By Julian Pitts
Footy is back and what a great day at Rococo Oval as the Noosa Tigers hosted 2020 QAFL premiers Morningside on Saturday in all four senior grades. Whilst the Brisbane heavyweights took the points right across the board, I’m certain the Tiger faithful were very enthused about what they saw on the weekend. The seniors led and controlled their match for well over 3 quarters only to fall away and get done by just over a kick in the end.
Ryley Buntain was a total standout for Noosa and when he went off late in the game the momentum of the match clearly changed. His poise in defence was a highlight in a very entertaining and high standard game of footy. Champion midfielder and Aspley listed player Jai Fitzpatrick showed once again that the jump in standard won’t bother him as he put on a skillful show. Ex-AFL player Brett Meredith was in everything in the opening half when the pace and intensity was at its highest. Tyler Stack and Maverick Pettigrove were racking up possessions and showing that they are ready to make an impact on the competition. New recruit Aaron Wilson looked a real handful up forward against the Morningside defence whilst on-baller Ben Fleming looks as if he’ll be a real bonus for Noosa in 2021. All up a great day at the footy and there is no better way to practice than playing matches!
Our Coolum Noosa Colts battled hard against a very well drilled Morningside Colts, whilst Geoff ‘Oggy’Ogden’s reserves were outstanding for the first half before being decimated by injury and senior selection. They will definitely benefit from the hit out. Our women’s team went down by 11 points in a very entertaining game under lights. Ursula Hughson and Ragen Mills were the standouts for the Tigers.
A big day Sunday for most of our junior grades who had grading carnivals at Maroochydore and Kawana with all grades equating themselves well. All our juniors have now started weekly training, with more grading fixtures for under 12s and above this weekend.
More footy this weekend with the senior group heading to Brisbane to face Sherwood in a 6-quarter practice game whilst our women have a home intra-club game on Saturday also. Meals are back in the clubhouse on this Thursday night, so get down and try them out!
Go Tigers!
