The Tigers struck some winning form yesterday after a slow start to the 2023 Season to beat the Hinterland Blues at Palmwoods in a solid four quarter effort.
After losing the last two winnable games, the Tigers were desperate to redeem themselves in what shaped as another danger game against the Hinterland Blues, the 2022 Division 2 Premiers at their home ground. The Blues were also looking for a win after coming up against the Ladder front runners in Coorparoo and Caloundra in the opening two rounds. They had acquitted themselves well but couldn't quite get their season off and running either setting the scene for a captivating contest.
The Tigers had prepared well for the game setting up some key matchups, none more important than finding an answer for the Blues playmaker Jack Mahon who had been key to their drive over recent weeks. The Tigers gave the job to Tim Webb who frustrated his Blues man at every turn to see him way off his usual game.
The Tigers blasted off to a very strong start with a six goal opening quarter led by Captain Zac McLean who kicked the opening goal and went on to score five majors in a great leadership effort. Jack Collings continued his stellar start to the season with another comprehensive effort across four quarters as he tackled, roved, marked and kicked the Tigers forward at almost every contest he attended.
Coach Duffy was very pleased with the first term but implored his team to carry it on for the next three quarters. The Tigers responded with another six goal quarter to go into the half time break with a nine goal lead with the forward line firing on all fronts. Ryan Doolan went on his way to another bag of snags kicking four this week while Casey Barber chimed in with four of his own for the day in his best haul for the club. Barber’s efforts to play the scrapping defending forward saw him easily in the best players for the day as he helped to set up the win.
It was very pleasing to see Daniel Schmidt return for his first game of 2023 as he provided plenty of drive from the big man’s department along with Josh Westerberg who was very effective in the ruck with his tapwork as well as his strong efforts around the ground.
The return of Jack Coghlan also gave the Tigers some extra speed out of the middle as he capitalised on some effective organisation. Coghlan’s delivery into the forward line was a feature of the day. Louis Quin was also very strong in the middle doing a lot of the bullocking work around the stoppages to get the Tigers going.
The new look men’s department led by veteran Dean Hartley were very solid also benefitting from the return of the experienced Jeremy Duck who was poised and effective all day to contain the Hinterland forwards.
The Blues did their best after half time to come back but the Tigers were able to maintain the pressure to build on their margin over the half and record a much needed eleven goal win on the road.
The Tigers will host the Coorparoo Kings next week at the Den for the Annual Anzac Day Clash in a much anticipated contest. The Tigers have not been able to best the Kings over the last two years and will be desperate to take out the special game this year.
The best player will be awarded the Wayne Stewart Medal.
Scores: Mayne 20.15.135 d Hinterland 9.13.67 Goals: Z McLean 5, R Doolan, C Barber 4, J Collings, B Wilkinson, D Goodwin 2, T Webb 1. Best: J Collings, T Webb, C Barber, L Quin, Z McLean, J Duck.
