Tigers big winners over the Blues

The Tigers hosted the Hinterland Blues at the Den yesterday in another much anticipated contest in the QFA Division 1 competition. The Blues have been on a big winning streak most recently adding the UQ Red Lions to their list to elevate them to second place on the ladder.

There was plenty of preparation this week in the Tiger’s camp with a star studded Blues outfit likely to bring the heat.

The Blues were out of the gates quickly with the first goal and looked all the team that their recent form had suggested. The Tigers needed to settle into their game quickly or they might have been in trouble. The next ten minutes saw the two clubs go back and forth until the Tigers got into their rhythm beginning with a goal from the ever reliable Zac McLean.

The Tigers broke away to a twenty point buffer by the end of the term with Ryan Doolan kicking three goals on the end of some very quick entries from a lively midfield with Louis Quin showing the way.

The Blues Captain and reigning League Medallist Tom Wischnat was looking dangerous as he kicked the last goal of the term.

The Tigers rested ruckman Jamie Ivers so it was a big game for Tex Korewha against the Blues experienced big man Jacob Simpson with support from Zac McLean who always enjoys the challenge. Tex stepped up to the plate to not only be a formidable opponent in the ruck but around the ground as he roved his own contest on numerous occasions to show his mobility and skill. The Tigers small men went to work on his efforts with Beau Harris, Zac Puncken and Casey Barber dangerous all day while Duncan McCabe continued his dynamic form.

The Tigers second term was all about the pace of the game around the ground and the ability to make quick entries into a hard working forward line sharing the footy around. Zac Quin got into the action as the perfect foil for Ryan Doolan as they accumulated goals working perfectly in sync together. Goals to Puncken and McCabe from the middle showed their polish.

The Tigers kicked seven goals to two for the term to go to the main break with an eight goal lead.

The Blues had plenty to do and welcomed the break to plan their response. They rallied well in the third term dominating field position but failed to take advantage kicking just two goals but a disappointing eight behinds. Tom Wischnat was giving the Tigers plenty of trouble as he always does but the necessary results weren't coming.

The Tigers backline was under the pump but as they have done all year, they stuck together to weather the storm and give the team a platform to work on. Kyle Henry worked hard on Wischnat while James Stolz, Hayden Rainbow and Mitch Bruce were very composed.

The Blues had thrown everything at the Tigers with little result. The last term was one way traffic with the Tigers piling on nine goals to win well with Ryan Doolan kicking ten and Zac Quin five.

The Tigers travel to Caloundra next week for another visit to the Sunshine Coast with just six rounds to go.

Scores: Mayne 24.12.156 d Hinterland 7.13.55

Goals:  Ryan Doolan 10, Zac Quin 5, Zac McLean 3, Eddie Mallan, Jack Coghlan, Zac Puncken, Nick Galvin, Duncan McCabe, Cody Caught 1.

Best:  Ryan Doolan, Tex Korewha, Zac McLean, Louis Quin, Duncan McCabe.