “time” when the curtain closes on the 1st Grade team this year.

That could be this Saturday if the Tigers lose to Belconnen in the Preliminary Final or hopefully the following week if the Tigers beat the Magpies this weekend and advance into the Grand Final.

Wally is no stranger to the Queanbeyan Community having played a few junior games for the Tigers Club but more so was a playing member of the Queanbeyan Whites.  A move to Canberra to the Weston Creek area seen him become involved with the Weston Creek Wildcats for a period until son Greg started playing for the Tigers Under 19 Grade team hence is commencement and involvement with the Tigers Club.

His name is first recorded in the Tigers History Book in 1988 when assisting with the construction of the old scoreboard and then after from 1989 as the Clubs Senior Timekeeper for the next 30 years. A record unsurpassed and likely never to be repeated. He has been the timekeeper for 18 1st Grand Finals, 15 Reserve Grade Grand Finals and 8 Under 18 grade Grand Finals.

In addition to his timekeeping duties Wally has also been part of the volunteer group of Sports Medicine Trainers for the past 20 years. Juggling timekeeping and as a masseur prior to 1st Grade matches has meant a full day in the footy life of one of our great stalwarts.

A highlight each year, is the Tigers Roast Spit on the Thursday training night prior to the first competition rounds in any given season.  Wally has been totally responsible for this highly anticipated night of nights and his efforts throughout that day never go unnoticed amongst all those that have passed through the Club in any one season.

His passion and dedication to the Tigers Club has been acknowledged with Wall of Fame induction along with Life Membership (1998). Not to be outdone, wife Lesley’s contribution over may years of providing after match sandwiches and match day slices and cakes for the volunteers is greatly appreciated.

Although Sir Walter may be “hanging up the watch”, we expect him to be still available to assist on match days continuing as a masseur along with old (very) mate Bobby Griffin and giving as much cheek as possible to all and sundry.

Whether this will be his last week as timekeeper or the following we thank him sincerely for his efforts and huge contribution to the Tigers Club. Well done Champion.

Fortunately, his apprentice for the past 15 years Nic Vosnakes will step up into his timely shoes.

Richard Simpson Resurrects Glass Paneling on Growlers Deck

In 2015 major renovations took place at the Tigers Licensed Club and unfortunately many articles of memorabilia were dismantled to make way for a more modern decor – the Tigers Mulrooney Medal glass paneling being one such item of memorabilia.

Fortunately, the paneling was stored away and kept for prosperity and that time has occurred.

Reserve Grade Match Day Assistant Richard Simpson (Dad to Bart) has provided an invaluable amount of time to re-frame the glass panels which are now proudly displayed on the Deck of the Growlers area.

Each panel displays a Tigers player who has won the Mulrooney Medal except for the two most recent being Mitch Daniher and Kel Evans. Those two panels will be ordered over the summer and put in place for the 2020.

A huge thank you to Richard for his efforts. The new feature has gained favourable comment over the past two weeks since installation. Yet another wonderful effort from one of our fantastic volunteers.

Big weekend of Finals Results!

Tigerettes Enter Third Successive 1st Grade Grand Final

The Tigerettes 1st Grade have won their way through to their third successive Grand Final with a hard-fought win over Belconnen Magpies last Saturday at Alan Ray Oval, Ainslie.

Their opposition will be the winner of this Saturday’s clash between Belconnen and Ainslie, the Tricolours causing an upset win over the more fancied Eastlake combination in the late game played at Allinsure Park.

It will be the first time an AFL Canberra Club has reached Grand Finals in two female competitions in the same year with the Tigerettes Reserve Grade team qualifying for the Regional Competition Grand Final the previous week.

The Regional Competition Grand Finals will be played this Saturday at Allinsure Park with the Tigerettes up against Riverina Lions who narrowly defeated Eastlake in the Preliminary Final last Saturday.   The Regional Competition Men’s Grade GF will follow with Cootamundra up against the Belconnen Magpies.

Unfortunately, the Tigerettes Reserve Grade Grand Final will clash with the Tigers Men’s 1st and Reserve Grade Preliminary Finals being held at Manuka Oval next Saturday after both teams were successive in their 1st Semi Finals on Sunday at Allinsure.

The 1st Grade Men’s won a tense and absorbing battle against Eastlake after the Tigers Men’s Reserve Grade won through defeating Ainslie in another quality exhibition in the earlier game.

1st Grade Men’s.

In front of a large crowd at Allinsure Park, the Tigers were able to take revenge over Eastlake after losses in their 1st Semi Final encounters over the past two years.

Two late long-range goals by Tim Clowry from the 50-metre ark sealed a close encounter after the scores were tied at 46 a piece at three quarter time.

The Tigers had a strong breeze behind them in the final term kicking to the Licensed Club end. They fought desperately in the first and third quarters when kicking against the wind to restrict Eastlake from scoring and that they did – particularly in the third term.

Pleasing for the old timers was the fact that for the first time in a few weeks players started using the wind advantage – even though the ball seemed entrenched for most parts on the far wing of Allinsure Park.

There was plenty of atmosphere around the ground as spectators from both Clubs enjoyed a classic battle with little between the teams. On this occasion however and much to the relief of all concerned, the home club enjoyed a welcome victory in the first round of finals footy.

It was the Tigers fourth victory over Eastlake this season and has certainly set up an intriguing encounter with Belconnen Magpies next Saturday in the Preliminary Final to be played at Manuka Oval.

Semi Final 2

10.15-75

8.5-53

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: B. Fruend 2, T. Clowry 2, J. Simpson, B. Greenwood, M. Grocott, A. Page, L. Highfield, T. Conroy Best Players: L. Highfield, T. Conroy, J. Bryce, T. Clowry, M. Bernasconi, B. Greenwood

Tigers Men’s Reserve Grade

Youth won the battle last Saturday with some exceptional performances from the Club’s younger brigade of future senior grade players.

After some inept performances, Coach Lawder (over the past few weeks) has taken an enormous gamble at the selection table and that gamble has certainly paid off with successive wins.

They now have an opportunity to advance to their third successive Grand Final appearance. They meet Belconnen Magpies in the second semi-final on Saturday at Manuka Oval.

The Tigers pounced early in their clash with Ainslie last Sunday posting three quick goals and with relentless pressure and determination held off the Premiers of the past three seasons to record a comfortable victory.

There will be plenty of players putting their hand up for selection this week with all players eligible for selection as both senior grade teams are playing on the same day.  Obviously, there will be a few headaches at the selection table with several players recovering from injury that were not available last weekend.

Interesting times but good times as the 2019 season ends within a fortnight.

Semi Final 2

10.1-61

5.4-34

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: J. Fahey 4, H. McKenzie 2, J. Carroll-Tape, A. Godfrey, W. Taylor, W. Derksen Best Players: S. Frost, J. Fahey, J. Galloway, L. Thompson, D. Ross, W. Morshead

Ainslie Tricolours

Goal Kickers: N. Beaumont 2, H. Beaumont, L. Jamieson, F. Hawkins Best Players: W. Spencer, J. Costigan, N. Beaumont, F. Dwyer, J. Wiley, H. Richardson

Tigerettes 1st Grade.

Belconnen Magpies were certainly out to repeat their efforts of just two weeks ago when they upset the Tigerettes. They were determined to repeat their win and were aided by a free kick count of 18 to 7 for the match 8 of those being paid in the opening term.

The experience of the senior Tigerettes held sway and they slowly but surely wore their opponents down to record a well-earned 15-point victory.   Too many names to mention in a hard-fought victory but huge congratulations to all those involved in the Women’s program.  The sustained effort by everyone has reaped the benefits.

There are some exciting times ahead for many of the Tigerettes with the National Draft at the end of October and now – with the local Grand Finals in coming weeks, the excitement among team members is contagious.

Semi Final 1

7.10-52

6.1-37

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: J. Parry 3, J. Stramandinoli 2, K. Woodward, H. Dunn Best Players: K. Woodward, H. Dunn, E. Ross, A. Hamilton, M. Czubara, T. Evans

Belconnen Magpies

Goal Kickers: H. Wallett 3, S. Tutt, K. Tye, M. Gorham Best Players: M. Gorham, E. Pease, M. Pellow, A. Abuoi, S. Atkinson, E. Zouch