Tigers big winners over Pumas

There is always some trepidation for the Tigers when they travel to Lowe Oval to take on the Springwood Panthers who have created a fortress at the Logan venue and so it was yesterday.

However, the Tigers had a plan and they came to play with plenty of determination that they would have the answers for the Pumas who were without their goal kicking star Jai Keneally and long time midfield champion Rowan Page.

The Tigers pounced immediately in the first term with a six goal blitz with all their forward weapons in Zac McLean, Ryan Doolan and Eddie Mallan getting into the action with a steady supply of ball out of the middle.

The Tigers midfield was running hot with Jamie Ivers getting up high while Beau Harris was impossible to touch for the Pumas as he weaved his magic in and around the traffic.

The Tigers went to the first break with their six goals in the bank but the Pumas were stunned to be goalless at this point.

The Tigers defence had stood strong with Noah Breen cutting off numerous attempts by the Pumas to breach their lines. They were working as a well drilled back six group with Hayden Fry leading the way while James Stolz was rebounding at every chance to send the Tigers back into attack.

It was a very windy day with a strong south easter blowing which seemed to favour the northern end so it was expected that the Pumas would come out with all guns blazing and so it was as they regained their composure.

Brandon Stewart was used to great effect to kickstart the Pumas fightback as he kicked two long range goals with his booming left foot.

The Tigers were under attack but certainly not panicked as they kicked back with their own scoring as the game became a much more even affair. Zac McLean and Ryan Doolan were on the end of some great movement while Eddie Mallan was a wrecking ball through the packs.

The second term could be called a draw with both sides kicking four apiece as the game looked more like what might have been expected.

However, the Tigers came out after the oranges to kick seven unanswered goals to put the game beyond any doubt even though the rain came down hard at times. The midfield dominated attack with Jack Collings and Casey Barber in everything to give first use while the forward line feasted on the supply.

The final quarter was more of the same with Zac McLean finishing with seven goals in a vintage effort for this great Tiger while the young master in Ryan Doolan kicked four while being under plenty of duress as the target forward. Eddie Mallan ended with four but could have had double figures with the opportunities he created.

The Tigers ran out strong winners but the Pumas will fight back over the coming weeks to continue to be a force.

The Tigers play the UQ Red Lions next week who are all conquering at this stage in a top of the table battle. Get along to the Den for this one.

Scores: Mayne 23.16.154 d Springwood 5.5.35

Goals:  Z McLean 7, R Doolan, E Mallan 4, L Quin, N Galvin, D McCabe 2, X Craven, J Collings 1.

Best: Zac McLean, Eddie Mallan, Jack Collings, Noah Breen, Beau Harris, Hayden Fry.