The disappointment of losing the 1st Grade Men’s Elimination Final becomes even more real at training the following Tuesday evening when those
who are normally around the scene are not in attendance.
However, the fact that there were many smiley faces still around knowing that both the Men’s Reserve Grade and Under 18 Rising Stars teams had progressed straight through to their respective Grand Finals along with the 1st Grade Tigerettes into this Sundays Preliminary Final go somewhat to relieving that disappointment.
The prediction of heavy rain over the weekend failed to show, with two ideal winter footy days for the first weekend of AFL Canberra Finals.
The atmosphere at Allinsure Park on Sunday was fantastic with a strong crowd in attendance from both clubs. Volunteers worked tirelessly during the week and on game day to make sure the ground and surrounds where ideal for the 1st Semi Final Day with the Growlers Deck and Canteen busy for the entire day. Thank you to all those who assisted throughout.
Match Day Results
Tigerettes Reserve Grade
The Tigerettes commenced the weekend with a dramatic one-point victory over the ADFA RAMS at RMC Oval on Saturday. Having a commanding 15-
point lead at ¾ time, the Tigerettes lost their way in the final quarter failing to score allowing the RAMS to close the gap to just one point by games end. With one round remaining before finals they are guaranteed fourth spot in what has been an enormously successful year for a first-year team.
Their final home game of the season will be against the strong Riverina team to be played at Rockley Oval on Saturday at 10am. Riverina have lost only one game for the year although the Tigerettes pushed them in their last encounter in Wagga.
5.5-35
5.6-36
ADFA Rams
Queanbeyan Tigers
Goal Kickers: J. Shea 2, M. Margosis 2, S. Arcus Best Players: M. Hurley, L. Flakelar, H. Rauter, A. Unwin, M. Galloway, M. Margosis
Under 18 Rising Stars
At Ainslie’s Alan Ray Oval on Saturday, the Tigers Under 18 Grade Rising Stars team commenced the day with a strong victory over Eastlake to move
directly into the Grand Final. In perfect conditions, this talented combination overran their opponents in a dominant last half of footy to win by approx. 10 goals. Their opponent will be the winner of this Sundays clash between Ainslie an Eastlake., the Grand Final to be played on Sunday 9 September.
Semi Final (1 V 2)
12.8-80
2.9-21
Queanbeyan
Goal Kickers: W. Taylor 3, H. Hunter 2, J. Fahey 2, J. Gilbert 2, L. Squire, N. Wright, K. Dawson Best Players: S. Frost, L. Squire, H. Straker, A. Bowyer, K. Dawson, J. Gilbert
Eastlake
Goal Kickers: L. Junk-Gibson, L. Hehir
Men’s Reserve Grade
The Men’s Reserve Grade where fantastic against Minor Premiers Ainslie.
From the outset the Tigers pressured their opponents throughout the game to record a wonderful victory over the home-based club. This was a
dominant team performance, especially after losing two quality players to injury prior to half time. With several players eligible from the 1st Grade team (after their elimination) and a few who didn’t play due to injury etc, the selection panel now have an abundance of players to select from for the Grand Final which will be against the winner of this Sundays 2nd Semi Final between Ainslie and Eastlake.
Semi Final (1 V 2)
5.9-39
9.10-64
Ainslie
Goal Kickers: M. Thompson 2, H. Richardson, A. Thompson, J. Fleming Best Players: H. Richardson, T. Roughton, W. Spencer, H. Muir, D. Tow, M. Ward
Queanbeyan
Goal Kickers: B. Reid 3, V. Winnel 3, N. Irwin, S. Wilkinson, S. Lancaster Best Players: P. Slater, J. Carroll-Tape, B. Reid, V. Winnel, H. McKenzie, J. Tegart
Tigerettes 1st Grade
The Tigerettes won a tough encounter against Ainslie in their 1st Semi Final clash at Allinsure Park, the game being played after the Men’s 1st Grade
game in front of an encouraging and vocal crowd. Unfortunately, serious injuries to two Ainslie players dampened what was an entertaining match.
The club conveyed its thoughts to both players and hope for a speedy recovery.
The Tigerettes now face Minor Premiers Belconnen Magpies in the Preliminary Final on Sunday at Manuka Oval, the game commencing at 4pm. The Magpies who were undefeated until the last two rounds have now lost three games on the trot and face the Tigers who defeated them in the last home and away match by 12 points.
Semi Final (3 V 4)
6.8-44
2.1-13
Queanbeyan
Goal Kickers: L. Watson 2, T. Evans 2, M. Godfrey, A. Tupper Best Players: S. Close, J. Stramandinoli, C. Res, C. Taylor, T. Evans, L. Watson
Ainslie
Goal Kickers: D. Peel, R. Friend
Men’s 1st Grade
What a game for AFL Canberra. Everyone who witnessed this match would have been impressed with the endeavor of both teams. Except for a brief
time in the second quarter during which the Tigers had a chance to take a commanding lead, the game was basically goal for goal particularly in the last half.
Eastlake took the lead during the last five minutes of play and withheld a barrage of attacking moves from the home team which saw a “poster” and a missed opportunity in the final minutes of play.
It was certainly an atmosphere of opposites as the final siren blew with the Demons hanging on to a 4-point margin. A broken wrist to key defender Alec McCormick prior to half time was costly as the Demons forwards took advantage.
The Tiger players were devastated at the loss and although a rebuild is necessary for season 2019, the hurt from what was deemed a possible premiership in the taking is now left to support the other grades. No doubt a review will be taken to ascertain the way forward after once again finishing in fourth position.
Semi Final (3 V 4)
11.11-77
12.9-81
Queanbeyan
Goal Kickers: B. Fruend 3, K. Evans 2, A. Page 2, M. Lawrence 2, M. Grocott, R. Pollock Best Players: A. Page, K. Evans, M. Gorman, J. Kirkwood, R. Pollock, T. Collins
Eastlake
Goal Kickers: S. Burge 3, D. Roberts 2, L. Flaherty 2, J. Henderson, S. De Sousa, R. McMahon, J. Hancock, S. Darcy Best Players: R. McMahon, S. Burge, J. Henderson, S. De Sousa, M. Frail, J. Mesman


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