The Mayne Tigers kicked their 2022 campaign off with a resounding win over the reigning premiers Springwood at the Den with a seven goal buffer at the end of the day.
The Tigers welcomed nine debutants into the side for the opening game in a rare occasion with several key players unavailable due to Covid and injury.
Despite almost half the side being new to the group, they didn’t take long to get into stride to show the Tigers will be in the mix again this season.
It was once again the Zac Quin show as he had the ball on a string at times to easily be the best player on the ground. Quin came in for plenty of attention but there was no stopping him as he accumulated possessions at will to get the Tigers going all day.
Zac McLean was a shining light for the Tigers leading from the front as the Acting Captain as he also constructed a powerful game while Ryan Eyles was his rugged in and under performer.
The first quarter was a fast and tight affair with plenty of hard work being undertaken by both sides and with neither able to hold the footy in their forward line with defence a highlight of the term. The Tigers big men department was led by Daniel Schmidt around the ground with his marking as well as his groundwork a feature all day.
The Pumas were without some of their regular prime movers with Rhan Hooper making a rare appearance in the Reserves while Jordan Bain and Greg Friis were away on home duties but the Tigers were focused on the job at hand. The Tigers stepped up a gear in the second term as their small forwards got into the game with some strong defensive work to keep the ball locked in their half. Cody Caught and Casey Barber were working overtime while Josh Westerberg provided a tall target and a strong frame to create plenty of contests.
The Tigers men’s department for 2022 has been bolstered with the arrival of Jimmy Aganas and Seb Miletic who both provided strong spoiling as well as rebound and will be sure to provide a strong base for the team’s prospects.
The Tigers extended their lead through the second half and were never headed as they solidified their game plan to dominate the day.
Henry Leong provided a strong target up front over the course of the game to show the way for the Tigers as he continues to enjoy his return to the Den. Leong took several strong marks as well as breaking lines with his strong physique.
The Tigers small men enjoyed plenty of ball with speedster Jack Coghlan taking full advantage in his customary fashion.
The Tigers finished strongly to run out worthy winners and will look forward to another home game next week at the Den against the University of Queensland.
Scores: Mayne 12.14.86 d Springwood 6.6.42 Goals: J Gartlan 3, H Leong 2, Z Quin, J McVeigh, C Caught, Z McLean, S Miletic, T Fry, C Fletcher 1 Best: Z Quin, Z McLean, J Coghlan, D Schmidt, H Leong, R Eyles.
Comments