The Mayne Tigers last home game for Season 2023 against the Coorparoo Kings was a much anticipated match at the Den yesterday with this being the third time the two clubs faced off this year.
The Kings have once again been the dominant club leading the competition all year and yet to suffer a loss. The Tigers were under strength last time they played at Giffin Park but managed to push the Kings right to the final siren.
The Tigers welcomed back a few of their young stars yesterday and were hopeful that they may have the Kings measure this time.
The first term was as fast and furious as you might expect from two teams expected to play off in the Hart Sport Finals this year with both teams hitting the scoreboard well. The Kings struck first blood but the Tigers kicked off their campaign after a big mark from Josh Westerberg in the goal square who repeated the effort minutes later.
At the end of the term the Tigers and Kings were locked together at three goals apiece and the scene set for an exciting and close game.
The second term was more of the same with the Kings breaking out with two goals but once again the Tigers responded with another goal to Westerberg following another big mark. Ryan Doolan finished off some fast footy through the middle of the ground with an important goal however the Kings were able to kick one more and go to the main break a goal in front but the Tigers were up and about looking to continue the excitement.
The Tigers youngster Callum Ferguson had been terrific in defence matching up well with former Carlton player Jake Edwards to keep the home side in the game and set off plenty of strong attack. He was well supported by James Stolz who provides plenty of poise to the Tigers backline.
Tom Fry was once again in everything as he ducked and weaved his magic around the fray to be in the Tigers best. He was selected in the Queensland Under 17 team last week to play Victoria Country in Werribee this week and has done everything possible to show his talent at this level over two impressive seasons for the Tigers.
Jack Collings was as usual doing all he could in the midfield to give the Tigers some ascendency while veteran Sam Paterson was running like a youngster again. Unfortunately Paterson succumbed to injury just before half time and wasn’t able to continue.
Casey Barber was brave in his role as a defensive forward as always to also be in the Tigers best.
However, despite the very close and exciting first half, it wasn’t to continue with the Tigers losing three more players in the third term while the Kings were surging.
Zac Quin had been tearing up the game until getting caught in a close contest receiving a game ending knock. This was a major blow to the Tigers attack leaving them with no bench for the remainder of the game.
Coorparoo capitalised on this to the fullest extent with ruckman Dylan Reid playing like he was twenty years old again and AFL Star Matthew Suckling putting on a masterclass. A Suckling goal from outside the fifty after taking possession from the centre bounce summed up the second half for the Tigers as they fought on bravely until the end.
The Kings went on to a strong victory proving once again they will be hard to beat in the last game in September.
The Tigers will need to regroup next week taking on a resurgent Hinterland at Palmwoods to finish their season on the best note going into the finals.
Scores: Coorparoo 16.13.109 d Mayne 5.7.37 Goals: J Westerberg 3, Z Quin, R Doolan 1. Best: C Ferguson, J Collings, J Stolz, T Fry, Z Quin, C Barber.
