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NEAFL
Ben Fulford
12 goals in the second quarter against Eastlake blasted the visitors out of the contest in the NEAFL match at Dairy Farmers Park last Sunday. In a clinical display the locals hammered the Eastlake Demons 23.18 (156) to 9.9 (63) which sparked the obvious question as to whether the Tigers had ever defeated Eastlake by such a margin.
The answer is yes. A quick look at some of the most recent records reveals the following defeats of Eastlake by large margins:
1990
26.17 (173) to 6.7 (43)
29.19 (193) to 11.8 (74)
1994
27.14 (176) to 4.12 (36)
2004
26.13 (169) to 8.8 (56).
From the outset the Tigers were harder at the ball and look determined to continue the opening of the season with a third consecutive win. They peppered their goals with 10 scoring shots in the opening stanza with only three majors but the writing was on the wall with a dominate display form their on ball brigade and tall timber up forward.
The Tigers were expecting a much tougher opponent considering the Demons shock loss to Tuggeranong the week before but it was not to be.
Although missing a number of quality players including Jarrod Atkinson, Mitch Daniher, Todd Dickinson and Neil Irwin the Tigers rose to the occasion with one of the best 2nd quarters played in many years. The demons lost former Sydney Swans player Ryan Brabazon midway through the second quarter which robbed them of one of the classiest players in the League.
Leading 15 goals to 1 by half time the game was well and truly over but to the credit of the Eastlake players they came out in more determined fashion in the third quarter piling on the first four goals to make the score respectable by ¾ time.
The final score was overall an excellent performance by the Tigers NEAFL team. It showed endeavour, discipline, constructive movement around the ground finished off by some wonderful forward line play through a collective group of players. It really is a shame to make mention of individuals so perhaps some highlights would be more appropriate.
Kaine Stevens
The strong leading and marking of veteran full forward James Kavanagh was a delight to watch. His inaccuracy cost him anumber of goals in the last quarter particularly that elusive number 10.
One name keeps bobbing up but the marking highlight of the day went to Kaine Stevens who rose high above team mate Will Griggs to take a “specky” on the half time siren and then kicked truly. (There is a great picture in the Canberra Times Sport Section of Monday 8 April)
The last quarter goal of another veteran in Toby Conroy brought the “Growlers Deck” alive and will rate up there with goal of the year come September.
They are describing the skills of Beau Walker as “silky” and there is no doubt his composure and steadiness in the backline has been of a huge benefit with the departure of a number of premiership backline players over the summer.
The Tigers have the bye in the NEAFL this weekend, but there is no rest for the reigning Premiers with a first up match in the FOXTEL Cup Qualifying rounds against Northern Territory Thunder at Manuka Oval on Saturday at 11.35am. Spectators and players are advised that due to the AFL fixture match between GWS GIANTS and St Kilda later that day (at the same venue) that everyone must leave the ground and then re-enter if they wish to witness the first ever AFL competition game under lights at Manuka Oval. Gates Open at 11.15am.
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Queanbeyan
Goal Kickers: J. Kavanagh 9, K. Stevens 4, T. Conroy 4, B. Fulford 2, K. Klemke 2, S. Jolliffe , S. Jensen Best Players: K. Stevens, T. Conroy, J. Kavanagh, J. Kirkwood, D. Smith, M. Liddle
Eastlake
Goal Kickers: C. Gibson 3, A. Wiles 2, J. Van Meurs , A. Bruce , M. Laing , J. Moody Best Players: C. Gibson, J. Van Meurs, D. O”Connell, R. McLachlan, A. Bruce, A. Wiles
AFL Canberra Division 1
After years of dominating the AFL Canberra Division 1 the Tigers are now struggling with the tempo and quality of the competition as it restructures a new team based on a younger age group. Many of the Tigers “veteran” premiership players have the left the club for varying reasons with a new age group coming through along with new coaching structures that will take time to develop. Never fear, once this occurs and a number of players return from their unavailability over the past three weeks, this team is sure to stake a strong claim on a finals position come September.
The Tigers were well served by youngster Mitch Haley, James Armstrong and Justin Galloway along with the return Jake Oram for his first game of the year. Chase Grintell showed class and agility as he rose above many packs. The Tigers have a bye this weekend which gives them time to regroup before once again taking on the might of Ainslie at DFP as the main match at 2.0ppm which follows the NEAFL game between the Tigers and Aspley at 11.45 on Saturday 20 April.
Eastlake44286945101272112086Queanbeyan Tigers2214352357377749
Queanbeyan Tigers Goal Kickers: J. Galloway , K. Farrugia , J. Armstrong , M. Fernie , C. Haub , T. Yeates , J. McNeill Best Players: M. Haley, J. Oram, J. Armstrong, D. McGavin, J. Galloway, C. Grintell
Eastlake Goal Kickers: A. Moloney 3, X. McMahon 2, D. Owen 2, A. Wilson , S. Drummond , N. Brophy-Williams , R. Stoyanoff Best Players: X. McMahon, R. Stoyanoff, S. Drummond, A. Moloney, J. Bourchier, D. Owen
Under 18 Grade Rising Stars
The Tigers Rising Stars team were far too strong for Marist College in the early encounter at Dairy Farmers Park. A six goal opening term paved the way for a strong 12 goal victory in what has been an impressive start to the season by this young group of players. Leading the goalkickers was Sam Adams whose return to footy after a year off last in 2012 has certainly done him no harm.
Under 18 Grade - Showing off !!!!!
Under 18 Grade after match victory song
Under 18 Grade Arriving at ground for match v Marist
His height and agility rewarded him with 5 goals on the day while at the size end of the scale PJ Maher was a solid contributor with five goals. There were some very good performances but no doubt you will hear the name Jarrod Thompson a fair bit this year. His endeavour and anticipation to get the ball is encouraging to senior grade selectors. Brandon Lagana was another stand out along with Norm Lembit, Jackson Monck and Daniel Edwards.
The Tigers play Gungahlin on Sunday at Amaroo at 9.30am.
MARIST1174226623810363Queanbeyan Tigers613711167165101226138
Queanbeyan Tigers
Goal Kickers: S. Adams 5, P. Maher 5, E. Callendar 3, B. Lagana 2, T. Shea , J. Thompson , J. Jacobs , J. Monck , J. Bowyer , J. Taylor , S. Lancaster Best Players: B. Lagana, S. Adams, D. Edwards, P. Maher, S. Bowden, N. Lembit
MARIST
Goal Kickers: M. Peterson 3, J. van Meurs 3, C. Williams , S. Darcy , J. McGovern , C. Watson Best Players: C. Williams, C. Watson, T. Stuart, M. Pert, S. Darcy
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