The Tigers travelled to Dauth Park to take on last year’s Grand Finalists the Beenleigh Buffaloes in another must win game which would determine a finals berth. Even though there were still five fixtures to go, the fourth and fifth positions were still in question for the Tigers with a tough run home.
It has also been a tough winter for the Tigers with injuries and absences of key players needing the playing group to step up to the challenge which was once again the case yesterday.
After a very solid match against the ladder leaders Coorparoo before the bye weekends, it was hoped that the Tigers might welcome some of their firepower back after a two week layoff. Multiple Club Champion Jack Collings was a very welcome addition to the list and he was able to hit his season form straight away guiding the Tigers with his usual strong leadership. A bit of tall timber in youngsters Kyle Henry and Hayden Fry back into the team also added some great flexibility when required with both able to switch into the ruck at times as well as take some impressive marks around the ground as required.
The Tigers otherwise had to rely on their youth brigade from the Reserves who all once again showed the future for the club is very bright with Nick Galvin in particular being very clever in the midfield with the same ball getting skills he has shown in the Two’s to earn his place.
The Tigers started well with two goals to Jamie Ivers in quick succession but the Buffaloes managed to stifle the visitors composure and in turn regroup to put on two goals of their own to square things up. The first term was a battle back and forward with both sides working extremely hard at both ends of the ground. The term ended with both sides three goals straight setting the game up for an exciting affair.
The Tigers once again came out firing with their ruckman dominating first use. Daniel Schmidt was tapping to precision allowing a fleet footed Zac Quin to exit the centre giving the Tigers an abundance of forward fifty possession. Quin was superb around the ground as he took the game on at every opportunity.
While the Tigers swamped their forward line with a lopsided dominance the Buffaloes stood very strong to clear and set up their own chances. It was however the Tigers backline that made the difference with James Stolz and Dean Hartley intercepting with precision to springboard into attack. Both Stolz and Hartley’s brave marking were a feature of the day.
The Tigers inched ahead for a two goal lead at the main break but looked like they should be able to capitalise on the mountain of possession they were accumulating. The third term did play to script with the Tigers extending their lead to four goals but it could have been much greater with three goals and an errant seven behinds recorded. Zac McLean and Jack Collings kicked two important goals to give the Tigers the spring in their step needed to have them in charge.
The last term was an even affair with the Tigers holding their lead and closing out the game with a very important win on the road.
The Buffaloes were gallant but missing their marquee player in Brodie Murdoch who is out for the season, they were just short of their usual talented lineup but so were the Tigers.
The Tigers now hold a two game lead over Beenleigh on the ladder and host Caloundra at home next week. They will be desperate to beat the Panthers who hold third spot.
Scores: Mayne 11.12.78 d Beenleigh 8.6.54 Goals: Z Quin, J Ivers, Z McLean 3, C Barber, J Collings 1. Best: J Stolz, N Galvin, J Ivers, D Hartley, Z Quin, J Collings.
