.jpg)
Two trial games were played last Saturday in Wodonga against the might of the Albury Tigers.
The games were played at the Wodonga Senior Secondary College due to the Albury Tigers ground being under repair.
Fortunately the NEAFL Tigers enjoyed the hospitality of the Albury Club back at their home ground after the match and were able to view this wonderful facility in the heart of Albury. It would certainly rate as one of the premier country football grounds in all of NSW / Victoria.
Our thanks and appreciation to President Gavan Schultz and Vice President Paul Joss and all the other hard working officials who assisted on the day. The Clubs two senior officials were involved in the preparation and serving of the after match refreshments.
Players returning to the change rooms after the first trial match
Former Hawks players in Albury before the trial game
Albury Tigers President Gavan Schultz during the after match presentations.
Players enjoying the balcony of the Albury Tigers Club Rooms
Players enjoying the balcony of the Albury Tigers Club Rooms
1/4 time break of the main game.
Co Coach Kade Klemke with Captain Ryan Quade and Andrew Swan
Players relaxing.
Preparing for the match
Trial v Albury
Both games were played in warm conditions with the main game reaching mid-30 degree heat. Albury Tigers won the first encounter by 5 points after a strong showing by the youthful Queanbeyan combination.
The first three quarters of the main encounter were played in great spirit with the scores relatively close at the last break. The NEAFL Tigers were able to pull away from a reasonably strong Albury outfit in the last quarter to win by 33 points. Both Clubs were missing some quality players.
For Queanbeyan Ryan Quade continued his good end of season form from last year to post 5 goals in the absence of James Kavanagh. Ben King has regained his excellent 2012 premiership form and was nominated best afield. Jarrod Atkinson wasn’t far behind posting a couple of long range goals. His fitness levels are at an all time high (with the Club) and looks set for his best season since joining the Tigers in 2012.
Newcomer Ivan Soldo
The NEAFL Tigers unleashed 18 year old 204cm major position player Ivan Soldo whose sporting background is more akin to basketball than footy but as a developing ruckman showed outstanding promise in his first full game of AFL.
The entire group of Tuggeranong Hawks players who have joined the Tigers this season after the Hawks withdrew from the NEAFL competition were all competitive and will be great acquisitions to Queanbeyan. Andrew Swan also enjoyed a strong performance while co-coach Josh Bryce returned to the playing arena after a year on the sidelines with a knee injury – he lasted 1 ½ quarters before a slight hamstring strain forced his departure from the playing arena.
For Albury former Carlton and GWS player Sentanta O’hiAlpin and brother Aisake showed they will be quality players along with new recruit Jim Grills. The host club certainly boasts some great names with former AFL players Dean Polo and Chris Hyde also featuring amongst their best players.
Former Tigers legend and now match day assistant Michael Goiser summed up the game as follows: “Being the first game I think both sides had a few out and perhaps a few underdone so neither were at full strength. I haven’t seen enough O&M footy to be able to comment but if the game on the weekend is any indicator I’d suggest Queanbeyan is a little improved on last year” (even with the loss of a number of quality players).
A number of former players now living in the Albury district made a visit to the ground including former premiership players Brett Wightman (1999, 2000), Ben Klemke (2012) and grand finalist Max Bryce (1986).
The QTigers would like to thank our bus drivers Darryl Taylor, Paul Lyons and Josh Bryce along with our volunteer group that travelled including Michael Goiser, Ray Daniel, Lisa Bush, Geoff Olsen, Darryl Taylor, Paul Lyons, Gary Bullivant, Chrissy Craven and all the players who made the effort to travel and assist on the day.
Comments