Julian Pitts
Finals are almost upon us and in fact for our senior men and colts teams this Saturday’s clash with Wilston Grange starts their finals campaigns early.
With the colts needing two from two to progress and the seniors just one win, the last home game at Rococo oval for 2022 is just mouthwatering.
Earlier in the year, the Rococo Noosa seniors played out a classic and brutal Good Friday clash against the Gorillas, getting over the line in a thriller.
Grange come off a thumping win over Surfer’s Paradise while the Tigers had a bye due to having a game in lieu.
It really is an elimination final come three weeks early.
The Noosa outfit under the tutelage of experienced coach Chris Rourke has been in really solid form over the past month leading into this clash. Thumping wins over Surfers and Mt Gravatt, a classical tie against old girl Maroochydore and a one goal loss to Palmy on the Gold Coast certainly have the Tigers primed and ready to go venturing into August and September.
Focal point forward Aaron Wilson has been in wonderful form converting opportunities on the back of a great work rate and the dominance of his onballers further up the field.
Connor McDonald has had a superb season, let alone last month, as the running ruckman/ruck rover, continues to find the footy and send the ball forward.
Skipper Aaron Laskey has once again been a model of consistency constantly racking up big possession games and showing a physical presence that only he can do. Tommy Templeton has been a bull in the middle of the ground all year and I’m sure the Tigers will be looking for a big month ahead from the ex-VFL player.
Then there’s a class brigade who, on their day, take the game away from opposition. Fitzpatrick, Baulch, Stack and Johnson can rip sides apart with their skill and cleverness especially forward of centre. Josh Wallis has been a star for the Tigers and, while skilful, adds grunt to an already imposing forward line. Will O’Dwyer is another in terrific form leading into such a big clash.
Lachy Flagg has been just superb all year in the last line of defence and has been well supported by Ben Guthrie and I’m sure the multi-talented Tiley Buntain when it may be his turn to help out.
Just a cracking game of QAFL footy coming up at Weyba Rd, a big president’s lunch and mega auction day (so many great auction items, see Noosa tigers Facebook for details) with it also being past players’ day over at the BOQ superbox from 1pm. What a day coming up.
We host junior finals on Sunday which should be a great day also do all the best to all those who represent the Noosa Tigers this weekend.
See you at the footy.
Go Tigers
