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Mark Armstrong and his two boys Michael & Jack after securing a spot in the finals.
Another Finals Campaign For The Tigers.
It was a do or die effort and the “do” eventually came through.
At half time the “die” looked a distinct possibility with the Hawks dominating most of the proceedings. Eventually a six goal haul to Mark Armstrong paved the way for a victory that guaranteed fourth position in what has been a tremendously close competition for AFL Canberra.
Reigning Premiers Belconnen Magpies missed the finals for the 1st time since 2001 even though defeating competition leaders the Sydney Swans in their last match of the season. Tuggeranong took out the wooden spoon but they were great competitors all year – especially over the last 8 weeks of the competition. The largest crowd of the year at Dairy Farmers Park witnessed the arrival on the field of two champions for their respective clubs in Mark Armstrong and the Hawks Jay Kickett. Jay had announced his retirement the previous week while “Merv” was coaching his last game at DFP. Both Clubs acknowledged their champions before and after the game.
Two changes were forced on the Tigers named team. Youngster Andrew Swan was ruled out on the Friday evening and then the dynamic Bill Neely was forced from the warm up prior to the game with a leg injury. Beau Watts took his spot after a full game in the Reserves.
At one stage the Hawks held a commanding 5 goal lead well into the second quarter before two late goals pulled the difference back to 18 points at the main break. A seven goal third quarter gave the Tigers the ascendancy going in to the last quarter.
It certainly wasn’t plain sailing in the final stanza with the Hawks mounting a strong comeback to draw within 8 points before a brilliant goal by Tim Cook, a snap from a pack in front of goal by Paul Franchi and the sealer by best on ground Toby Conroy (51 possessions) gave the Tigers their entry into this years finals series.
The strong crowd in attendance then gave their respective champions (Merv and Jay) a well deserved send off after wonderful careers at their clubs. There was no room to move in the Tigers dressing sheds as the song was sung loud and clear in an atmosphere not seen for many an after match victory. The only sour point to come from the match being an end of season injury to Paul Slater (broken jaw). His ability to manoeuvre through impossible situations will be sorely missed during the finals. We wish him all the very best and a speedy recovery.
QUEANBEYAN 2 3 5 5 12 8 17 10 (112) TUGGERANONG HAWKS 4 3 8 5 9 9 12 16 (88)QUEANBEYAN Goal Kickers: M. ARMSTRONG 6, P. Franchi 3, J. KAVANAGH 2, J. LONGMORE 2, M. LIDDLE , T. Conroy , P. BRIEDIS , T. COOK Best Players: T. Conroy, R. QUADE, T. DICKINSON, T. HOLLIS, K. Thompson, M. ARMSTRONG TUGGERANONG HAWKS Goal Kickers: A. POCOCK 3, D. JOHNSON 2, J. RICE 2, N. IRVINE , D. SMITH , J. KICKETT , A. LAWDER , L. GREENWELL Best Players: Z. CHAPMAN, B. Cleaver, P. ASHCROFT, P. LOVETT, D. NOLEN, J. KICKETT
Reserve Grade.
It was pointed out that the title of minor premiers claimed by the reserve grade last week was a bit premature and that they had to win against the Hawks to confirm the title. There was no need to worry as they demolished the Hawks by 74 points.
The arrival of Renee Ioppi onto the ground for his 200th Club game was a special moment as players from the Under 18 Grade and Reserve Grade gave him a guard of honour before bursting through a banner made by our loyal band of lady supporters. He was preceded by 100 Club Gamer Dane Miller.
The club welcomed back Daniel Jabornik after his sojourn in WA and he certainly didn’t let anyone down. His ability to take a grab and create play around the ground in his first game in six weeks was impressive.
There is no doubt the experience gained in the senior grade this year by Jackson Brooker, Sam Daniel, James Nancarrow and Beau Watts has benefited their playing abilities as they were all named amongst the best. Add the likes of Andrew Lieschke and veteran Fred Nortje and you have a formidable combination.
There were four players missing last week due to a wedding, one other suspended plus 200 1st Grade gamer Chris Davis out injured. They are all available this week which leaves Coach Adrian Pavese with a few headaches in selecting a team for the second semi final at Manuka Oval on Saturday.
QUEANBEYAN 7 2 10 7 12 11 16 14 (110) TUGGERANONG HAWKS 2 1 2 3 4 6 5 6 (36)QUEANBEYAN Goal Kickers: A. LIESCHKE 3, S. DANIEL 3, J. BROOKER 2, S. Kelly 2, J. Manie 2, F. Nortje , D. MILLER , B. WARD , R. IOPPI Best Players: A. LIESCHKE, J. BROOKER, S. DANIEL, M. Moss, J. Nancarrow, B. WATTS TUGGERANONG HAWKS Goal Kickers: M. MALONEY , S. TREVILLIAN , J. ROACHE , G. WANGANEEN , S. BURLEY
Under 18 Grade
The Tigers lost this match after the siren when a Hawks player was given a 50 metre penalty. This was the fifth 50 metre penalty awarded against the Tigers during the game resulting in goals. Add a couple of others through infringements and the result speaks for itself.
That’s not to say the same didn’t happen to the Hawks also, but when the result of a game hinges on penalties and not the ability of players to convert then we have a serious problem with our game.
This is either a very undisciplined team or over officious umpiring. But one thing for sure, the disappointment of losing a game after the siren has not been lost on the players or officials of the club.
Once again Jake Oram led by example with his tenacious attack on the footy a feature of his game. Terry Maher is slowly regaining form with a spirited performance last Saturday. Tim Coggan again showed he will be a player of the future for the Tigers along with many other youngsters of this team. They will meet Belconnen in the 1st Semi Final next Sunday at Manuka Oval at 9.30am.
QUEANBEYAN 3 2 6 3 7 6 10 7 (67) TUGGERANONG HAWKS 1 4 2 6 5 10 10 11 (71)QUEANBEYAN Goal Kickers: T. LEE 3, S. JENSEN 3, C. COBBY , D. SAINSBURY , B. HAGUE , S. WINMAR Best Players: J. ORAM, T. Coggan, J. Murphy, J. Bowyer, T. Maher, S. JENSEN TUGGERANONG HAWKS Goal Kickers: B. ANDREATTA 3, B. Shelton 3, J. CAMERON , F. Townsend , J. McGrath , P. CLARKE Best Players: B. Shelton, B. ANDREATTA, M. Graham, P. Webb, J. McGrath, J. Mckinlay
NEXT WEEK Saturday Reserve Grade Queanbeyan v Belconnen at 11.30am at Manuka Oval Sunday Under 18 Grade Queanbeyan v Belconnen at 9.30am at Manuka Oval 1st Grade Queanbeyan v Eastlake at 2.00pm at Manuka Oval
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