Three Senior Premierships Cap Off a Remarkable Year!
What an incredible morning, afternoon and night at the AFL Canberra Grand Finals last Saturday as the Tigers completed probably one of their most successful seasons in recent memory with 3 Premierships to cap of a wonderful 100th year!
A massive turnout of Tigers supporters was on hand to cheer on the teams as the day started at 9am with the Women's Reserves, followed by the Women's 1sts at 11.15am then concluded 3hrs later when the Tigers Men's 1st Grade ran out at 3.55pm.
All three coming away with impressive Grand Final Victories!
Records were broken with the Tigers victories in the 1st Grade Men & Women, they once again have won the titles in the same year for a 2nd time (2022/2024) and still the only club to achieve this feat!
While the women’s program created history by becoming the first ever 1st & Reserve Grade Women's teams to go through the year Undefeated in the same season. Both grades with a combined 31 wins / 0 losses in 2024.
Women's Reserves Undefeated Minor Premiers & Premiers
Reserve Grade Women 8.9-57 def Ainslie 3.2-20
Best on Ground - Brooke James.
A blistering start seen the girls get out to a 21 - 0 lead at quarter time and were never headed from there. Led by Jill Shea with 4 goals, the forward line clicked with the delivery from the midfield being 1st class. Brooke James also had a day out collecting possessions at will across half forward while Rachel Salmond, Natasha Brockwell and Sophia Molinaro-Lawrence giving their teammates plenty of the ball.
The backline held up well with veterans Lon Flakelar and Aleisha Tupper holding strong and allowing Emma Croker and Julie Stabler (when not in the ruck) to run and create. A wonderful effort by this group who showed loyalty to continue with the club post last year's disappointment and we are thrilled they got what they deserved.
Women's 1st Grade Undefeated Minor Premiers & Premiers
1st Grade Women 7.7-49 def 2.4-16
Best on Ground - Jayde Hamilton
What a remarkable season for the 1s as they turned a disappointing exit in last year's preliminary final into an unbeaten 2024! A season that didn't always go their way, but this resilient group kept finding ways to win from any position - Fight.
An influx of some quality people and a mix of experienced and young players added depth to the 2024 list led by skipper Jayde Hamilton who was everywhere Saturday as well as Anita Manning who tackled everything, Emma Dunn who had a breakout season and many many others who all played their role.
As per the 2024 script, the team didn't have it all their own way with Belconnen cracking in and putting pressure on the tigers but as has been their strength all season the 2nd half proved the difference with the girls pulling away with their fitness and game style which was capped off by a stunning Jess Stramandinoli goal from the boundary that sealed the win.
Full credit to the entire 57 players that represented the Women's Program this year and while a cliche - it really does take a full squad of players and effort to win Premierships so well done to all.
Men's 1st Grade Minor Premiers & Premiers
1st Grade Men 11.8-74 def Eastlake 9.5-59
Alex Jesaulenko Medal - Will Kellar
The Tigers 1st Grade men have a history of players rising to the occasion on the big stage and on Saturday this was the case again as Cometh the hour Cometh the man with Will Kellar forging his name into Tigers history by winning the Alex Jesaulenko Medal in a second half performance we won't forget.
Kellar had the ball on a string as he kicked 4 goals and had 4 score assists in one of the most dominant small forward displays since Alex Page kicked a bicycle kick goal in the 2015 decider! Not to be outdone and confirming what a big game player he is, the front and centre goal Alex kicked late in the last quarter was well worth admission and sealed the flag.
It was a real tussle, but the tigers came back from a 21-point halftime deficit to storm home late in the last to secure their 3rd Premiership in 4 years. Led by skipper Aidan Bowyer, Anthony LoPilato and Lachie Highfield, the tigers stayed in game when things weren't tracking well just enough to give them a sniff.
Once the tide turned players such as Jack Nunn, Campbell Lovell, Will Taylor and really most of the team began to believe and has been this team's reputation over the past few years if you don't put them away look out.
Like the girl's program, this Men's Flag has come from so many players hard work with 46 players representing the team throughout the 2024 season.
Finally, to our wonderful Partners, Players, Sports Trainers, Volunteers, Coaches, Support Staff, Board and our Tigers Army - THANK YOU!
"What a Year" - None of this would have been possible without you all and this season will go down as one of the best!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! What a 💯 Year Celebration it has been! 🏆🏆🏆🐯
Other AFL Canberra Awards in 2024
3 x League Best & Fairest
3 x Second Places
2 x League Leading Goal Kickers
2 x Coach of the Year Awards
Multiple players in the Teams of the Year
2024 Club Champions! 🥳🙌🏻🫶🐯
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