2012 – FOOTY IS BACK!

The Queanbeyan Tigers open their 2012 Season campaign at Dairy Farmers Park this Sunday with trial games in all grades against Tuggeranong Hawks.

The Hawks were the big improver’s last season finishing a creditable fifth and have bolstered their playing list with former Richmond on ball player Mark Dragicevic taking up an assistant coaching role with the club.

The Tigers have certainly added to their 2011 list with a number of players from interstate joining the Club.

High on that list is former Essendon defender Jared Atkinson who unfortunately will not be available this week. He is yet to transfer to the area but is expected to be available for next week’s trial against Geelong team St Albans.

Also missing this Sunday will be Tigers full forward James Kavanagh who is currently playing in the Darwin Football League during the off season with Palmerston.

On show through the ranks will be a number of new players including: Kade Klemke (Coach – former Essendon listed player), Josh Bryce (Werribee – VFL), Ben King (Wahgunyah), Ben Klemke (Henty), Nathan Kerlin (Wahgunyah), Kyle Farrugia (Turvey Park), Cody Haub (Ulladulla) and Chase Grintell (West Wyalong) and the likes of Andrew Swan, Matt Liddle and Neil Irwin all returning after missing most of last season through injury.

The Tigers will use the trial matches to play a number of its younger group of players through the two senior grade ranks. Games will commence at 12 Noon with the Rising Stars (formerly the Under 18 Grade) followed by AFL Canberra Division 1 (formerly Reserve Grade) at 1.45pm and then the NEAFL match at 3.15pm.

The following week the Tigers play at the same times on Saturday 3 March at Dairy Farmers Park in all three grades. Division 1 and the Rising Stars play against Penrith with the NEAFL against St Albans from Geelong in the NEAFL game.

St Albans is Coached by former Tigers senior grade player Matt Cavedon.