After a critical win last week, the Tigers were forced to make five changes for their clash with ladder leaders Coorparoo due to injuries and absences.
The Tigers are desperate to field their best twenty two which it is hoped will start to happen in the second half of the year however they were still able to field a very capable albeit young team yesterday due to the depth of the squad.
The Kings were able to boast the signing of former Hawthorn superboot Matt Suckling as a big inclusion to their lineup. It is terrific for the competition to see players of this calibre joining to add another level of excitement. While he was a bit underdone for his first game, his level of skill and presence certainly gave the Kings some additional confidence and firepower which will only increase as the season progresses.
The Kings were quick to jump out of the blocks with a four goal first quarter taking advantage of a strong breeze without the Tigers being able to return fire. The Tigers backline was under all sorts of pressure with the Kings launching numerous raids off their half backline to maximum advantage.
While the Tigers defence was under constant attack, they did an extraordinary job all day to contain the Kings to a respectable score. Dean Hartley was outstanding with his marking and spoiling a particular feature while Mitch Bruce and James Stolz were equally composed and efficient in repelling the Kings efforts.
The Tigers stemmed the bleeding before the end of the first term to reset the game and set up to kick with the wind in the second term. While they weren’t able to take full advantage they did win the second term with teenager Ryan Doolan taking some strong marks and kicking two much needed goals.
The third term was a battle between both defences with some tremendous repelling and attack and the game moving at exciting pace. The Kings won the quarter by a goal but it was a very even affair as neither side could really break loose.
The Tigers were doing very well in the middle thanks once again to Daniel Schmidt with his tireless efforts in the ruck and the fleet feet of Zac Quin kicking them forward. Sam Paterson put in a vintage effort in the midfield while teenager Hayden Fry did very well in providing respite for Schmidt when required.
The Kings speedster Shayle Korander was once again a problem for the Tigers as he used his running skill to maximum advantage and may have been the difference between the two sides at times.
In the end the Kings ran out worthy winners but the Tigers can be well pleased with the efforts of its young brigade who will all benefit from the experience.
The Tigers meet the other pace setters of the competition in Caloundra next week at Kawana.
Scores: Coorparoo 9.14.68 d Mayne 4.5.29 Goals: R Doolan 3, C Caught 1. Best: Z Quin, D Schmidt, J Stolz, R Doolan, D Hartley, M Bruce
