Tigers and Pumas primed for 2025

The Mayne Football had their first hit out of the 2025 season against the Springwood Pumas at Lowe Oval Springwood yesterday in blistering conditions with humidity at the highest setting, it was brutal.

However, despite the conditions both sides went at full pace for six quarters with the Pumas playing their senior teams at three quarters each and the Tigers four and two with the reserves the latter.

The Tigers were able to let a lot of their young brigade loose giving them an opportunity to test themselves against a good quality side and there was plenty to like about the way they went.

The Tigers top echelon that played yesterday got plenty of the footy and will be satisfied with their efforts with Zac Quin having a day in the midfield reminding everyone that he is in essence a player who finds the footy and makes something of it almost all the time. He dodged and weaved all day and looked good to go for another big season.

Zac McLean took off where he left things in the Grand Final using his clean hands and accurate kick to perfection kicking a couple of goals while the Ryan Doolan looks bigger, stronger and very ready to lead the Tigers in 2025.

The coaching staff were very pleased to see one particular passage of play where Quin and Doolan combined to set up McLean for a major in what is hoped to be something we can all enjoy watching this year.

In a remarkable effort, Ben Wilkinson led the rucking division yesterday in a courageous endeavour which included him getting plenty of the ball. After missing the last part of 2024 due to a foreign student exchange, he is excited to do anything he can to contribute to the year and looks fit and ready to go for whatever role is thrown at him.

In similar fashion, Louis Quin also missed the second half of 2024 and he is pulling out all stops to be a leader in 2025 and show his absolute credentials. After winning the 2km time trial in his return to training he is also primed to do his best. He made sure he got plenty of the footy yesterday and will be very useful in a number of roles as the season goes on.

One of the Tigers hardest workers is Casey Barber and he showed all his attributes yesterday with a bustling effort in and around the contests to be a big contributor to the team’s results while the fast running Jack Coghlan was elusive and creative as usual showing he will continue to be one of the Tigers prime movers in 2025 once again.

One of the youngest to get his chance yesterday was former Everton Wolf Alex Craigie and he didn't waste his opportunity cracking into the forward line to finish off with two goals to complete a very impressive effort in the faster company. A Reserve Grade Premiership player in his first season last year, he looks set for a big future at the Tigers for years to come.

The Pumas looked sharp as usual around the stoppages with former Mayne boy Jake Warren as dangerous as always while Jai Kennealy is back after a season ending 2024 injury and looks as good as ever. Kenealy was efficient around the rucks and as usual accurate in front of the sticks. Brandon Stewart got plenty of the ball for the Pumas and will be important for them this year once again.

The Pumas pulled out to a three goal lead in the second term but the Tigers were able to bring that back to even at the final break before the Pumas finally kicked away in the last of the six terms to win by two goals in a good quality game despite the oppressive conditions.

The Tigers welcomed some new talent in Hayden Rainbow from Wilston Grange who was strong in the backline while Julian Dargie from UQ looks quick adding plenty of pace to the Tigers arsenal.

Danny Athanasellis was strong around the stoppages and used his pace to effect once clear to be a good contributor yesterday as he looks to find a permanent spot in the senior team.

Full credit to the Springwood Football Club, the ground was in tremendous condition and with their new scoreboard and lights, they are in good shape for 2025.

The Tigers will play Kedron next week at the Den in the Seniors and Reserves in their first proper format of games for the season. The Tigers haven't played the Lions since 2024 so everyone will be interested to see how the two clubs match up. The Reserves will be at 11.00am and the Seniors at 1.00pm.

Round 1 for the Hart Sport QFA Division 1 season will commence on Saturday 12th April 2025 against the Hinterland Blues at Hinterland followed by the Round 2 Anzac Day Clash with the Sandgate Hawks on Saturday 26th April 2025. Easter will be a bye for all clubs.