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A host of former premiership / grand final team players made the trip to the Gold Coast for the Tigers first ever competition game in Queensland.
NEAFL
The Tigers may have been defeated by NEAFL Northern Conference team Southport in their second cross over game this season but they were far from disgraced. The young Tigers outfit gained plenty of praise from their opponents as they battled the game through to the final siren conceding goals in the time on period of the third and fourth quarters which blew the final score out in the Sharks favour.
Southport fielded an experience team with a sprinkling of former AFL, VFL and other players from major leagues across Australia. In perfect conditions with temperatures hovering around the 22 degree mark they used their home ground (and the weather) to advantage posting a 67 point win. They posted the first three goals of the game – against the wind – and looked likely to post a high score against the visiting team. It was not to be.
The Tigers were well in the hunt at the 20 minute mark of the third quarter being just ten points behind. They could have hit the lead in this quarter but inaccurate kicking (2.7) proved costly. At the other end of the ground the Sharks made some leeway late in the quarter to take their three quarter time lead to a six goals with the wind in the final term.
The Tigers endeavour, commitment and desire to win the hard contest certainly gained high praise from all in attendance. Captain Ryan Quade praised his young players: “We have some very young players out there in their first full season of senior grade competition and it’s a tough gig to back up week after week in a losing combination”. He is convinced they are the future of the club and that something special will be happen if they can be kept together. “ We turned the ball over at times which proved costly but the longer these players are together and the more game time they receive, the better they will be” he said.
The Tigers were best served by Roy Jaques who played on former Richmond player Cleve Hughes. Even though Hughes posted three goals, he was well held by Jaques who often repelled many of the Sharks attacking moves. His fellow backline players Alex Overs, Kaine Stevens, Simon Mackie and Jeremy Kirkwood all played well. Stevens in particular is relishing his backline role. On ballers Will Griggs, Steve Jolliffe and Toby Conroy gained many possessions while Todd Dickinson played one of his better games for the season. Up forward James Kavanagh did his utmost to provide a strong leading target .
Special mention to the Officiating Umpires who performed strongly throughout the game.
The Club would like to express its sincere thanks to the Southport Sharks for their hospitality during the day (especially the after match refreshments) and to the many supporters who travelled the distance to witness the Tigers first ever competition match in Queensland.
Our appreciation to the volunteers who also travelled including Fred Gisik, Gary Bullivant, Chrissy Craven, Doug Daniel, Michael Goiser, Pete Jensen, Wally Thompson, Rowan Johnstone, Paul James, Danny Rutten, Matt Napier and Ray Daniel – many at their own expense. Also to our Queensland connections – the Dickinsons, Jason Satchell and the family members of Matt Napier who assisted on the day.
The Tigers take on competition leaders Sydney Swans Reserves this Sunday at Dairy Farmers Park and will be hoping for a better performance than that of the defeat in round 13 which still haunts many players and officials to this day.
Southport 5 1 6 5 10 9 15 18 (108) Queanbeyan 2 3 2 3 4 10 5 11 (41)Southport Goal Kickers: C. Hughes 3, D. James 3, M. Quigley 2, E. Mallan , D. Grant , G. Screech , A. Devine , J. Baxter , D. Putt , B. Davis Best Players: B. Merrett, D. James, D. Lynch, D. Putt, A. Devine, E. Mallan Queanbeyan Goal Kickers: D. Campbell 2, J. Kavanagh , T. Dickinson , T. Conroy Best Players: R. Jaques, S. Jolliffe, W. Griggs, A. Overs, S. Mackie, T. Dickinson
Under 18 Grade
The Tigers kept their finals hopes alive with a comprehensive win over Gungahlin Jets in terrible conditions at Amaroo. A nine goal opening term paved the way for a strong victory but to the Jets credit they restricted the Tigers to just seven more goals for the day. As the game wore on the weather closed in making it difficult for both teams.
Torrential rain did not make the going easy, but nevertheless both teams played with strong endeavour. Dylan Bevan posted three goals with strong performances by Kieran Shea, Jason Taylor and Daniel Hespe being a highlight in the wet conditions.
The Tigers meet second placed Marist on Sunday at Dairy Farmers Park in what is a crucial game if they are to somehow sneak into the four.
GUNGAHLIN 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 (6) QUEANBEYAN 9 3 11 5 13 10 16 12 (108)GUNGAHLIN Goal Kickers: T. SUTTON Best Players: J. NOBLE, J. Dobing, C. Mayer, M. Cody, J. Larter QUEANBEYAN Goal Kickers: D. BEVAN 3, S. Vanholland 2, K. SHEA 2, M. Price 2, J. TAYLOR , P. Maher , A. Hasler , M. Theunissen , T. YEATES , A. McCORMICK , G. LENNON Best Players: D. HESPE, S. CAMP, D. BEVAN, T. YEATES, J. TAYLOR, J. Galloway
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