Tigers reek revenge on Panthers

The Tigers travelled to Caloundra to take on the Panthers for their third encounter this season and the second time in a few weeks at Carter Park.

The last time the two sides met the Panthers lowered the Tigers colours in a significant way and but for some wayward kicking it could have been much worse. Needless to say the Tigers were keen for the rematch and they had made plenty of preparation for the game.

The Panthers were without a few of their regulars including Brad Kimberley, Jordan Williams and Jordan Collucio and were taking the view that there was little riding on the game but the Tigers took a different view with momentum coming into the finals as important as ever.

The Tigers had an almost full list and were looking to get into a rhythm with just one more game after this one especially with Caloundra in third place and the UQ Red Lions in second place and the last game.

It was a hard fought start with both sides chasing and tackling with plenty of vigour as they shaped up for a long day. It was almost ten minutes into the quarter before the Tigers kicked the first goal with Zac McLean kicking truly which was followed up from the next centre ball up with Zach Quin blasting out of the centre to kick a long range major in an exciting play

The Panthers were able to hit back with a very soft free kick to Max Jacobson from a throw in within kicking distance. Jacobson kicked the goal to get the Panthers day underway which their pocket rocket Dane Stewart followed up in quick time.

The Tigers finished the quarter with a two goal lead after a high scoring term. Quin had kicked another while McLean kicked his second as well and the third part of the holy trinity in Ryan Doolan got into the action as well.

It was a big start to the game and while there may not have been a lot to play for, both sides were definitely not going to give any quarter with emotions starting to brim.

It was another big contest between the big men with the Jamie Ivers taking on William Pleming and Max Jacobson at different times as the Tigers midfield engine got into action. Ivers was mobile and effective around the ground as well to be very influential for the Tigers.

Beau Harris was up and about again on his way to this third BOG in three weeks while Jasper Craven was dangerous all day. The Tigers veteran Jack Collings shows no sign of slowing up as he executed his usual inside work to perfection.

The Tigers increased their lead to the main break with another five goal term as their forwards made the most of the strong work in the middle. Jack Coghlan is getting back into form on the wing after returning from a long injury break and looks cherry ripe for the important part of the season.

The Tigers stretched their lead to four goals at half time and had withstood some heavy checking with the Panthers looking to goad the Tigers off their focus.

Some push and shove finished the second term and it looked like the game might boilover after the main break, but the Tigers opened the game up in the third term with their running game taken to another level.

Hayden Fry was dynamic in the ruck and around the ground with his long kicking while the backline held strong under plenty of pressure. Kyle Henry had a win this time against his nemesis Zephyr Jenkins in another important tussle for the pair. Daniel Schmidt had his hands full giving away plenty of kilograms to Max Jacobson but held him to one goal in an important contest.

While the Tigers were stretching their lead the Panthers were still scoring to stay in touch, but the Tigers Nick Galvin and Ben Buhler stamped their presence on the game with two goals apiece.

The Tigers finished another even performance with a five goal final quarter with Zac McLean and Zach Quin completing a big day with five goals each.

The Tigers now turn their sights to the last game of the season against the UQ Red Lions who beat them at the Den a few weeks ago.

Scores: Mayne 19.18.132 d Caloundra 11.8.74

Goals:  Zac Quin, Zac McLean 5, Ryan Doolan, Jasper Craven, Nick Galvin, Ben Buhler 2, Louis Quin 1.

Best: Beau Harris, Zach Quin, Jasper Craven, Jack Collings, Zac McLean, Kyle Henry.