
Tigers Name New Coach for 2011 The Tigers have appointed Rod O’Riley to replace Mark Armstrong as Senior Grade Coach for 2011. O’Riley previously coached the Tigers in 1994 and has been assisting the club over the past four years as a match day assistant. His experience at senior grade level speaks for itself having been involved in the coaching group of the West Adelaide Football Club of the SANFL before transferring to Queanbeyan in 1994. He took over the reigns then from Brian Quade who had coached the Tigers for ten years which had resulted in 8 grand finals for four premierships. It was no easy task after such a record of success but he managed to guide the Tigers into yet another grand final only to be defeated in controversial circumstances. His stay at the Tigers lasted only one year as he was recruited to the Coaching staff at AFL Club Richmond Tigers before moving into a position with the Brisbane Lions. He always promised to come back and finish the job at Queanbeyan and he now has the chance to do just that. His appointment was announced last Saturday evening by Chairman Bob Gibbs at the 100 Club Function. In making the announcement he sincerely thanked outgoing coach Mark Armstrong for his magnificent contribution to the Tigers Club over the past nine years. “Merv” guided the senior grade team into seven finals series under his reign which has included four grand final appearances. This year’s series is yet to be determined. His role as Director of Coaching which includes overseeing all three grades resulted in the Reserve Grade making every finals series with six Grand Final appearances for two premierships. The Under 18 Grade played in every finals series for three grand finals and one premiership. This year is obviously yet to be determined but the Reserves finished as minor premiers and the Under 18 Grade in third position. Rod O’Riley is expected to move from the Gold Coast before Christmas along with wife Julie.
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