Solid contest with the Red Legs

The Tigers took on old rivals the Kedron Lions on Saturday in their first practice match of the season at EK Anderson Oval at Kedron.

The Tigers haven't played the Lions since 2014 when they were last in the same competition. The Lions are consistent finalists in the QFA Division 2 competition and continue to field a quality list each year.

The Tigers and the Lions share a long history of supporting each other at Junior level with many combined teams over the years enjoying plenty of success. The Kedron Footy Club were also critical to Mayne’s survival in the early 2000’s with the Tigers playing out of Kedron for several years which will never be forgotten.

It was very nice to go back to Kedron to be hosted for a practice match this weekend.

The Tigers went into the game with ten from their best 22 on ice including eight from their 2025 premiership team for the moment while the Kedron Lions also advised they were resting some of their prime movers as well.

However the purpose of the day was to test systems and get some contested ball practice and that is what played out.

The Lions started off with all guns blazing leaving the rusty Tigers to wake from their off season slumber. The ball was locked in the Lions half for the first ten minutes of the game before the Tigers could get some system to their game.

The Tigers backline had plenty to do with the ever reliable Kyle Henry leading the way while together with Noah Breen they got things organised to play an important role for the remainder of the game and keep the Lions under control. The inclusion of Jack Kernan from the Macedon Cats looks like a handy development as he showed plenty of courage all day including one impressive play pushing back with the flight of the ball to take a strong mark.

The Lions found it difficult to penetrate the Tigers defence as the game wore on as the men’s department’s confidence lifted.  The Tigers rock steady defence was missing James Stolz, Hayden Rainbow and Daniel Schmidt while Aidan Williams has returned to Bridgenorth in Launceston in one notable change.

The first term showed how important it was to have this hitout with the Tigers looking short of their customary cohesion.

The Tigers went into the game with fifty percent of their normal midfield but as usual the ever reliable Zac Quin and Jack Collings got the team moving. Both multiple Club Best and Fairest winners and they showed their class once again. The ruckwork was thrown to the high flying Hayden Fry sporting a new look and he shouldered the role for most of the day with Jamie Ivers to come into the side at the next game. The Tigers will also welcome back Beau Harris, Zac Puncken, Louis Quin and Duncan McCabe into the middle. The inclusion of Jasper Craven gave the Tigers plenty of run through the middle and he will surely make plenty of difference playing alongside his old mate Jack Coghlan who has lost none of his zip.

The ever reliable Zac McLean played his usual composed and clever game to finish with four goals and plenty of the ball as he led the forward line in style. He was well supported by Nick Galvin who is proving to be a very important goal sneak as he helped himself to three goals backing up his premiership performance in 2025.

Ryan Doolan gave all he could but probably should have had a rest given he was not well. He subbed out for the last quarter and will make the most of the next week off to be cherry ripe for the season opener.

It was an opportunity for some of the young guns to get some prime time. Alex Craigie made the most of his chances and continues to show he has what it takes for the future while new youngster Casey Burger played his first game in adult company and will be better for the run.

The Tigers will have next week off and follow it up with a six quarter Seniors/Reserves combination game against the Wynnum Vikings at Wynnum on Saturday 21st March commencing at 12.30pm.

Scores: Mayne 13.9.87 d Kedron 6.6.42

Goals:  Zac McLean 4, Harry McInnes 3, Nick Galvin 3, Zac Quin 2, Ryan Doolan 1.

Best: Zac Quin, Jack Collings, Noah Breen, Kyle Henry, Nick Galvin, Zac McLean.

There is still room for new players so if you are looking for a game in 2026, look no further than the Tigers in all grades.

For all enquiries regarding playing for the Tigers in 2026, please email to president@maynetigers.com.au

Contacts for Coaches are

Seniors—Jack Gartlan 0403 467 958

Reserves—Daniel Schmidt 0402 698 035

Thirds—Murray Laing 0468 623 650

Thirds—Jake Magill 0431 842 863

Womens—Tom Hughes 0414 960 783