Tigers take Anzac Day honours over Hawks

The Tigers and the Sandgate Hawks renewed hostilities at Lemke Road yesterday for the first time since 2013 with the bayside club moving up to Division 1 after winning the Division 2 Premiership in 2024.

The Hawks hosted a wonderful day for the inaugural Anzac Day game which will now be played annually with the clubs taking it in turn annually. The weather finally cleared after a two day deluge with the Lemke Road deck definitely very wet but playable thanks to some great work from their dedicated ground staff.

There was much anticipation and promotion for this game which saw one of the biggest crowds at Lemke Road for many a year. The clubs are now playing for the Mayne Sandgate Anzac Day Perpetual Shield with the Best on Ground awarded the Paul Meakin John Stackpoole Medal.

The Tigers were first out of the blocks with a goal to Ryan Doolan opening his account for a very good day for the tall forward. The Hawks were quick to respond with a very quick entry capped off with a strong lead and goal to Mathew Bowart at the other end.

It was all Tigers however from then on for the quarter with Doolan getting on the end of some clean centre breaks thanks to the ruckwork of Jamie Ivers and the clean work of Casey Barber and Jack Collings at ground level.

Doolan finished the quarter with three goals which could have been five but for two uncharacteristic misses from set shots. He finished with six for the day which could have been double figures had he brought his kicking boots but it was a stellar display from the Tigers Captain in a very strong all round game.

Eddie Mallan also kicked three for the quarter playing up forward in a vintage performance. He was busy all day creating havoc for the Hawks defence setting up numerous other goals to be in the Tigers best.

The Tigers finished the quarter with a blistering start considering the conditions to take a six goal lead with small forward Alex Craigie kicking the seventh goal.

The Tigers continued to apply the pressure in the second quarter sharing the goals around while the midfield gave plenty of first use. Jack Collings was in his element in and under releasing Louis Quin and Casey Barber to go to work. All three applied immense tackling pressure on the Hawks to create turnovers in a dominant performance.

The Tigers backline was impenetrable with James Stolz leading the men’s department with his usual composure and clean skills on show despite the conditions while Hayden Fry and Kyle Henry spoiled and scrapped to give the Hawks few opportunities.

Zac McLean was once again dangerous up forward as he accumulated possessions, kicked five goals, directed traffic and set up numerous opportunities in his usual composed way.

It was in the end surprising that the scores ended so far apart as the Hawks had worked extremely hard all day in what was an entertaining game. The Hawks will be much better for this first experience and be sure to bounce back from here.

Jack Collings was awarded the inaugural Paul Meakin John Stackpoole Medal in a very strong display.

The Tigers will play their first home game for the season next week again the Caloundra Panthers.

Scores: Mayne 20.17.137 d Sandgate 2.7.19

Goals: Ryan Doolan 6, Z McLean 5, E Mallan 3, Z Puncken 2, X Craven, B Wilkinson, N Galvin, A Craigie 1.

Best: J Collings, L Quin, Z McLean, R Doolan, E Mallan, C Barber.