It was going to have to be a big turnaround for the Tigers to overcome a talent rich Coorparoo Kings team in the 2022 Hart Sport QFA Reserves Division 1 Grand Final after the results in the Qualifying Final. The Tigers were blown off the park in that game two weeks ago but the Kings couldn’t have expected the game they got yesterday at Leyshon Park.
While all the supporters were praying for rain all week, the Reserves group were quietly going about their business plotting revenge. A few important players returned to the group as a result of the seniors exit from the finals series aiding the preparation with a defeat of Caloundra in the Preliminary Final. The team that ran out for the big game came close to their usual lineup and it was game on for the Tigers.
Unfortunately , multiple Best and Fairest winner Danny Evans didn’t come up for the big game due to a serious injury in the Semi Final but the coaching staff were still pleased with their team and had a good plan for the star studded Kings.
The heavens opened up on Friday night and continued to come down until just before the teams ran on to the field. The ground was however in terrific condition considering the amount of rain that had fallen.
It was evident from the first minute that the Tigers were there to play this time shocking the Kings with their tackling and attack on every contest.
The Kings had been allowed to spread the ball all season but the Tigers were having none of that as they dominated recurring stoppages where required to make the game an enthralling affair.
The Tigers dominated the first quarter keeping the ball in their half for most of the period but unfortunately couldn’t capitalise on their possession. The Tigers ended up one point in front at the first break aided by a flukey breeze as the Kings kicked a late goal to keep the game as close as possible. It was only one goal apiece with the Tigers Rob Leddy kicking a ripper on the run.
The backline were terrific from the outset with Tim Webb impenetrable in the last line holding the Kings spearhead Zac Rollason to just one goal for the day. Webb was able to take some telling big marks at critical times to underline his presence.
Tim Lyons was once again cool under pressure across half back to give the Tigers the rebound they needed to start new attacking drives while Jacob Scholl was composed and effective.
The Tigers midfield had a big job without Evans but the very young group put in an amazing performance with Gus Shaw once again doing a mountain of work in the ruck while youngsters Hayden Petersen and Tom Eccleston were incredibly brave.
The Kings adjusted their game in the second term realising they didn’t just have to turn up to accept their trophy and went on to kick three goals while the Tigers celebrated a miraculous goal to Haydn Petersen from the pocket in front of the Tiger faithful leaving the Tigers within ten points at the main break.
The Tigers came out after the main break full of fire to make sure they were not going to go down without a big fight. It was a great term for the Tigers as they fought hard for every ball once again leading to a tight finish with Chas Van Leeuwin kicking a great running goal late to have them in striking distance and the Kings very worried.
A huge contingent of supporters embraced the boys at the last huddle willing them on for the last quarter of 2022. It must have worked as Tom Barr stormed out of the centre to drive the ball forward repeatedly before Joe McVeigh goaled to have the Tigers within five points and momentum in their favour.
However, it just wasn’t to be as the Kings fought back to kick the last two goals of the game and end the Tigers fairy tale hopes.
It was a fitting grand final and one that both teams can feel very proud of their efforts. The Tigers season was punctuated by endless change as can be the Reserve Grade lot with the injury toll across the senior squad once again considerable so to make the Grand Final again was a wonderful effort. The squad is very young and now has another significant bank of experience to draw on for the future.
Scores: Coorparoo 7.5.47 d Mayne 4.5.29 Goals: R Leddy, C Van Leeuwin, H Petersen, J McVeigh 1. Best: T Lyons, T Webb, C Van Leeuwin, T Barr, G Shaw, S Settle.
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