It was always going to be a big effort for the Tigers to keep their 2023 finals dreams alive this week against the Caloundra Panthers in the elimination semi final at the Den after the horror run of injuries once again continued.
Club Captain Zac McLean was ruled out after a hamstring strain during the week while the hopes of big man Jamie Ivers making a miraculous recovery also faded. A very brave Zac Quin came back into the team earlier than expected but succumbed to further injury by half time after limited preparation. Young star Haydn Fry also played on one leg while the accumulated loss of ruckman Daniel Schmidt some weeks ago finally put paid to the Tigers otherwise good season with both the senior teams still making the finals.
The Panthers jumped off to a great start dominating field position to kick three goals while the Tigers were unable to hit the scoreboard for the term. The Tigers backline have been tremendous all season led by veteran Dean Hartley who was once again in sublime form. Hartley’s signature bravery backing back into packs is legendary at the Tigers and it was all on show again yesterday along with marking and marshalling the men’s department. In a poignant moment for the Tigers, Deano announced his retirement at the end of the game going out on a personal if not team high. The Tigers are unlikely to see the like of him again for many a year.
The Tigers sprung to life in the second term breaking onto the scoreboard with Ryan Doolan kicking two important goals to get the team going. The Tigers midfield were on top of the Panthers with Jack Collings in and under and Louis Quin and Jack Coghlan running out of the centre after getting their hands on plenty of it to drive the Tigers forward. The Tigers won the quarter to narrow the margin back to seven points and be right in the mix for an exciting second half to come.
The Tigers came out of the break minus Quin but up and about to give the game a good shake. It was a very exciting term with neither team taking the ascendency and the ball going from end to end. Unfortunately, while the Tigers hit the scoreboard more often, accuracy let them down as they kicked one goal and four behinds while the Panthers kicked two majors in an enthralling contested quarter.
The Panthers engine room led by Captain Jacob Watson and Luca Mason were everywhere while former Mayne Tiger, turned Caloundra businessman Kane Tyson, was very effective in the ruck.
The Tigers big men were doing their best with Josh Westerberg and Joe McVeigh strong around the ground with their marking and ruckwork.
Coach Josh Duffy implored his Tigers to give it their all at the final break as the season was absolutely on the line and that is exactly what the team did to the end.
The final quarter was another exciting term with both sides hitting the scoreboard regularly and repelling relentless attacks but in the end the Panthers first quarter start proved the difference as they prevailed with a deserved three goal win to advance to the preliminary final against the Springwood Pumas who went down to Coorparoo by six goals in yet another dominant performance by the minor premiers.
The Tigers will now look to support the Mayne Reserves who are still alive in the 2023 finals race next week.
Scores: Caloundra 10.11.71 d Mayne 7.10.52 Goals: R Doolan 3, J Collings, T Fry, L Quin, J McVeigh 1. Best: D Hartley, L Quin, J Collings, J Westerberg, R Doolan, J Coghlan.
