
NEAFL
Although season 2012 is still young, the Tigers NEAFL combination has been impressive in the opening four rounds of the Eastern Conference with three wins (plus a bye) under their belt to be on top of the competition ladder.
They dominated proceedings in the third quarter last Sunday to post 9 goals against Eastlake at Dairy Farmers Park in front of a healthy crowd at the Tigers home ground.
James Kavanagh was one of the “twin towers” in the Tigers forward line for many years alongside Mark Armstrong (until “Merv” retired). He now has another partner in crime up forward in Ben Klemke. “Big Bens” five goals were rippers in a dominated centre half forward position.
Around the forward line Brett Fruend and Daniel Campbell posted 6 between them.
The Tigers on-ball division has come of age. Kaine Stevens, Will Griggs and Steve Jolliffe have stepped up another level over the off season. They along with Toby Conroy are benefiting from a rejuvenated Neil Irwin in the ruck who is enjoying a move away from the backline.
Down back, another youngster Andrew Swan is playing a reliable hand since missing most of last season. He is combining well with veteran Roy Jaques and the ever persistent Josh Bryce.
There is certainly an air of excitement in the Tigers Camp at the moment but the Eastern Conference of the NEAFL is going to provide many upsets throughout the year.
Last Sunday was just one of those after Eastlake went into the match favourites after dominating proceedings against the Tigers in games last year.
The Tigers travel to Sydney on Friday for their match against the GWS Giants at Blacktown Stadium on Saturday at 1.45pm.
Queanbeyan 6 5 41 8 5 53 17 6 108 19 7 (121) Eastlake 2 1 7 7 3 45 10 5 65 13 7 (85)Queanbeyan Goal Kickers: B. Klemke 5, B. Fruend 3, D. Campbell 3, J. KAVANAGH 2, S. Jensen , S. Daniel , K. Stevens , J. ATKINSON , S. Jolliffe , R. Quade Best Players: T. Conroy, J. Bryce, K. Stevens, N. Irwin, W. Griggs, B. Klemke Eastlake Goal Kickers: H. Armstrong 4, M. Trew , D. Ryall , T. AYTON , S. Mardling , A. Wiles , S. SMITH , A. BRUCE , M. FRAIL , r. stoyanoff Best Players: M. FRAIL, S. SMITH, N. Perry, D. Coward, H. Armstrong, T. AYTON

AFL Canberra Division 1
The reigning premiers are struggling at the moment with a 2 win, 2 loss ratio after 4 rounds.
The Tigers have lost a number of last year’s premiership team. That along with long term injuries to quite a number of quality players this year has forced the team to use approx 38 players already in 2012.
The home team remained in the match for the majority of the game against a quality Eastlake combination with a couple of goals in the final minutes of the match blowing the score line out a 22 point margin.
Sean Kelly provided plenty of drive around the ground. His return to the Club after a year off last season has certainly been welcomed. Ben Walsh once again gave his on ball division every opportunity at the centre bounces.
He along with Ben Jabornik have taken on an enormous task against much taller opposition in all there games this year but both have been exemplary in the efforts each game.
Chris Haddock showed all the experience of his 150 plus games for the Club but unfortunately a move to the Gold Coast has seen the end of his playing days at the club for 2012.
Work commitments have restricted duel Mulrooney Medallist Mitch Daniher from playing NEAFL so far this season but based on form his inclusion in the top grade is not too far away.
The Tigers play the undefeated Belconnen again this week. The game is on Sunday at Jamison Oval at 11.30am
QUEANBEYAN 2 4 16 2 8 20 4 15 39 7 17 (59) EASTLAKE 2 2 14 5 8 38 7 12 54 11 15 (81)QUEANBEYAN Goal Kickers: B. WATTS , S. Kelly , C. Grintell , R. Price , M. Liddle , D. CORCORAN , D. CUMMINS Best Players: S. Kelly, B. JABORNIK, D. CUMMINS, B. Walsh, M. Daniher, C. Haddock EASTLAKE Goal Kickers: S. Gumley 4, C. O”Rourke 2, J. Reid , B. Gaynor , D. O”Rourke , C. McGuirk , C. Sandison Best Players: X. McMahon, M. Laing, S. Boden, B. Gaynor, S. Gumley, T. Gray

Under 18 Grade – Rising Stars
The Tigers Under 18 Grade continued their outstanding form this season with a 13 point win over a competitive Eastlake combination. It was a great game to witness and full credit to both teams for the exhibition displayed throughout the match.
Alec McCormick played his best game in the black and gold with a dominant defensive role. Cody Haub continues to impressive with his long range goals a feature.
The every improving Sam Bowden and Jono Bowyer provide heaps of options coming out of the backline. Although injured Mitch Price played a tremendous game to shut down his opponent.
The unfortunate and serious injury to PJ Maher was the only dampener on an impressive team performance.
The Tigers take on Ainslie this week at Ainslie Oval on Sunday at 9.30am
Queanbeyan 2 2 14 3 4 22 5 7 37 9 11 (65) Eastlake 2 2 14 2 6 18 3 9 27 7 10 (52)Queanbeyan Goal Kickers: C. Haub 4, G. LENNON , A. Lee , M. LAWRENCE , E. Callendar , T. YEATES Best Players: A. McCORMICK, S. Bowden, C. Haub, J. Bowyer, S. CAMP, M. Price

Ladies – Tigerettes
The Tigerettes have started their season with a home loss to the Gungahlin Jets with a slow start costing the team any chance of an upset win. The Tigerettes left their game in the sheds as they allowed the Jets easy clearances and did not compete well enough in marking contests to go down two goals in the blink of an eye.
The Tigerettes only chance in the quarter came after good lead up work from Dougie led to a shot on goal to Roni that just missed the target. Another uncontested mark to the Jets led to a three goal deficit at the first break.
The second quarter was a big improvement as the Tigerettes lifted their work rate, highlighted by efforts like Maddi who tackled two opponents in a row to earn a free kick. While the work rate was better the team struggled when in possession and trailed by 28 points at half time.
The third term was the Tigerettes best responding to the request at half time to not be so ‘nice’ around the contests. Em was doing a fine job in the back line, the midfield lifted and the Tigerettes managed to win the quarter with a good goal from Roni after a couple of chances.
In the last quarter both teams stopped to a walk as the warm conditions started to hurt with several players from both teams cramping up. The only goal came from a questionable 50m penalty as the Tigerettes kept working right until the final siren.
While beaten by 33 points in the end there were a lot of positives for the Tigerettes from their opening game. New players Kodie (in the ruck), Liv (on the wing) and Irish (across half back) all showed encouraging signs with Liv in particular amongst the teams best players.
The midfield of Tegan, Han and Hurls were also fantastic, especially after quarter time as was the entire defence – Kritta and Splinta across half back flank and Amz and Shorty closer to goal.
QUEANBEYAN 0.1 0.1 1.1 1.1 (7) GUNGAHLIN 3.1 4.5 4.8 5.10 (40) Goals: Roni Jordan Best: Emily Lewis, Tegan Tisma, Melissa Hurley, Olivia Dawson, Hannah Dunn, Kristen Turner The Tigerettes will face a big test in Round 2 taking on the reigning premiers Eastlake at Footy Park, Phillip at 10am next Saturday 21 April.


Comments