The Rococo’s Bar and Bistro Noosa Tigers have bounced back with a super impressive twenty-seven point win against Springwood in Brisbane last Saturday. It truly was a stirring victory by a team who lost five players to injury during the week and with an away record at Springwood certainly not in our favour.
The game opened in fierce physical fashion with both teams going head to head on the scoreboard right up until the main break with the home side with their noses only just in front. The third quarter was a beauty for the Tigers and in particular young ruckman/key forward Connor McDonald who just turned the game on its head. McDonald had his own footy, booting three majors for the term and setting up several others. His presence on the ground is enormous for the Noosa side whether it be at centre bounces or across centre half forward.
Power forward Liam Kenny also adding three second half goals to be influential on the result. Kenny finished with four goals in a terrific return to senior footy especially against tough opposition. Seasoned champion Nick Hill had heaps of important touches throughout the afternoon and as usual was again dangerous up forward kicking three. Hill is another whose physical presence around the contest is so important to the Tigers.
Footy manager Mitch Woods controlled his wing once again to be one of the Tigers best thus underlining just how consistent a footballer he has been over the past two and a half years. Team leader Harry Maher was super across half back in the absence of skipper Aaron Laskey with his cool demeanour and deft skill. His partner in crime Buntain again impressive with his attack out of defence and special mention also to young Isaac Mccrimmon who brilliantly shut down ex Brisbane lion and local sharpshooter Rhan Hooper.
In fact I’ve missed a really telling thing that was obvious to ex Tiger President and stalwart Benji Maher who stated ‘Gee it was a great win. In pretty spiteful circumstances – the young lads just stood up. And I’m not just saying that cause I have a couple playing but the likes of Will McKenzie, Mac Johnson and Wil O’Dwyer who were physically taken to at times just weren’t put off. As for Mav Pettigrove – he was just a standout all day. Our youth policy is working, they’ll continue to run hard at the footy and the opposition and it’s just great to watch.’
The Reserve grade remains undefeated after a terrific win also at the weekend with the Tiger depth a total strength of the footy department at the moment. Names like Winter, Wallace and Bence all putting heaps of pressure on selectors which is a great position to be in.
Back at home against Burleigh this Saturday and of course with Collingwood great and the people’s favourite Dane Swan here to entertain the sold out President’s luncheon.
