Whilst reading up on other club’s achievements during the week, something turned my attention to junior development and how important it is in the modern game with the introduction of points systems.
More do in Noosa where we have such a transient footy population. I then watched the Lions beat St Kilda on Friday night and couldn’t not mention the performance of Noosa Junior Jack Payne keeping Saints’ young gun forward King goalless. Just a great effort!
In the last decade the Noosa Tigers have produced Jono Freeman, Jack Payne and just last year applauded as Tiger premiership player Shadeau Brain was rookie-listed by the Lions also.
And that’s just the men.
Then there’s Maggie Harmer and Bella Smith who were drafted into the AFLW with the Lions with Bella still there and from all reports pushing hard to mark her senior debut in 2023.
Add to that are three Noosa girls all now plying their trade for Maroochydore in the Premier QAFLW competition.
Kaiya Hides, Lilly Baker and Poppy Tindal are all in terrific form at senior level with all three a big part of the Brisbane Lions academy. Lilly going even one step further by being named in the Queensland Under 18s squad for this year’s national carnival. Kaiya and Poppy also with one and two years respectively to go with regard to age group.
From all at the Noosa Tigers well done girls, remember where you come from because we do and are watching your progress closely.
Only our inclusion team and senior women’s teams taking the field this weekend both at Moorooka from 3pm and 4.45pm respectively. Our senior men’s teams have a bye which in all seriousness couldn’t have come quickly enough. I must say I did think our senior boys really fought it out against Grange last weekend which was pleasing.
Media Award Votes:
5. J.Fitzpatrick.
4. R.Buntain.
3. T.Buntain.
2. W.ODwyer.
1. C.Crisp
Remember to book your tickets to our next president’s luncheon featuring Wayne ‘the dominator’ Johnston and good mate Val Perovic. Tickets are selling fast.
No juniors due to school holidays this weekend so just kick back and enjoy this stunning Noosa winter weather.
Go Tigers.
