The Tigers had their first hit out for 2022 against the Wilston Grange Gorillas at Hickey Park yesterday in a game which showed there is still plenty of feeling between these two old foes.
The Gorillas seemed intent on intimidating the young Tigers but nobody took a backward step in four quarters of fast and physical footy.
While the Gorillas fielded some of their most fancied 2022 recruits in Matt Eagles and Matt Payne, the Tigers had some new talent of their own who weren't overawed by their experienced and more fancied rivals.
Hermit Park recruit Joe McVeigh showed he will add plenty of options for the Tigers up front with some high marking capability and plenty of mobility while Jimmy Aganas gave the Tigers defence some height and strength in a handy debut in the Black and Gold.
Acting Captain for the Tigers Zac Mclean started the game in explosive style with numerous possessions in the opening quarter to set the scene for the season ahead. McLean will be a critical player for the Tigers this year with his silky skills and ability to lead the onball brigade and regularly hit the scoreboard.
Young gun Louis Quin in his second year for the Tigers had an impressive game going into the middle to match it with Payne at times in a game which belied his youth.
Dan Schmidt made his much anticipated return after a horrible injury in 2021 cut his breakout season short where he was the best ruckman in the Hart Sport Cup and was selected in the South Queensland team. Schmidt held his own against some much bigger bodies including Matt Eagles in the ruck and took some important marks in defence to show he will once again be an important player for the Tigers this year.
Casey Barber continued on from where he left off in 2021 with a gritty display showing his increasing confidence, maturity and consistency.
The Tigers were impressed with fifteen year old Tom Fry who showed he will have plenty to offer in 2022 when given the opportunity to play in the ones. Fry and his older brother Hayden came across from Sandgate looking to play seniors for their father Shane’s old club. Hayden had an impressive game in the Reserves as well.
While the Tigers weren’t able to field their best side yesterday with several new recruits unavailable and some of their regulars holding off for a couple of weeks, the Coaching group were well pleased with the endeavour and skills shown against the higher graded opposition.
The Gorillas ran out worthy winners in the end but it was a very good opportunity for the Tigers to have a look at the new recruits.
The Tigers will play Wynnum next week in a game brimming with interest. The Vikings are stepping up from Division 2 so the Tigers are keen to see what the new club have to present. The Venue will be confirmed shortly with both clubs suffering to some extent from the recent floods.
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