WALL OF FAME

Tigers Wall of Fame (1987 – 2023)

Includes 71 Inductions
(Updated as of 12th August 2023)
Covering 99 Years of History

The Tigers Wall of Fame was a first in the district and is widely acclaimed by many sporting organisations.

The initial Wall of Fame inductees were drawn from a wide spectrum of individuals all of whom provided the Tigers with outstanding service to the organisation or by way of an outstanding achievement.

2023 Tigers 100 Club Booklet

At least two individuals were included from each decade in the initial Wall of Fame opened in 1987.

The inclusion of a person on the Tigers Wall of Fame normally occurs either from the milestone of playing 200 1st Grade Games (or the total of 200 Club Games) or for an Outstanding Achievement whether on the playing field, as an Administrator or as a Volunteer.

The criteria and subsequent admittance on the Wall of Fame for an Outstanding Achievement is based on the historical value of the achievement.

The Tigers Football Operations has a sub committee to review all achievements and to subsequently decide on new inclusions.

The Tigers Wall of Fame is situated within the Tigers Licensed Club, Queenbar Road Queanbeyan adjacent to the Tigers Home Ground Allinsure Park.

The following individuals (in alphabetical order) are represented on the Wall of Fame with a brief description – which is then followed by a full resume (in no particular order) of each induction:

Adrian Pavese - Coaching, Administration
Alan Muir * – LEGEND # 2
Alan Imrie – 200 Club Games
Bob Griffin – Renown Sports Masseur, Australia wide
Bowyer Brothers - Ian, Murray & Peter Playing Achievements
Brett Fruend – 200 Club Games
Brian Quade – Four Time Premiership Coach
Bob Kay * – Player, Administrator.
Chris Davis – 200 1st Grade Games
Col Wheeler * – Outstanding Player
Col Imrie – Player / Administrator
Dave Imrie * – Foundation President – Licensed Club
Dennis Quade – 200 Club Games
Doug Daniel – 200 1st Grade Games
Ella Ross - Playing Achievements
Floyd Primmer * – First Premiership Coach – 1939
Frank Hopkins * – Team Management
Frank Jones * – Fundraiser
Fred Gisik – Long Serving Sports Medicine Trainer
Gary Bullivant – President Licensed Club / Sports Medicine
Geoff Gosling – Administration Junior and Senior
George Schow * – Founder of Tigers Junior Organisation
George Stevens – 200 1st Grade Games
Hannah Dunn - Player, AFLW Achievements, Board Member
James Black – Four Best and Fairest Awards
James Dore – Triple Premiership Coach
Jason Gilbert – 200 1st Grade Games
Jeff Gilbert – Outstanding Premiership Player
Jill Bright – Volunteer and first lady induction into W of F
Joan Vosnakes – Team Management
John Wheeler * – Outstanding Player
Lani Watson - 150 Club Games
Mark Armstrong – 300 1st Grade Games LEGEND # 5
Mark Thompson - Player, Administrator
Mal Wheeler – Outstanding Player
Merv Strang * – Player, Administrator.
Michael Goiser – 200 1st Grade Games
Michael Wescombe – 200 Club Games
Michael Niesen – League Goal kicker
Neil Irwin – 200 Club Games
Noel Miller – Team Management LEGEND #1
Paul Walshe – Administrator / 100 Club Official
Phil McClure – 200 Club Games
Reg Netting * – Player, Administrator.
Renee Ioppi – 200 Club Games
Robert Anderson – 200 1st Grade Games
Robin Schelberger – 200 Club Games
Rod Gisik – 200 Club Games
Roger Cuschieri – 200 Club Games
Ron Fowlie – Administrator LEGEND # 3
Ryan Quade – 200 1st Grade Games
Stan Anderson * – Player / Sports Medicine Trainer
Steve Vizy – 200 1st Grade Games – Mulrooney Medalist
Schow Brothers – Keith * Ross * and Peter * Outstanding Family Contribution
Tom Kelly * – First Mulrooney Medalist – 1938
Tony Wynd – 300 Games - All Australian – 5 Best and Fairest LEGEND # 4
Van Rakowski – Player / Administrator
Wal Mason * – Foundation President in 1925
Wally Gisik – Administrator
Wally Thompson – Volunteer timekeeper, masseuse, caterer etc
Williams Brothers – Arthur * Ron * Harold * Jim * Roy * Famous Brothers combination

* Deceased

WALL OF FAME MEMBERS

(1987 – 2023)

FLOYD PRIMMER

Our First Premiership Coach

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

Floyd Primmer is a legend within himself. The name Primmer associates itself with the Tigers Club from 1935 through to Floyd’s passing in 1987. During his later years, Floyd was an avid supporter of the Tigers and attended games on a regular basis.

His long association commenced in 1935 when transferred to Queanbeyan after playing with Carlton in the VFL and Albury in the Ovens and Murray League. A strong and robust centre man, he Captain \ Coached the Tigers in 1935, 1938,1939,1940 and 1941. He had the rare distinction of coaching three successive premiership teams.

After a long break from the coaching scene he again held the Tigers coaching position in 1952 achieving success with the Queanbeyan \ Acton combined side of that year taking the side into the grand final.

Floyd represented Canberra in 1935 against Broken Hill, in 1937 against the Victorian Amateurs (which he was Captain), attended the All Australian Football carnival playing against Western Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania in 1938 and against NSW in 1939. Floyd was named amongst the best players in each of the above-mentioned games.

His powerhouse interest of Australian Football was also felt off the field where he performed the following duties with the Tigers Club: Committeeman 1936, 1940. CFL Delegate 1939 and Secretary 1941.

Played VFL with Carlton before transferring to Queanbeyan in 1935
Games Played Records pre-war are not known however it is recognised that Floyd Primmer played

in excess of 100 1st Grade games between 1935 and 1941.

1st Grade Coach 1935, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1952
First Triple Premiership Player / Coach – 1939, 1940, 1941
1st Grade Grand Finalist Coach – 1938, 1939 (drawn grand Final), 1952
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Canberra Representative Player 1935, 1937, 1938, 1939.
Served on the Committee – 1936, 1940
Secretary – 1941
Supported the Tigers through 1935 to 1987

BRIAN QUADE

Our Legendary Coach

Wall of Fame Induction – 1993

Brian Quade had successful coaching periods at East Wagga in the Riverina Football League and with the now defunct Manuka Football Club in the ACTAFL before joining the Tigers as 1st Grade Coach in 1984.

Following this appointment Brian guided the Club into its first ACTAFL Grand Final in 24 years, winning the flag in a thrilling triumph over the highly fancied Ainslie Tricolors. From 1985 to 1992 he led the Tigers into a record equalling eight successive grand finals for four premierships in 1985, 1988, 1989 and 1991.

During his time with the Club he also coached the ACTAFL Representative team on many occasions with considerable success, winning the Fosters Shield in 1986; a competition involving Tasmania, Queensland and New South Wales.

When Quadey officially announced his retirement from the Clubs senior grade coaching role at the completion of the 1993 First Semi Final there were few dry eyes amongst the many players, supporters and officials who were crammed into the rooms to hear the final words of this great man. The air was full of emotion as a number of Club Officials spoke highly of the “Quade Factor” in the club which extended beyond the playing field to the administration of the club and counselling of young players.

His ten years of guiding the Club through its most successful period will not be forgotten. Fortunately, he has remained actively involved in the organisation in various capacities including committee, Chairman of Selectors, ruck coach etc.

His personal qualities and his long involvement in the game of Australian football were recognised in 1997 by the AFL by way of his appointment as a Director on the AFL NSW \ ACT Commission and as Chairperson of the ACT \ Sapphire Coast Regional Board. These two important bodies were responsible for the development of the game throughout NSW.

Life Membership and admittance to the Tigers Wall of Fame in addition to the Australian Sports Medal are individual awards received in recognition of his valuable contribution to our game.

1st Grade Coach 1984 – 1993 (Inclusive)
1st Grade Coaching Premierships – 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991
1st Grade Coaching Grand Finals – 1986, 1987, 1990, 1992
Assisted Tigers Coaching Panel 1997
ACTAFL Representative Coach for over a decade winning Fosters Shield in 1986
Served as a Director on the AFL (NSW \ ACT) Commission
Served as Chairperson of the ACT \ Sapphire Coast Regional Board
Served as a Board Member of the Manuka Oval Trust
Served as a Committee person of QTAFC
Inducted into Tigers Wall of Fame and gained Life Membership – 1993
Served as President of AFL Canberra – 2009
AFL Canberra Hall of Fame recipient – 2015
Awarded Australian Sports Medal – Year 2000
Associate Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club

Life Membership and admittance to the Tigers Wall of Fame in addition to the Australian Sports Medal are individual awards received in recognition of his valuable contribution to our game.

ROBERT ANDERSON #8

VFL / AFL Player

200 1st Grade Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 1992

Robert Anderson gained Life membership and induction to the Tigers Wall of Fame in 1992 for his magnificent career with the Tigers Club which included 200 First Grade matches.

“Ando” played with the Junior Tigers before graduating into the Senior ranks making his senior debut in 1976 against Manuka at Jamison Oval. Over the next few years he had two stints with Footscray (now Western Bulldogs) in the VFL (now AFL) in addition to his final tally of 229 1st grade games with the Tigers.

He was recognised as one of the best players ever produced by the Tigers and, so it was odd he never won the Clubs Best & Fairest Award.

He was Club captain in 1986 and 1987 a premiership player in 1985, 1988 and 1991 whilst also being a prominent member of the 1989 Reserve Grade premiership team after missing most of the season with injury and major illness. He represented the ACTAFL on many occasion’s including being a member of the famous ACT team that defeated a VFL Representative team at Manuka Oval in 1980.

He has performed the duties of Assistant Coach of the Tigers 1st Grade team in 1984 and 1985 whilst in 2002, took over the role of conditioner mid-season. Ando also coached the Tigers Reserve Grade team during the season 1993 and 1994. He has been involved as a Match Day Assistant to both 1st and Reserve Grades while eventually taking the reins of the Tigers Ladies team (Tigerettes) in 2013 taking them to three successive Division 2 Premierships.

1st Grade Games – 229
1st grade Premiership’s – 1985, 1988, 1991
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1990
Reserve Grade Premiership – 1989
Recruited to VFL Club Footscray (now AFL Club Western Bulldogs) in 1980
Regular ACTAFL Representative including the historic 1980 defeat of the VFL
1st Grade Captain – 1986, 1987
Has held numerous coaching positions with both 1st Grade and Reserve Grade
Ladies – Tigerettes Div 2 Triple Premiership Coach – 2013, 2014, 2015. Finalist 2016
Wall of Fame Induction and Awarded Life Membership – 1992
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Inducted AFL Canberra Hall of Fame – 2018

MERV STRANG

200 1st Grade Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 1988

Merv Strang was a member of the famous foot-balling family from Albury [ NSW] and on his arrival in Queanbeyan in 1938 he made an immediate impact kicking 126 goals for the season and playing in the Grand Final team of that year.

He was also involved in a three-way tie for the 1938 Mulrooney Medal with team mate Tom Kelly and Manuka legend Jack Dorman. Kelly winning the award on count back. Merv however annexed an independent public award for his brilliant season. (Both Merv and Jack Dorman were to later receive a Mulrooney Medal each as the League adopted a new policy of awarding the Medal when tied voting occurred)

Merv played more than 100 first grade games for the Tigers including the great 1939, 1940 and 1941 premier sides filling the full forward, roving and centre positions in dashing style kicking 138 goals in 1940.

He was a regular ACTAFL player. Merv Strang proved himself a fine club person holding the positions of Treasurer in 1939, 1940 and 1945 and Secretary in 1946. He won three Club Best and Fairest awards in 1940, 1942 and 1943 and Coached the Tigers in 1945.

Games Played Records pre-war are not known however it is recognised that Merv Strang played more than 100 1st Grade games between 1938 and 1949.
1st Grade Premierships- 1939, 1940, 1941
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1938, 1939 (drawn Grand Final)
Regular ACT Representative
First Tigers player to post over 100 goals in a season (106 in 1938)
1938 Mulrooney Medal
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Club Treasurer – 1939, 1940, 1945.
Club Secretary – 1946
1st Grade Best and Fairest – 1940, 1942, 1945.
1st Grade Coach – 1945.

Stan Anderson #15

32 Years – Sports Medicine Trainer

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

Stan Anderson played most of his football in and around Melbourne. A rugged defender “Ando” played and \ or Coached VFA Clubs Box Hill, Yarraville and Dandenong before transferring to Canberra in 1959. He joined the Acton Football Club and then transferred to Queanbeyan in 1960 and was a member of the Tigers 1961 Grand Final team which was defeated by Ainslie by eight points in wet weather conditions. He has been a devoted Tiger ever since.

He played senior football well into his forties for the Tigers before allocating many of his varied talents to the art of sports medicine. From approximately 1965 through to 1997 he was head of the sports medicine department of the Tigers Club often having to strap all three teams by himself, so little was the off field support staff at the Club during some years of terrible existence. Stan was a devoted one-eyed supporter of the Club and he along with wife Bernice and family were the driving force behind Queanbeyan’s struggle to survive in the late sixties, early seventies.

Stan received Life Membership of the Tigers Club in 1972 and the ACTAFL Merit Award in 1983 for the valuable service he rendered to Australian football for Queanbeyan and the ACT. His proudest moment arrived when son Robert was drafted to VFL Club Footscray in 1982, returning after two stints with the Bulldogs to play an important part in the revival of the Tigers Club during the eighties.

1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1961
Sports Medicine Trainer 1965 – 1997
Awarded Life Membership – 1972
Awarded ACTAFL Merit Award – 1983
Entire Family involved with Tigers Club. Wife Bernice is President of Ladies Committee; Son Robert plays 200 1st Grade games in between two stints with Footscray in VFL; Son Ian plays Grade football. Daughter Sue assisted with Ladies Committee including canteen. Grandson Neil, eventually plays 200 Club Games. Granddaughter Debbie, involved in Sports Medicine.
Associate Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club.

MARK ARMSTRONG #1

LEGEND # 5

One of the Tigers Best Ever!

Wall of Fame Induction 2004

Mark Armstrong is highly regarded as one of the most outstanding players ever to have joined the Tigers Club.

He moved to the Canberra / Queanbeyan District from Wagga in 1993 to attend University and was coerced to play with Queanbeyan by way of Riverina Legend Greg Leach.

Leachy coached and played for East Wagga and NSW and on learning of Mark’s pending move to Canberra quickly informed the Tigers of this naturally gifted player who had played only a handful of senior grade games with the East Wagga Club.

As a seventeen-year-old he was approached by many AFL Canberra Clubs eventually choosing the Tigers over some of the more financially based organisations.

During his first game, Tigers Legend Alan Muir noticed this strapping young bloke on the playing field and quickly asked his name. Misunderstanding Mark for Merv, (and as the Clubs long serving correspondent for the Queanbeyan Age) “Merv” Armstrong was given a glowing report by “Rear-up” in the paper and ever since has been known – affectionately as Merv to all and sundry.

In addition to the above he has been an inspirational leader of the Tigers Club since his early days in the organisation. His love of the game and the Club can not only be gauged by his dedication to the organisation but his willingness to promote and develop himself as an ambassador for AFL Canberra.

His determination to achieve Wall of Fame status in the Tigers Organisation stems from early admission at the Tigers 100 Club at which he stated his intentions of “one day being on the wall”. He achieved that status in 2004.

His achievements with the Tigers Organisation rate in the legendary category. His “last” game for the Tigers was in 2010 until enticed out of retirement for the 2015 season after the club was decimated with player losses from its departure from the NEAFL Competition. Who would have thought after a five-year absence that a further premiership medal would be achieved for this Champion and much-loved individual.

QTAFC

1st Grade Games – 331
Captain 2000 – 2001
Tigers Coach 2002 – 2010 (Inclusive)
1st Grade Best and Fairest – 1992, 1998, 2003
1st Grade Premierships – 1998, 1999, 2000, 2015.
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1994, 1995, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club,
Awarded Life Membership 2004
Most Goals kicked by any player in the History of the Tigers Club with 811
Tigers Committee 2011 – Continuing

AFL Canberra History

AFL Canberra Representative –27 Occasions
Selected in the All Australian Country Representative team – 1998
AFL Canberra Leading Goal kicker – 2007 (107 Goals), 2008 (57 Goals), 2010 (57 goals)
Named in AFL Canberra Team of the Year – 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 (Captain), 2003 (Captain) 2004 (Captain) 2005 (Captain), 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010.
Most Goals kicked by any player in History of AFL Canberra with 796 goals.
Named in AFL ACT Legends Team – 1999. (Only player named that was still playing at the time of announcement)
Named AFL Canberra Representative Coach – 2008 which won the Australian Country Championships, Named All Australian Country Coach – 2008
Named AFL Canberra Under 23 Grade Representative Coach – 2011
Inducted into AFL Canberra Wall of Fame – 2013

Other

Assistant Coach – GWS GIANTS Reserve Grade team 2011 / 2012
Forward Line Coach – Canberra Demons – 2017.

JAMES BLACK #13

4 Time Best and Fairest

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

Inspirational – the only word to describe the awe-inspiring Jim Black. Rated as one of the best rovers seen in the ACT Australian Football League “Blackie” commanded respect from every player and it was no coincidence the Club enjoyed many successful seasons whilst he donned the black and gold jumper.

He won the ACT Junior League Best and Fairest in the U15’s (1968), U16’s (1969) and the U18’s (1971 – 1972). At the tender age of 15 he played his first senior game for the Tigers and was invited to play with the famous Collingwood Football Club in the VFL, however declined due to personal reasons.

Blackie won his first 1st Grade Best & Fairest for the Tigers in 1974 and followed this achievement with similar award-winning efforts in 1977, 1978 and 1980. He was runner up for this award in 1971, 1976 and 1979 and despite missing eight competition games in 1978 was runner up to Mike Demaine in the Mulrooney Medal. Demaine joined the Tigers from West Canberra the following year.

Serious knee injuries finally led to Jim Black's to retirement after 191 1st grade games and 18 ACTAFL Representative matches which included the historical and memorable win over the Victorian Football League in 1980.

Jim was a loyal club person who also performed creditably in 1980 as senior grade coach. He is a member of the Tigers elite 100 Club and was named in the ACTAFL Legends Team in 2000 – a team selected from all players who had played ACTAFL football in the then 75-year history.

1st Grade Games – 191 – Played his first 1st Grade match at age 15
1st Grade Best and Fairest – 1974, 1977, 1978, 1980
Runner Up 1st Grade Best and Fairest – 1971, 1976 and 1979
1st Grade Coach in 1980
Runner Up – Mulrooney Medal – 1978
Awarded ACT Junior League Best & Fairest Awards in age groups Under 15’s (1968), Under 16’s (1969), Under 19’s (1971 and 1972)
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Induction Wall of Fame – 1987
Awarded Life Membership – 1987
Inducted Tigers Walk of Honour in 2013 for 200 Club Games

Gary Bullivant

Licensed Club President / Sports Medicine trainer

Wall of Fame Induction – 2002

Gary first became involved with the Tigers Organisation in the early Eighties. He commenced an administration role with the club under the leadership of Dave Imrie who at the time had served the Tigers as President during the long and protracted period of gaining a license for the proposed club in South Queanbeyan.

Gary served the committee as Secretary from 1983 and was elected in as President in 1993 of the Licensed Club – a position he continues to occupy at the time of this update being December 2017. During this time, the club has grown enormously and has become a prominent and successful business operations in Queanbeyan supporting many and varied community activities.

In addition to the enormous amount of time and effort required to preside over an increasingly large business operation he maintained an active interest in the development of the football operations of the Tigers.

He served as game day statistician along with another long serving official Van Rakowski for ten years before joining the ranks of the Clubs Sports Medicine Trainers in 1994. He along with Fred Gisik have been integral members of every premiership the Tigers have gained during this time.

Gary has been recognised by the Licensed Club and Football Operations with Life Memberships being awarded in 1999 (Football) and 2001(Licensed Club) for his outstanding efforts as a voluntary official of the Tigers Organisation.

Commenced association with Tigers Club in early eighties.
Licensed Club Secretary – 1983
Licensed Club President – 1993 to 2018
Longest serving Licensed Club President
Team Statistician for period 1984 – 1993
Sports Medicine Trainer – 1996 through to current – 2019
Associate Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Awarded Life Membership of Licensed Club in 2001
Awarded Life Membership of Football Club in 1999
Awarded AFL Merit Award – 2018
Awarded AFL Canberra Merit Award – 2019
Recognised by NSW Sports for Contribution to Sport – 2019

Roger Cuschieri #22

200 Game Player

Wall of Fame Induction – 1995

Roger finally played his 100th 1st grade game for the club in 1995 after having played his first senior grade game in 1984. In and out of the top team on many occasions during an era when the club fielded some of its best teams, his fitness and dedication and improvement of his own style of play rewarded him with a regular berth in the top grade later in his career. Along the way he also notched up well over 100 Reserve Grade games for a total more than 200 Club games. He won the Reserve Grade Best & Fairest in 1991 and 1992.

More affectionately known as Cush, he was a regular committee person for 20 years in addition to successfully coaching the Under 18 grade team to a premiership in 1987.

He played in the 1985, 1989 and 1990 Reserve Grade Premiership teams as well as being a participant of the 1992, 1994 and 1995 First Grade Grand Final teams. Although missing out on a First-Grade premiership his contribution to premierships in 1985, 1998, 1999 and 2000 as the team’s runner shows his great passion for the game and the Club.

1st Grade Games – 122
1st Grade Runner of 1st Grade Premierships in 1985, 1998, 1999, 2000
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1992, 1994 and 1995
Reserve Grade Premierships – 1985, 1989, 1990
Reserve Grade Best and Fairest – 1991, 1992
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Committee Person for 20 Years including 11 as Vice Chairman.
Awarded Life Membership – 1995
Inducted into Tigers Walk of Honour

DOUG DANIEL

200 1st Grade Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 1992

Doug Daniel was awarded Life Membership and inducted into the Wall of Fame in 1992 for his magnificent achievement of playing 200 1st grade games.

Doug also started with the Junior Tigers and went on to play 238 1st grade games, second only to Tony Wynd. He was also a regular ACTAFL Representative player who participated in nine 1st Grade Grand Finals for Premierships in 1988, 1989 and 1991.

After retirement, he continued his association with the Club and was appointed Assistant Coach of the 1st grade team to Michael Kennedy in 1995 and to Des Campbell in 1996 in addition to being James Dore’s assistant coach in the 1998 1st Grade Premiership team.

He also Coached the Tigers Reserve Grade side in 1998, 1999 and 2000 of which the 98-side participated in the grand final. In the years 2001 and 2002 Doug became a valuable off field assistant to all senior grade coaches. He Coached the NSW / ACT RAMS Under 18 Grade Coach in Canberra for three years.

Doug was awarded the Alex Jesaulenko Medal for best on ground in the 1988 Grand Final.

1st Grade Games -238
1st Grade Premierships – 1985 (injured), 1988, 1989, 1991
Best on Ground in Grand Final 1988
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1986, 1987, 1990, 1992, 1994
1st Grade Assistant Coach – 1995, 1996, 1998. Match Day Assist – 2001, 2002
Reserve Grade Coach – 1998 (Grand Final), 1999, 2000
Awarded Life Membership – 1992
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Coached NSW / ACT RAMS team
Assistant Coach – Tigerettes Div 2 team in 2016
Inducted Tigers Walk of Honour

Chris Davis #6

200 1st Grade Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 2005

Chris moved to the District in 1994 to attend University – following in the footsteps of his great friend Mark Armstrong both, of whom had enjoyed successful Junior Australian Football careers at the East Wagga Football Club.

As a raw seventeen-year-old, he became well known for his uncanny ability to maneuver through the most difficult situations on the football arena was highly regarded amongst his peers as a tremendously talented and dedicated person.

His dedication is no more highlighted than in Season 2004, when due to an injury he lost considerable form and played most of the season in Reserve Grade. Not many players would have continued to play a role in the Club in such circumstances but to his great credit he persevered and by years end could have considered himself unlucky not to have regained a 1st Grade position for the 2004 Grand Final. He subsequently played in the Reserve Grade Grand Final being named man of the match in a standout performance.

This Reserve Grade Grand Final appearance compliments an impressive list of 1st Grade Grand Final appearances which include the 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003 matches with victories in the famous three consecutive record equaling Premierships of 1998, 1999 and 2000.

He represented AFL Canberra on nine occasions and was named in the ACT Team of the Year in 2002. His positioned being at centre half back, where his tremendous marking "play on style" of football and long kicking abilities has ranked him amongst the best in the business.

1st Grade Games – 231
1st Grade Premierships – 1998, 1999, 2000
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1994, 1995, 2002, 2003
Reserve Grade Premierships – 2009, 2010
Reserve Grade Grand Finalist – 2004
AFL Canberra Representative
Named in ACT Team of the Year – 2002
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Inducted Tigers Walk of Honour

“CD” has been an extremely dedicated and loyal servant of the Queanbeyan Tigers Club. Rarely has he asked for more – than loyalty to himself – a rare quality found amongst players in this day and age – and for that reason, the Queanbeyan Tigers Club are most grateful and proud to have had a player and person of such high quality as a member of its organisation.

JAMES DORE

Triple Premiership Coach

Wall of Fame Induction – 2005

James Dore eats breath’s and lives footy. His passion is undeniable. He is one of the standout Coaches of the Tigers Club.

From his quiet-by-nature approach to players at each break of a game, to his fiery and somewhat uncontrollable times during a match in the coach’s box, no one can deny his passion for the game.

Incredibly James Dore joined the Tigers as a Committee person on the Board of Directors of the Licensed Club after he moved to the region from Country Victoria. A qualified Accountant he was appointed Treasurer of the Tigers Licensed Club in 1997.

Before moving to the Canberra / Queanbeyan District he had an enormously successful playing career with Nar Nar Goon, Pakenham, Wycheproof and Mildura Imperials totaling over 300 Senior Grade games between 1965 and 1989.

In addition, he Coached four senior grade premierships in and around the Gippsland area after which he held Development Officer positions at both the Carlton and Essendon Football Clubs.

Obviously with those credentials and being a member of the Licensed Board of Directors he did not go unnoticed by the Football Operations. The 1998 senior grade position became available and after much persuasion he accepted the position.

It would be one of the coups of coaching appointments in the Canberra District for many years. Although the Club knew little of his character or his incredible manner he became one of the most valuable acquisitions the Club had procured for some time. His impact on the Tigers Club would be felt for many years with three of the most incredible Premierships ever obtained in the history of the Club – and all in succession.

The first, the 1998 Premiership came about after the club had lost approximately 35 players from there listing of players from the previous year. This resulted in the Club not being able to field a team in the Under 21 / Under 19 Grade competitions. They gained few recruits during the off season and at the first training sessions James attended, no more than 12 players turned up for a quote of “What have I got myself into?” unquote.

During the lead up to the first game three of the new recruits decided to pack up and go home whilst the Clubs leading full forward was advised he would be transferred to Adelaide for work within weeks. In an amazing start to the season, the Tigers reeled off eight straight victories to lead the competition for most of the year and then progressed into the grand final after defeating Belconnen in the second semi-final – this after suffering a heavy defeat in the last home and away match by that same opponent.

The following year, the Tigers once again would meet Belconnen in the Grand Final only to upstage them again, this time with a team of players riddled by injury with no less than nine players carrying some type of injury into the deciding match. In one of the best Grand Finals witnessed at Football park, the Tigers posted three goals in time in to win the match by 16 points – Tiger legend Tony Wynd, playing in his last match for the Club, posting the second last goal to seal what was an incredible victory.

The third consecutive premiership victory was obtained over Eastlake after they had given the Tigers an almighty pasting in the second semi-final. The victory was certainly a feather in the cap of James Dore who had suffered serious illness during the season and against the Club that had signed him only three years earlier only to back down on promises, subsequently losing him to the Tigers.

Late 1997 – Appointed Treasurer of QAFC Ltd
Appointed Coach of Tigers 1st Grade Teams early 1998
Played 300 Games player in Country Victoria
Coached 4 Premierships teams in Country Victoria
Former Development Manager at Carlton and Essendon
1st Grade Triple Premierships – 1998, 1999 and 2000
They are regarded as three of the greatest in the Clubs History
1st Grade Coach – 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Great mentor and friend
Awarded Life Membership – 2005

RON FOWLIE #10

LEGEND # 3

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

Ron Fowlie – better known as “Chook” to all and sundry has given tremendous service to the Tigers Club in many fields of Administration and without doubt has justly earned the title of “Mr Football”.

He played all his junior football with the Tigers before graduating into the senior ranks playing both senior and reserve grade football albeit only a short career due to knee injuries.

Along with Dave Imrie, he was one of the main instigators of the building of the Tigers licensed club which when came to fruition was a dream come true for the hard-working young administrator.

Since the opening of the licensed club – and with Chook at the helm of the day-to-day administration of football – the Tigers have won every premiership title and every individual award available from the ACTAFL and the now newly named AFL Canberra.

This includes the following:

8 Club Championship Awards
10 1st Grade Premierships from 23 Grand Finals (this includes the 2012 NEAFL Premiership and NEAFL Championship Grand Final)
7 Reserve Grade Premierships from 16 Grand Finals
3 Under Age Premierships from 9 Grand Finals: Under 19’s – 1983, Under 18’s – 2002 and 2014 with the Under 21’s appearing in the Grand Final in 1987
4 Ladies Premierships including 3 consecutive Div 2 Titles and a 1st Grade Title in 2017.

Ron Fowlie has held most positions in the Tigers Organisation, achieved many individual awards and appointments at State level.

They are as follows:

QTAFC Secretary 1973 – 1974
President 1975 – 1983
QAFC Inc Director 1981 – 1988
Secretary Manager Licensed Club 1983 -1984
Chairman of Football 1985, 1987 – 1988, 2016 to current
Chairman of Selectors 1976, 1987, 1988
Member of Building Committee 1976 – 1983
Under 19 Grade Coach 1983 – 1985 (1984 Premiers)
ACTAFL Delegate 1973 – 1988
ACTAFL General Manager 1980 – 1983 (First ever appointment)
ACTAFL Team Manager of Representative teams.
NSWAFL Executive Director and General Manager Sydney AFL – 1986
Researched History and Author of two Publications of Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright and produced the publication of 100 Club and Wall of Fame Members
Founder \ Organiser of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club – 1982
Proposed ACTAFL 200 Club
Awarded Life Membership of the QAFC Ltd in 1985
Received National Football League Merit Certificate – 1985
Awarded the Honour of carrying the Year 2000 Olympic Torch
Awarded the Australian Sports Medal – 2000
Tigers Football Operations General Manager 1987 – 2014 (inclusive)
Inducted to Tigers 100 Club – 2008.
Inducted into Tigers Wall of Fame – 1987
Awarded Life Membership Tigers Football Operations QTAFC Inc – 2008
Inducted AFL Canberra Wall of Fame – 2016
Tigers Team Manager – All Grades from 2016 to current
AFL Canberra Wall of Fame Committee Person, 2016 – Current
AFL Canberra Advisory Board Member 2016 – current
Inducted into Queanbeyan Sporting Gallery Hall of Fame – 2018
Elevated to LEGEND Status – 2019

JASON GILBERT #7

All Australian Country Representation

200 1st Grade Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 2010

This block-busting player participated in many matches with the Tigers Junior Organisation before progressing to Senior Grade ranks. Originating from the small township of Ardlethan in the Riverina and moving to Queanbeyan with his parents at a young age, Jason was always destined to play a high standard of Australian Football. After making his debut for the Tigers in 1990 he played 95 First Grade matches before being recruited to the West Adelaide Football Club in 1996.

Before his departure he had played in many Grand Final and Premiership teams including the following – the 1989 – Reserve Grade and 1991 First Grade Premierships, 1990, 1992, 1994 and 1995 – 1st Grade Grand Finals – all lost to the Ainslie Football Club.

On his return Jason became an integral part of the record equaling triple Premiership teams of 1998, 1999 and the year 2000. He played in another Grand Final being the year 2002, which totals nine 1st Grade Grand Final appearances.

During his long senior grade career with the Club he also represented Canberra on 10 occasions, finished runner up in the 1995 Mulrooney Medal and won the Tigers 1st Grade Best & Fairest in the following Years 1995, 2000 and 2002.

His enormous on field ability was recognised with selection in the All Australian Country Representative team in 1998 selected at the National Carnival held in Bendigo. He was Captain of the Tigers 1st Grade team from 2002 – 2004 inclusive.

1st Grade Games – 242
1st Grade Premierships – 1991, 1998, 1999, 2000
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1990, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2002
Reserve Grade Premiership – 1989
1st Grade Captain – 2002, 2003, 2004
1st Grade Best and Fairest – 1995, 2000, 2002
Mulrooney Medal R/Up – 1995
AFL Canberra Representative – 10 occasions
All Australian Country Representative team – 1998
Awarded Life Membership – 2003
Inducted into Tigers Walk of Fame
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
AFL Canberra Wall of Fame Induction – 2019

JEFF GILBERT #14

The Toughest

Wall of Fame Induction – 2003

Jeff joined the as an inspirational young player at the age of 19 from Ardlethan in 1987. He had won the Ardlethan Clubs Senior Grade Best and Fairest in 1986 and was destined to do the same at the Tigers during 1989 and 1992.

Throughout his long association with the Tigers he has been one of the most consistent, determined and hardest players ever to don the famous black and gold colours of our organisation. He was also somewhat of a rebel in his initial years, returning to the red and yellow stripes of Ardlethan in 1988 – one year after joining the Tigers.

He returned the following year to play in his second Grand Final appearance for the Club this time winning the 1989 Premiership. The following year he was off again, this time being drafted by the Sydney Swans where he established himself as a quality player during one of the Swans strongest years in the AFL.

In 1991, he rejoined the Tigers Club, played in another Premiership and was an integral playing member of the Tigers organisation particularly the 1998 and 1999 Premiership teams until he retired after the 2002 Grand Final loss. (Mind you Jeff retired every year after each season had concluded and was notorious for his Monday night injuries and sausage eating abilities).

In total Jeff had played in 9 Grand Finals for four Premierships, accumulated 190 1st Grade matches, 5 Reserve Grade matches, and Represented Canberra on 11 occasions.

He won the ACTAFL Player of the Year Award in 1993 and was admitted to the Tigers 100 Club in 1994.

1st Grade Games – 190
1st Grade Premierships – 1989, 1991, 1998, 1999,
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1987, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2002
1st Grade Best and Fairest – 1989, 1992
Sydney Swans Listed Player – 1990
AFL Canberra Representative – 9 occasions
ACTAFL Player of the Year – 1993
Awarded Life Membership – 2003
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club

FRED GISIK

Sports Medicine Trainer

Wall of Fame Induction – 2006

For many years the Tigers Club have had the wonderful and professional services of a group of voluntary Sports Medicine Trainers.

During a period of over 25 years the late Stan Anderson held the reins as the face of chief strapper (as they were called) assisted by the likes of Alan Jones and John Lynch plus many other faces.

Now our players are cared for by the ever reliable and hugely popular group of volunteers including Gary Bullivant, Chrissy Craven and Darryl Taylor but the real stalwart is Freddie Gisik.

They are the behind the scene workers and just a few of the people who volunteer their services to assist our players prepare for matches each weekend and at training three nights per week.

The Gisik name stretches back to the late seventies when Fred’s younger brother Wally became a senior grade player with the organisation as well as serving on the Tigers Football Committee.

Eventually a young Gisik came through our Junior teams graduating into the Under 19’s and then into seniors. That being young Rod, a promising player throughout his Junior career.

Having “Freddie” on board has been of enormous benefit. His popularity amongst all concerned within the organisation cannot be questioned. Not many clubs anywhere could boast the support of such an individual providing a huge amount of his time each week while assisting the Club in a monetary way providing sponsorship.

A transport driver by employment, there would be few days whereby Freddie would not be up and running before sunrise, work throughout the day often driving to Sydney and back, offloading and then arriving at training before most players – to then strap and look after our players to well after 8.00pm. This is a magnificent effort considering he provides his services each weekend of the football season from 8.30am on match days assisting the Under 18 grade team to well after 5.00pm when the 1st Grade complete their match.

He has a physical job during the day and a tough job after work. The amount of time some players spend in the backroom really does test this mild-mannered man’s temperament.

Sports Medicine Trainer; 1994 – Continuing
Awarded Life Membership – 2000
Associate Member of Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Awarded Best Club Person- 1995, 2001, 2005
Awarded Volunteer of the Year – 2013, 2015
AFL Canberra Merit Award – 2019

ROD GISIK #4

200 Club Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 2006

Rod Gisik played his 200th Club Game for the Tigers at the SCG v Sydney Swans Reserves in 2006.

This is a combination of 147 1st Grade matches and 53 Reserve Grade matches. Along the way he was a participant of the three consecutive First Grade Premiership teams of 1998, 1999 and 2000 while also be a participant of the 1995 and 2002 1st Grade Grand Finals and 1992 and 2004 Reserve Grade Grand Finals.

“Gis” graduated into the Senior Club by way of the Under 19s, which he Captained and won its Best and Fairest Award in 1993. His 1st Grade debut in the same year was under the guidance of legendary Coach and mentor Brian Quade. However, his talents had been recognized by the Senior Football Organisations in 1992 when awarded the Alan Stein Memorial Trophy for Most Promising Junior, a year in which he also played in the Reserve Grade Grand Final.

A year of consolidation as a senior grade player in the Reserves in 1994 was rewarded with a runner up Best and Fairest Award in this grade. What followed was a remarkable journey for this hugely popular player. He was a regular member of the Tigers First Grade team from 1995 through to the end of 2004 except for 1997 (overseas) and 2004 (injury).

Awards have been numerous but include the 1st Grade Most Improved player in both 1995 and 1998 and Best Utility on 2001.

1st Grade Games – 163
1st Grade Premierships – 1998, 1999, 2000
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1995, 2002
Reserve Grade Grand Finalist – 2004
Under 19 Grade Best and Fairest in 1993
Awarded the Alan Stein Most Promising Junior Award in 1992
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Awarded Life Membership – 2006
Inducted Tigers Walk of Honour

WALLY GISIK #3

Administrator

Wall of Fame Induction – 1996

Wally Gisik has been associated in one way or another with the Tigers Football Club since his late teens, having progressed through the club’s junior and senior organisations both as a player and as an administrator.

His association throughout has been one of extreme loyalty, dedication and commitment to whatever cause he devoted his time. On the field, there was no other player with the passion and spirit he showed to his fellow teammates.

As an Administrator, Wal was unique. His strong, likable and sometimes outrageous personality always came the forefront, especially after a few social drinks. Wally came through the junior ranks, serving on the juniors committee for a short time before taking over the reins as Junior Club President – a position held for 3 years. He continued to coach junior teams and represents the Junior Board of Management during a crucial period in which the Senior Organisation was laying the basis to obtain sufficient community support to build a license club in South Queanbeyan.

History now avails itself of a liquor licence being granted to the Tigers Club in 1982, with construction of the building commencing soon after. Wally served on the initial board of Directors as Vice President a position he held for 14 years.

Wally had a long association with the Football Management of the Tigers Club – which ran separately to the License Club prior to becoming Co-Chairperson (alongside partner in crime Ron Fowlie) in 1986.

It is a testament to Wally’s commitment to the Tigers Club that it won every Premiership and Award available to an ACTAFL Club during his time as an Administrator. The dream of many former club associates to establish a licensed club premises and to promote and develop our game in Queanbeyan has been highly successful. Wally’s contribution is worthy of special commendation.

Only a few people closely associate with this lovable character will truly know and appreciate the real work behind a successful football club. Wally’s involvement on match days from early morning to late afternoon for years defies imagination. This dedication has been recognised by both the Senior and Junior organisations with Life Membership being awarded in 1987 and 1988 respectively.

A quote from Premiership Coach Brian Quade.

“Wally has been a tower of strength covering many aspects of the administration and playing side of the Tigers. His capacity to entertain the troops on many occasions has helped ease the tension of defeat and set us on course for the next encounter”.

QTJAFC Chairman for 3 Years
Initial QAFC Ltd Vice President for a period of 14 years
QTAFC Inc Co Chairman – 1987 – 1991 (inclusive)
QTAFC Chairman – 1992 – 1997 (Inclusive)
Awarded QTAFC Life Membership – 1987
Awarded QTJAFC Life Membership – 1988
Coached many Junior Tiger Teams as well as Senior Under Age.
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
QTAFC Board Member 2016 – continuing

Michael Goiser #21

Player / 300 Club Game Player / Administrator

Wall of Fame Induction – 1999

Michael Goiser is a product of the Queanbeyan Tigers Junior organisation and is highly regarded as one of the most astute players ever produced by the Senior Club. He played in the 1987 Under 17 Premiership grade team whilst representing the ACT Junior Australian Football League at most levels of participation.

Michael became a member of the Tigers 100 Club in 1993 after commencing his 1st grade career in 1986. He played only a handful of Reserve Grade matches during his 300 plus career games with a large percentage of those matches being played in the fullback position. Indeed, he was regarded as the best full back in the League and represented the ACTAFL on 21 occasions with great distinction in this position.

More familiarly known as “Gois” his quiet manner but influential attitude resulted in the Club appointing him as First Grade Captain in 1996 – a position he held for four years. Probably his proudest moment were in 1998 and 1999 when holding aloft the back to back premiership trophies. These premierships amongst many other highlights including the 1998 and 1989 Premiership titles. In addition, he played in history making third consecutive Premiership title of 2000 and was later to become Coach of the Tigers Reserve Grade team in 2002 whilst still playing in the top grade.

Add to this, is election to the Board of Directors of the Tigers Licensed Club in the Year 2000 and it is little wonder he holds a special place in the history of the Tigers organisation. His total 1st grade games played as of the completion of 2002 was 243. His latest contribution as an administrator occurred when appointed full time General Manager of the Tigers Football Operation for the period Sept 2014 to Sept 2017.

1st Grade Games – 243
1st Grade Premierships – 1988, 1989, 1998, 1999, 2000
1st Grade Grand Finalist –
1st Grade Captain – 1996, 1997, 1998, Co-Captain 1999
1st Grade equal Best and Fairest – 1995
AFL Canberra Representative – 21 Occasions
Reserve Grade Coach2002, 2003 (Grand Finalist), 2004 (Grand Finalist)
Played 300th Club Game in 2005
QTAFC Ltd Director – 2000
Awarded Life Membership – 1999
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Inducted Tigers Walk of Fame
General Manager 2014 – 2017 Inclusive

Geoff Gosling

Chairman / League Administrator

Wall of Fame Induction – 2002

Geoff Gosling joined the Tigers Club as a player in the late seventies after moving to Queanbeyan from the township of Griffith through his employment with the local courts. Although not overly blessed with enormous football talent he certainly made amends with his courage and dedication to the club both on and off the playing field.

Whilst playing for the Tigers he also became actively involved in the day-t- day administration of the junior club where he held the position of president for many years. Under his leadership the junior club became a very successful breeding ground for numerous players who eventually graduated into the senior ranks to become premierships players in what eventually developed into the greatest era of the club’s history.

A great knowledge and passion for the game did not go unnoticed by our friends from across the border. He was enticed to take on the role of Secretary of the ACTJAFL, a position he occupied during 1986 to 1988 before moving into the role of Treasurer in 1991.

After a break from the game (due to family commitments) his passion for AFL re-ignited and he rejoined the Tigers Club in 1997 to assist at the tribunal appeal hearings before taking on the position of Chairman of Football in 1998 for a period of 7 years. He guided the organisation to three successive Premierships – 1998, 1999 and 2000. He was renowned for his positive attitude towards attempting to equal the long-standing record of three successive premierships obtained by the 1939, 1940 and 1941 teams – this being achieved under difficult circumstances.

In addition to the many hours he gave (guiding the Tigers Senior Football Operations) he also occupied a position on the AFL Canberra Executive as well as being a member of the NSW/ACT Regional Board.

His Life Membership of the Queanbeyan Tigers Junior Organisation (awarded in 1986) and the Life Membership of the Tigers Football Operations (2002) is a testimony of the respect in which he is held in the Tigers Organisation. In addition – his services to Sport were recognised by the Australian Government with an Australian Sports Medal.

Tigers Junior Club President
ACT Junior Australian Football League President – 1986 to 1988, Treasurer – 1991
Tigers Tribunal Representative – 1997
Tigers Chairman of Football – 1998 to 2004
Licensed Club Board Member
AFL Canberra Executive Member including Chairman, General Manager and a League Representative on the NSW/ACT Regional Board.
Associate Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Awarded Life Membership of Tigers Junior Club – 1986
Awarded Life Membership of Tigers Senior Club – 2002
Awarded Australian Sports Medal – 2000
Awarded Australian Football Foundation Merit Award in 1990

BOB GRIFFIN #10

Player / Coach / Volunteer

Wall of Fame Induction – 2010

This chap is probably one of the best-known sporting identities in the district particularly in AFL and Rugby League circles.

A former player of the Tigers Club during which time he posted 151 1st Grade matches, Bob Griffin is an absolute legend in both codes of football due to his enormous physical strength and toughness he displayed when playing either code. In his retirement, away from the playing field he became an active volunteer in numerous capacities but especially as a masseur and is rated as one of the absolute best.

With the Tigers Club, he was highly regarded as a strong defender in some of the best teams ever fielded by the Club, particularly in the fifties when Queanbeyan and Acton formed the famous Combine teams which participated in five consecutive grand finals for three premierships in 1953, 1954 and 1956.

Griffo was a member of the undefeated 1956 team and was surrounded in that team by legends of the calibre of Alan Muir, Harold Williams, Roy Watterston, Roy Williams, Bill Gadd and Lindsay White.

He played in some very difficult times with the Tigers Club in the early sixties during which time he Coached the Senior Grade team in 1965.

After retirement, he was coaxed back to the Tigers Club in the mid-seventies when he became Chairman of Selectors under the leadership of Coach Kevin Delmenico. During this time, the Club enjoyed success on the field with high quality sides that played in the finals series between 1975 through to 1979 unfortunately incurring many injuries to key personal which limited their abilities to achieve ultimate premiership success.

He has always enjoyed his time with our organisation during which he also gained an enormous reputation worldwide for his expertise in the Sports Medicine field of massage. This was particularly so with the Canberra Raiders Rugby League Club in their formative years and their hugely successful premiership years. He has travelled the world with the Australian Rugby League International team for Test Series matches in England and France and enjoyed a similar masseur role with the NSW State of Origin Team.

In addition to treating injuries incurred by way of the footy field he also assists many Australian and local sporting stars plus the elderly at George Forbes House in Queanbeyan along with numerous citizens who frequent his home for the love of his rough hands.

Griffo assisted our sports medicine team during the premiership years of 1998, 1999 and 2000. He has always welcomed injured players into his home for treatment regardless of whether he has been directly involved with the organisation or not and considers the Tigers Club as one of the best organisations he has been involved in.

One of the great sporting larrikins, he is never shy of letting you know what he thinks or how feels towards anyone and with his quick-witted nature, can put the most confident of person back into the smallest of holes.

But the biggest secret of the toughest guy in town is that he can’t watch his team play. He is too nervous to watch and is often seen either resting in the change rooms while the game is being played or leaves for home during the match.

1st Grade Games – 151
1st Grade Premierships – 1956
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1961
1st Grade Coach – 1965
1st Grade Chairman of Selectors – 1976 – 1979 (Inclusive)
World renowned Masseur including stints with the Tigers from 1998 through to 2019
One of the best-known sporting identities in the district particularly in AFL and Rugby League circles
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Queanbeyan City Council Citizen of the Year – 2018
Admitted to Queanbeyan City Council Hall of Fame – 2018

VAN RAKOWSKI #20

200 Club games \ Treasurer

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

Van Rakowski was born in England and emigrated to Australia with his parents two years later. After settling in Queanbeyan, he commenced playing Australian Football at an early age with the St Gregory’s schoolboy teams, graduating into the Tiger Junior and senior grade teams at an early age.

His talents were easily recognised by Queanbeyan Officials who were looking for youngsters to build the Club into a competitive unit. The Tigers were described as the easy beats of football during his early playing career and often struggled to field teams. On many occasions players were expected to “back up” after playing lower grades to make up the numbers. In this regard Van was always available and was a strong competitor in all grades.

Although never reaching representative level in senior ranks, Van produced many memorable 1st grade matches as a wingman \ ruck rover with his pace and strong marking ability being a feature. He was awarded Life Membership in 1979 for his valuable contribution as a player in achieving 200 Club games of which 157 were 1st grade matches.

Whilst in retirement, Van was enticed back into the football world in 1984 as treasurer of the Licensed Club. His sincerity and honesty in this position is exemplified by the success of the licensed club through Vans thorough knowledge of accountancy and strict budget control. He served as treasurer for five years before taking over the position of secretary which he held for a further seven years. He also assisted on match days with the onerous task of providing statistics for ten seasons.

1st Grade Games – 157
Reserve Grade Best and Fairest – 1977
National Football League Merit Award – 1990
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Awarded Life Membership – 1979
QAFC Ltd/ QTAFC Inc Treasurer – 1984 – 1989 (Inclusive)
QAFC Ltd Secretary 1990 – 1998 (Inclusive)
QTAFC Statistician – 1984 – 1993

Frank Hopkins

Team Manager

Wall of Fame Induction 1987

Sporting headlines from the edition of the Canberra News of Wednesday 10, 1971 “Queanbeyan in trouble – Australian Rules dying where it was born”. That headline clearly depicted the club’s predicament and near extinction during the late sixties, early seventies.

It was only special people of the caliber of Frank Hopkins and Noel Miller whose sincerity and complete loyalty to the Club in a very unique way kept the Tigers alive.

Both rarely played our great Australian game however their involvement and support went way beyond the call of any volunteer. Their long and respective association with the Club commenced back in the fifties with Noel as a player and Frank as a Team Manager.

Frank Hopkins involvement centered around his three sons, Ron, Dennis and Brian all of whom are members of the Tigers 100 Club. Ron played close to 200 Club games for the Tigers. Dennis played 158 1st grade games and Brian 146 1st Grade games. Franks wife Norma was an active supporter and worker of the Ladies Committee with both receiving Life Membership in 1971 for their efforts.

Franks enormous contribution to Australian Football was recognised by the ACTAFL in 1975 with Life Membership whilst he also received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for services rendered.

This very loyal gentlemen gave enormous voluntary service to the Club. During his period as Team Manager he received the utmost respect from all members of the Tigers Club. This is particularly so with the players who showed great commitment to the club during the tough years Frank was team manager.

Team Manager for period 1963 – 1977
Manger of teams during the most turbulent and difficult period of the Club
Entire family are involved with wife Norma on Ladies Committee, sons Ron (144 1st Grade Games), Dennis (158 1st Grade Games) and Brian (146 1st Grade games).
Frank did an incredible amount of work that forever will go unnoticed but not unrecognised
Awarded Life Membership – 1971

Dave Hunter #19

200 Club Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 2005

Being a former South Australian, Dave knows only too well the value of our great Australian game of AFL. Transferring in the Navy to Harman in the early nineties, his player abilities were well above that offered by our associate Club – the Harman Hogs of the Canberra and District Football League, therefore Dave decided to try his hand at AFL Canberra level with the Tigers Club.

He joined the organisation in 1994 and was a regular senior grade player during his time – although freely admitting his disappointment at being “not good enough” in 1997 for 1st Grade selection. This in fact made him a more determined player and to prove a point, he became an integral member of the triple premiership teams of 1998, 1999 and 2000. This was in addition to playing in other Grand Finals, unfortunately without success including the 1994, 1995, 2002 and 2003 deciders.

He played in two Reserve Grade Grand Finals being in 2001 and 2004. In 2005, he was once again reinstated into 1st Grade selection and posted his 150th 1st Grade match during the season.

A tough, physical player “Stumpy” was a tremendously valuable player to the Tigers Organisation whether on or off the field. Whether as an on-ball player, wingman or on the half forward line rarely would you fail to see a 100% effort from one of the tremendously popular players of his time. He continued an involvement with the club as a Junior Coach and later as a Committee person securing the long-term major corporate sponsorship of Canberra Data Centres.

1st Grade Games – 158
1st Grade Premierships – 1998, 1999, 2000
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1994, 1995, 2002 and 2003
Reserve Grade Grand Finalist – 2001, 2004
Played 158 1st Grade Games
Football Committee Person 2011 – 2016
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Awarded Life Membership – 2005
Inducted Walk of Honour

Dave Imrie

Licensed Club Foundation President

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

Dave Imrie moved to Queanbeyan in the sixties from the small NSW country township of Tulibigeal in the Riverina District. He was an accomplished player at both Australian Football and Rugby League.

He immediately became involved in the Tigers Club passing on his many varied skills to his three sons Colin, Alan and Bruce. Both Colin and Alan went on to play over 150 1st grade games each with the Tigers as well as being Members of the Board of Directors during the formative years of the Licensed Club.

In addition, wife Nola served on many Committees and received Life membership of the Tigers Organisation in 1971 in recognition of her efforts.

Dave served as President of the Football Operations during the period 1968 to 1970 – a traumatic period for the Club as it languished down the bottom of the ladder. He again took the helm during the period 1981 to 1983 which was the period the Licensed Club became established.

In fact, the Tigers Licensed Club premises will forever remain as a monument to Dave Imrie as he was the main driving force towards the establishment of this very successful and delightful home base for his beloved team and its supporters.

Dave’s contribution to the establishment of Australian Football in Queanbeyan was recognised in 1983 with Life membership of the QAFC Ltd and by the National Football League in 1982 with the presentation of a Merit Award – the then highest honour to be bestowed on an individual in our game. In recognition of his contribution to the Licensed Club the main bar area in the Club has been named the Dave Imrie Bar.

Moved to Queanbeyan from Tullibigeal in the sixties
President of QTAFC; 1968 – 1971 (Inclusive), QAFC Ltd; 1981 – 1983 (Inclusive)
Chairman of Licensed Club Building Committee 1976 – 1983
National Football League Merit Award – 1982
Awarded Life Membership QAFC Ltd – 1983
Main Auditorium Bar in Licensed Club named the Dave Imrie Facility
Entire Family involved with Organisation

GEORGE SCHOW

Founder of the Tigers Junior Organisation

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

George Schow recalled that the Canberra Football League gave him one pound per week to assist help form a junior club in Queanbeyan during the 1931 season. On approaching the public and convent schools he was informed that only Rugby League was to be played in the schools.

One afternoon whilst having a kick down at the showgrounds, two boys playing truant came from behind the pavilion and started kicking the ball with him. Within a week he had twenty lads for an under 15 side, which after losing their first match went through undefeated for the rest of the season. Players in that team who were later to play in the three-premiership senior grade team of 1939, 1940 and 1941 were the Williams brothers, Mick Gibbons, Sid Brown (one of the truants), Jim Beazley, George Sherd and Ted Rowley.

George continued to coach many junior sides over three decades. His most successful team were the intermediate teams of 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950 and 1951, all of whom won consecutive premierships and formed the nucleus of players who participated in Queanbeyan \ Acton senior grade premiership teams of 1953, 1954 and 1956 (Champions).

Until his death in 1986, George was a keen follower of the Tigers Club having a wealth of football experience in the offering and a patron of the senior football club for eight years. He was awarded Life Membership of the senior grade club in 1961 as an acknowledgment of his contribution towards the development of Australian Football in Queanbeyan.

Founded Junior Tigers Organisation in 1931
Coached Junior Teams Over Three Decades
Coached Tigers Premiership Intermediate teams – 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951
Patron of Tigers Senior Organisation for eight years
Father of three sons, Keith, Ross and Peter all of who played over 100 1st Grade games each.
Strong supporter for over 50 years until his passing in 1986
Awarded Life Membership – 1961

THE SCHOW BROTHERS – Keith #1, Ross #5 and Peter #20.

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

Keith, Ross and Peter Schow, sons of the legend Tigers Junior coach George Schow wore the jumper with great distinction, each possessing outstanding skills honed to perfection from an early age by their dedicated father.

The three Schow brothers all played more than 100 first grade games for the Tigers and were founding members of the Tigers 100 Club formed in 1982.

Keith, the eldest was a star player in junior ranks winning many Best and Fairest club and ACTJAFL awards before graduating into senior football where he soon made a name for himself as one of the best full backs to have played in the League. At the age of 19, Keith won the Mulrooney Medal awarded to the Best and Fairest player in the ACTAFL. He was signed by Collingwood in 1951 playing for two seasons before returning to Canberra to play with the powerful Queanbeyan \ Acton combine teams being a member of the 1953 and 1954 premiership teams.

Ross was a classic back pocket or half-back flanker who earned a reputation as one of the toughest defenders of his era. His disposal and handling skills were a delight to watch.

Peter was a fine utility player who could play in attack or defence and could fill a position across the centre line when required. He possessed uncanny anticipation. Both Ross and Peter were excellent performers during their respective finals appearances.

Keith Schow #1

1st Grade Games – 119
1st Grade Premierships – 1953, 1954
1st Grade Captain / Coach – 1961
1st Grade Grand Finals – 1961
Recruited to Collingwood for 1951 and 1952 seasons
Won the Mulrooney Medal in 1950 – aged 19
Canberra Representative player
Founding Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club

Ross Schow #5

1st Grade Games – 119
1st Grade Premierships – 1953, 1954
1st Grade Captain / Coach – 1961
1st Grade Grand Finals – 1961
Recruited to Collingwood for 1951 and 1952 seasons
Won the Mulrooney Medal in 1950 – aged 19
Canberra Representative player
Founding Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club

Peter Schow #20

1st Grade Games – 119
1st Grade Premierships – 1953, 1954
1st Grade Captain / Coach – 1961
1st Grade Grand Finals – 1961
Recruited to Collingwood for 1951 and 1952 seasons
Won the Mulrooney Medal in 1950 – aged 19
Canberra Representative player
Founding Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club

THE WILLIAMS BROTHERS – Arthur, Ron, Harold #12, Jim (Bubby) and Roy #13.

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

The William’s Brothers were widely regarded as the most famous footballing family in the Queanbeyan Canberra district.

Their careers with the Tigers are legendary with each of the five brothers starring in several premiership teams as well as representing Canberra in numerous interstate matches commencing with Arthur’s selection in the All Australian Carnival in 1933 and terminating with Roy’s inclusion in the ACT team for the All Australian Carnival in 1958.

All the William’s boys possessed outstanding skills being polished ball handlers, with splendid foot and hand skills combined with controlled aggression to make them feared opponents of all clubs in the Canberra League.

Arthur, Ron Harold and Bubby were members of the Tigers famous 1939, 1940 and 1941 premiership teams. Harold better known as “Skinny” continued playing football post-war and in 1953 at the age of 33 Captained the powerful Queanbeyan Acton Premiership team. A remarkable effort considering he had played in the 1st premiership side for the Tigers in 1939.

Roy, the youngest of the five brothers played the 1952 season with Collingwood in the VFL and gained a reputation as a skilled aggressive performer. Roy was a member of the Queanbeyan \ Acton 1953-54 and 1956 premiership teams.

In addition to their prowess in the code of Australian Football all the William's brothers were highly skilled Rugby League footballers and played for the Queanbeyan Blues over many years.

Arthur, Ron, Harold and Roy are all members of the Tigers 100 Club – Bubby paying the supreme sacrifice in World War II.

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

Games Played Records pre war are not known however it is recognised that Arthur Williams played more than 100 1st Grade games.
Represented Canberra at the All Australian Carnival in 1933
1st Grade Premierships 1939, 1940, 1941
1st Grade Grand Finalist 1938, 1939 (drawn Grand Final)
One of five brothers who played 1st Grade with Tigers
Founding Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club

RON WILLIAMS

Games Played Records pre war are not known however it is recognised that Ron Williams played more than 100 1st Grade games.
1st Grade Premierships 1939, 1940, 1941
1st Grade Grand Finalist 1938, 1939 (drawn Grand Final)
1st Grade best and Fairest – 1941
Regular Canberra Representative player
One of five brothers who played 1st Grade with Tigers
Founding Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club

HAROLD WILLIAMS # 12

1st Grade Games – 213
1st Grade Premierships 1939, 1940, 1941, 1953
1st Grade Grand Finalist 1939, (drawn Grand Final), 1952
1st Grade Captain – 1953
Regular Canberra / ACT Representative including the All Australian Carnival in 1958.
One of five brothers who played 1st Grade with Tigers
Founding Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Inducted Walk of Honour
Founding Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club

JIM (BUBBY) WILLIAMS

1st Grade Games – unknown
Included in Wall of Fame along with four other brothers –only known set of 5 brothers to play 1st grade with the one club.
Lossed his life in World War 2

ROY WILLIAMS #13

1st Grade Games – 143
1st Grade Premiership’s – 1953, 1954, 1956
1st Grade Grand Finals – 1955
Played 1952 Season with Collingwood
Regular Canberra Representative
One of five brothers who played 1st Grade with Tigers
Founding Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club

FRANK JONES

Major Fundraiser

Wall of Fame Induction – 1992

Frank Jones accompanied by his wife Elise and children John, Alan & Mary arrived in Australia from England on the 3rd of October 1967 and settled in Melbourne. They moved to Queanbeyan on the 13 March 1970 and became interested in Australian Football when his two sons commenced playing our great Australian game in 1973 in the Under 19 Grade with the Tigers Football Club.

In fact, it was probably his wife and daughter who actually got the ball rolling through their involvement in raising funds for the Tigers by operating the canteen facilities at each of the club’s home games that persuaded Frank to become interested in the Tigers Club.

As the boys progressed out of the Under 19 Grade and into senior grade football they both found the standard of football out of their range but continued their association with the club in administration roles. John become the clubs official time keeper a position he held for over 500 games whilst Alan became a trainer with the Tigers in 1975 continuing in that association well into the eighties culminating with his involvement in many of the premiership teams of that era.

With the entire family holding some type of position within the club they were recognized in 1975 when they were awarded the best club persons award. They were again recognized in 1988 when the scoreboard of Margaret Donoghoe Sportsground was named the Frank Jones and Family scoreboard in appreciation of their efforts towards the Tigers Football Club over many years.

Alan Jones was awarded Life Membership of the Football Club in 1990 whilst his father received the award in 1994. Frank was also recognized for his contribution to Australian Football by the ACTAFL in 1987 gaining an ACTAFL Merit Certificate for his continuous service to the game in Canberra.

It is estimated that Frank Jones raised approximately $200,000.00 from 1975 when he began walking the streets of Queanbeyan selling tickets in various raffles. His approachable nature rarely saw a non-sale and many Queanbeyan residents looked forward to that regular knock on the door and his friendly smile and simple request of, “Would you like to buy a ticket in a raffle?”.

Moved to Australia from England in 1967
Became involved with the Tigers Club in 1973 along with wife Else and daughter Mary (canteen) and two sons John (timekeeper) and Alan (sports trainer)
Frank commenced raising funds by way of raffles and is estimated to have raised over $200,000
Awarded Life Membership – 1984
Family Recognition by way of naming the scoreboard – The Frank Jones and Family Scoreboard
ACTAFL Merit Award – 1987

BOB KAY

Player / Administrator

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

Bob Kay was born at Duntroon in the ACT and after moving to Queanbeyan as a youngster played his First Senior game for the Tigers at age sixteen, kicking eight goals in his first game and being named best on field in the local press.

He played more than 100 1st Grade Games for the Tigers from 1930 to 1941 including the legendary 1939-1940-1941 Premiership victories. He played outstanding football in the centre using his tremendous skills to set-up numerous goals for the Tigers.

Bob was an automatic selection into the ACT Representative teams leading the side as Captain on one occasion and was also vice-captain of the Tigers Premiership teams.

He was a magnificent club person on and off the field. In addition to playing for the Tigers he held down the position of Secretary of the Club in 1932 and 1933 and was Treasurer in 1934.

Games Played Records pre-war are not known however it is recognised that Bob Kay played more than 100 1st Grade games between 1930 and 1941.
1st Grade Premierships- 1939, 1940, 1941
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1938, 1939 (drawn Grand Final)
Regular ACT Representative including Captaincy.
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Vic Captain of 1939, 1940 and 1941 Premiership teams
Club Secretary – 1932 1933
Club Treasurer – 1934

TOM KELLY

Clubs First Mulrooney Medalist

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

Tom Kelly was born at Narrandera in 1912. In 1932 during the depression he left home like many other country people seeking work. In 1937 work commenced on the railway line between Bungendore and Captains Flat. Tom found employment on the railway line whilst living at Bungendore. Described by his team-mates as a well-built 6’2″ centreman he travelled from Bungendore to Queanbeyan each Saturday by train to play football. They described him as the “life of the party” after games.

Tom won the Mulrooney Medal with 13 votes on a countback from team-mate Merv Strang and Manuka’s Jack Dorman. He pulled 4 first votes. (In the nineties, players who had tied for Medals were recognised with both Jack and Merv being awarded the Mulrooney Medal ceremoniously).

In 1939, Tom played an important part in the Tigers first premiership team and was also a member of the Canberra representative team which played against New South Wales in Sydney and Canberra.

When war was declared he enlisted in the army and transferred to Melbourne. Although playing only two seasons in Canberra, Tom Kelly had made a dramatic impression on those who saw him play with his outstanding handling and first class kicking.

1st Grade Premierships- 1939
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1938, 1939 (drawn Grand Final)
ACT Representative 1938, 1939
Mulrooney Medallist – 1938

WAL MASON

Foundation President

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

Wal Mason arrived in Queanbeyan in 1924 from Ballarat in Victoria. The enterprise of Mason brought many changes to old Queanbeyan.

Mason succeeded in transferring a liquor license from the Gundaroo Royal Hotel to Queanbeyan and after subdividing a block of land in Crawford St, built the still standing Hotel Queanbeyan – more affectionately known today as the Top Pub. The construction built totally of brick and roofing tiles made at his brickworks, contained fifty-five rooms, cost 52,000 pound and was Queanbeyan’s first three storey building.

Wal Mason formed the first “Aussie Rules” Club in Queanbeyan in 1925. He was assisted by members of his family Stan, Fred and Joe. The team adopted the colours of red and white and was known as “Masons Team”.

Wal Mason was an emphatic sportsperson who liked to be best at whatever he tried, hence his decision to bring Melbourne stars Moss and Murphy to Queanbeyan specially to play in the semi – final team of 1925. The team won the match, however lost on protest with the team that they defeated, Federals, going on to wins the grand final.

The Mason Family, Wal Mason commenced a long historical period of Australian Football in Queanbeyan and for this he will be remembered as the founder of our game in Queanbeyan.

Moved to Queanbeyan in 1924
Transferred a Liquor License from Gundaroo Pub to Queanbeyan constructing the Hotel Queanbeyan (Top Pub) at a cost of 53,000 Pounds. This was the first 3 story building in Queanbeyan
He Formed the first “Aussie Rules“Club in Queanbeyan known as Masons Team wearing Red and White which eventually became the Queanbeyan Tigers.
Founding President of the Club

ROBIN SCHELBERGER #38

200 Club Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 1995

Robin is another player who had he been with a lesser club would have played close on 200 1st Grade games. As it stands he completed his career with 102 1st grade matches and well more than 100 reserve grade matches. His dedication to the Tigers throughout the eighties and nineties which has seen some of the best football teams produced by the club is testament of his desire to achieve success regardless of the level of football he played.

His achievements include: Reserve Grade Premierships in 1985, 1989 and 1990 (Captain) and a Grand Final in 1992. He received the ACTAFL Reserve Grade player of the Year in 1992, Runners up Reserve Grade Best and Fairest in 1992, Most Consistent Reserve Grade player in 1994 and Best Club person in 1994.

1st Grade Games – 102
Reserve Grade Premiership – 1985, 1989, 1990 (Captain)
Reserve Grade Grand Finalist – 1992
ACTAFL Reserve Grade Player of the Year – 1992
Reserve Grade Best and Fairest Runner Up – 1992
Best Club Person 1994
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Awarded Life Membership 1995
Inducted Walk of Honour

PHIL McCLURE #9

200 Club Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 1999

Phil McClure moved to the Queanbeyan \ Canberra district in 1986 and was heavily involved with the Tigers organisation as both a player and an administrator.

As an administrator Phil became President of the Tigers Junior organisation in 1988 when no other nominations were forthcoming. This despite the fact he had no offspring playing the game and in fact – was a young man himself.

He remained President for seven consecutive years in addition to playing 1st Grade football with the Tigers being a member of the 1988, 1989 and 1991 Premiership teams.

During his term as President he coached two junior teams, some of the players eventually graduating into the senior ranks and eventually playing alongside him. He has also represented the Junior Club on the Licensed Clubs Board of Directors.

Phil was inducted into the Tiger prestigious 100 Club eventually playing 151 1st Grade matches. In addition, he played well over 50 reserve grade games. He Co – Coach the Tigers Reserve Grade team in 1997 and 1998 during which year it participated in the Reserve Grade Grand Final. He was a match day assistant of the senior grade teams from 1998 to 2002.

He also contributed to the senior organisation by way of being treasurer for a period of 5 years. In addition to his great enthusiasm for the Club, his wife Karen has been of great support providing statistics each week of the 1st grade games. He was awarded Life membership of the seniors in 1999 and of the Juniors in 1998.

1st Grade Games – 151
1st Grade Premierships – 1988, 1989, 1991
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1986, 1987, 1990
Co-Coach of the Tigers Reserve Grade 1997 and 1998 (Grand Finalist)
President of the Tigers Junior Organisation for seven consecutive years
Treasurer of Senior Grade Football 2000 to 2005
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Licensed Club Board of Director
Awarded Life Membership – Football (1999), Juniors (1998), Licensed Club (2004)

GEORGE STEVENS

200 1st Grade games

Wall of Fame Induction – 1995

George Stevens made his 1st grade debut in 1980 but did not cement a spot in the top grade until 1986. He was a permanent member of the team from then on participating in nine grand finals for premierships in 1988, 1989 and 1991.

He was also a member of the 1985 Reserve Grade Premiership team and represented the ACTAFL in 1991 in the NSW State Championships. The 1987 and 1989 1st grade teams were regarded as two of the best teams of the modern era and for George to be a member of those teams speaks highly of the player.

George went on to play in 206 1st Grade matches. He continued his association in the game as Coach of St Edmunds Under 15 grade team with his sons gaining notoriety for their football abilities in the teenage years. Eventually both Kaine and Reed played 1st Grade football with the Tigers Kaine being a member of the Tigers magnificent NEAFL 2012 Premiership team before making a name for himself with the West Adelaide Football Club as a Premiership player and Best and Fairest. Reed is a Grand Final player for the Tigers as well as being a playing member of the Canberra Demons in the NEAFL Competition.

1st Grade Games – 206
1st Grade Premierships – 1988, 1989, 1991
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1986, 1987, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1995,
Reserve Grade Premierships – 1985
Awarded Life Membership – 1995
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Inducted Tigers Walk of Honour.
Served as a Director on Tigers Licensed Club

JACK MCNAMARA

Our Father Figure

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

Jack McNamara arrived in Queanbeyan in 1933 from Sydney. He married Nell Mason, daughter of Wal Mason – the Tigers Foundation President of 1925 – and so was steeped in the tradition of the Tigers Club from the time of his involvement.

Jack McNamara was an outstanding footballer being a star in the premiership teams of 1939, 1940 and 1941. Although not of heavy physique, Jack played in the ruck and was regarded by all opponents as a very tough highly skilled performer who gave 100% in every game. His playing career extended from 1933 to 1950 with the Tigers.

Apart from serving the Tigers superbly for 18 seasons, Jack was also a regular selection in the ACT teams for over a decade and was appointed captain and coach of several representative ACT combinations.

On the administrative side, Jack filled many executive positions with distinction including President 1960 -1964 and Treasurer 1946 – 1951. Jack was awarded Life Membership in 1958 whilst his late wife Nell – a tremendously dedicated worker for both the Junior and Senior organisations – was also awarded Life Membership in 1964.

The fact that Jack McNamara retained an interest with the Tigers for over 55 years is an indication of his loyalty to the Tigers and indeed the City of Queanbeyan.

Jack played well in excess of 200 games and was a founding member of the Tigers elite 100 Club formed in 1982. The ACTAFL Reserve Grade Medal for the Best and Fairest player is named after the legendary McNamara in recognition of his contribution to our great Australian game.

Games Played Records pre-war are not known however it is recognised that Jack McNamara played in excess of 200 1st Grade games between 1933 to 1950.
1st Grade Premierships – 1939, 1940, 1941
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1938, 1939 (drawn Grand Final)
Regularly selected in ACT teams for over a decade and was appointed captain and coach of several representative ACT combinations.
President – 1960 – 1964 (Inclusive)
Treasurer – 1946 – 1951 (inclusive)
ACTAFL Reserve Grade Medal for the Best and Fairest named the Jack McNamara Medal
Awarded Life Membership – 1958
Founding Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club

NOEL MILLER

Our First LEGEND #1

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

It was only special people of the caliber of Noel Miller whose sincerity and complete loyalty to the Club in a very unique way kept the Tigers alive.

Although producing four daughters Noel Miller’s love of the game kept him involved as a player or team manager. His greatest joy is to see under age players’ progress through the ranks and succeed at the highest level of senior grade football with the Tigers. He managed (or assisted) the 1986 and 1987 Under 17 Premiership teams, the 1984 Under 19 Premiership team, the First Grade Premiership teams of 1985, 1988. 1989, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2012 and 2015 whilst attending to 12 other grand finals in this grade.

In the Reserve Grade he was Team Manager of the 1985, 1989, 1990, 2007,2009, and 2010 Premiership teams with 10 other grand finals for this grade whilst probably one of his proudest moments was being Club Manager of the 2002 Undefeated Champion team in the Under 18 Grade.

He also attended to the Under 21 grand final team of 1997 and the Under 18 Grade Premiership team of 2014. He received Life Membership of the Club in 1985, an ACTAFL Merit Award in 1986, the Tuggeranong Cowboys Grand Final Luncheon and Federal Member for Monaro Volunteer of the Year Awards (respectively) in 2001.

The enormous voluntary service given to the Club by this very loyal gentleman will never be surpassed. During his respective term(s) as Team Manager he has received the utmost respect from all members of the Tigers Club. This is particularly so with the players who have shown great commitment during the tough years as team manager and then during the enormously successful era when Noel graced our presence as team manager.

The Club recognised his 40 Year Service as a Team Manager with elevation from Wall of Fame Status to be the Clubs First Ever LEGEND

Longest serving Team Manger (or Assistant) 1977 through to 2017
Awarded Life Membership – 1985
Associate Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Reserve Grade Best and Fairest named the Noel Miller Medal

Team Manager of the following:

NEAFL – Eastern Conference Premiership – 2012
NEAFL Championship Grand Finalist – 2012
1st Grade Premierships – 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2014, 2015
1st Grade Grand Finalists – 1986, 1987, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2016
Reserve Grade Premierships – 1985, 1989, 1990, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011.
Reserve Grade Grand Finalists – 1992, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2017, 2018
Under 18 / 19 Grade Premierships – 1984, 2002, 2014.
Under 18 / 19 Grade Grand Finalists – 1997, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2016, 2018
Monaro Division 2 Premiership – 1977

ALAN MUIR #7

LEGEND #2 60 Years’ Service

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

The Terrace Bistro in the Tigers Licensed Club has been named the Alan Muir Room, after the Clubs longest serving stalwart.

Alan was the Clubs record 1st grade games record holder for 31 years with a total of 225 games. He commenced his playing career in 1947 and played in three successive Intermediate Premiership teams – 1947, 1948 and 1949 before graduating into the Tigers senior grade teams.

In addition to playing in six grand finals including the 1953, 1954 and 1956 Premiership teams he represented the ACT for over a decade mainly in his preferred centre half back position.

He held many positions as a club official in his 60 years of involvement including the following:

President – 1951
Secretary 1959 – 1961
Senior Vice President – 1981
Publicity Officer – 1950, 1957 – 1961, 1984 – 2002
Member of Building Committee – 1978 – 1980
ACTAFL, AFL Canberra Tribunal Delegate – 1985 – 2002

His long association with Australian Football in Canberra and with the Tigers Club has been recognised by the following:

Admitted to the Tigers 100 Club – 1982
Admitted to the ACTAFL 200 Club – 1982
Awarded QTAFL Life Membership – 1985
Awarded QTAFC Merit Award – 1987
Inducted into the Tigers Wall of Fame – 1987
Awarded ACTAFL Media Award – 1999
Received the Australian Sports Medal – 2000
Inducted to the ACT Sports Hall of Fame – 2000
The Tigers Under 18 Grade B & F became known as the Alan Muir Medal – 2001
Received Recognition for Years’ Service from the AFL – 2002
Elevated to LEGEND Status at the 2014 90 Year Dinner

Alan Muir was a gentleman in the true sense of the word; a loyal club-person and devoted football follower. His vast knowledge of our great game and of the Tigers Club was unsurpassed. His untimely passing in 2006 robbed the Tigers Club of its past.

REG NETTING

Player / Administrator

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

Reg Netting was born in Finley, NSW and moved to the Queanbeyan district in 1935. He immediately joined the Tigers Club and proved himself the “prince” of centre half backs of his era.

Reg was a magnificent high mark and a splendid kick and out-pointed all opponents in well over 100 First Grade Games for the Tigers including the brilliant 1939, 1940, 1941 flag winning combinations.

He was a regular selection in the ACT Representative sides proving to be a quality player at the highest level.

Reg Netting also filled the position of Club Secretary in 1938 and 1940, stamping his name as a tremendous person both on and off the field.

Games Played Records pre-war are not known however it is recognised that Reg Netting played more than 100 1st Grade games between 1935 and 1949.
1st Grade Premierships – 1939, 1940, 1941
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1938, 1939 (drawn Grand Final)
Regular ACT Representative
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Club Secretary – 1938, 1939, 1940.
Described as the “Prince “of Centre Half Backs.

Michael Niesen #20

200 Club Games / Prolific Goalkicker

Wall of Fame Induction – 2004

After the 1993 season the Club sought and were successful in enticing West Adelaide Assistant Coach Rod O’Riley as 1st Grade Coach for the 1994 Season.

O’Riley was aware of the Clubs history and player requirements through former player Michael Kennedy who at the time was a playing member of the West Adelaide Club. Major positional players were required and so the name Michael Niesen came forward for the possible replacement of the ageing Allan Mapleson – the Tigers long serving full forward of the day.

Michael Niesen joined the Tigers in February of 1994 on a one-year arrangement vowing to return to Adelaide after experiencing a year in Canberra – a place he never thought Australian Football existed. In deed he had never heard of Queanbeyan – only Fyshwick – for reasons other than football!

Eleven years later – “Nieso”, as he is more affectionately known – became known as one of the Tigers greatest ever forward line players having posted an incredible 648 including a century of goals in his first year with the Tigers of 1994.

As one of the best full forwards in the club’s history his name is etched with the likes of century goalkickers Mal Wheeler, Lindsay White, Allan Mapleson and Merv Strang. No other player in the history of the League had posted over 600 goals until being surpassed by great team mate Mark Armstrong who eventually posted 811.

He played in three premierships and a further four grand final appearances during this time.

Included in the Premierships is the magnificent 1999 and 2000 victories in which he gains favourable credit for the team’s incredible wins against enormous odds. He posted arguably some of the best pressure goals in these two grand finals. The 1999 game of which he was named the Best on Ground Player receiving the prestigious Alex Jesaulenko Shield. His on-field leadership is inspirational and many a win came from the boot of this very popular club person.

He played for the AFL Canberra Representative team on 10 occasions and was the League’s leading goalkicker in 1997 (45) and 1998 (97).

“Nieso” was a club leader on and off the ground and his recruitment to the Tigers provided the club one of the great success stories in its long history. He continued his involvement when finished at senior level by way of becoming an inspirational Reserve Grade Premiership player in 2010.

1st Grade Games – 169
1st Grade Premierships – 1998, 1999, 2000
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1994, 1995, 2002, 2003, 2004
Posted 648 Goals during the period 1994 – 2003
Posted 101 Goals in 1994 – 100th goal being kicked in GF
Second leading goal kicker in the Clubs History as of 2017
Represented AFL Canberra on 10 occasions
League leading goal kicker in 1997 and 1998
Named Best on Ground in 1998 1st Grade Grand Final
Reserve Grade Premierships – 2007 (captain)
Playing member of the 2009 Reserve Grade Premiership team
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
QBN FM 96.7 Game day presenter
Awarded Life membership – 2004
Inducted Tigers Walk of Honour

TONY WYND #2

LEGEND # 4

Tigers 1st Grade Games Record Holder 347

4 Time Mulrooney Medalist / All Australian

Wall of Fame Induction – 1987

Queanbeyan and the ACT’s first All Australian Representative was Tony Wynd.

Tony was selected in the Australian “Galahs” team to tour Ireland and the USA in late 1987. He is one of the very few players to be selected for this team outside the major Australian Football League including AFL, VFL, SANFL & WANFL.

Although only 23 at the time of his selection he was well qualified, being one of the most outstanding footballers during the eighties. Tony Wynd represented the ACT at all levels of football both Junior and Senior. He achieved the following football personal highlights during his career:

Selection in the All Australian Under 17 Teal Cup team.
Won the Tigers 1st Grade Best & Fairest a record 5 occasions: 1982, 1988, 1991, 1993 & 1997 and in doing so had the award named after him to record this magnificent achievement. The 1st Grade Best & Fairest award became known as the Tony Wynd Medal in 1997 – ‘he won his own medal that year’.
Won the Mulrooney Medal as the League’s Best & Fairest a record four occasions: 1983, 1988,1989 and 1990.
Played a record 347 1st grade games with the Tigers Football Club
In addition, he played a record 41 representative games for the ACTAFL
Named Vice Captain of the ACTAFL Legends Team – a team selected from all players who have ever played in the ACTAFL during its 75-year history at the time of the announcement.
Captain of the Tigers for a record 8 years – 1988 to 1995
Captain of the ACT representative team for a record period: 1988 to 1991 and then again during the period 1994 to 1997
Played in 11 1st Grade Grand Finals for the Tigers winning 6 Premierships (1985, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1998, 1999)
Assistant Coach of the Tigers: 1988 to 1993 and 2002
Best on ground in the 1990 Grand Final winning the Alex Jesaulenko Medal
Awarded Life Membership of the Tigers in 1989
Admitted to the Tigers Wall of Fame in 1987
Admitted to the Queanbeyan City Council’s Sporting Gallery in the Bicentennial Hall
Awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000
Inducted Tigers Walk of Honour
Elevated to LEGEND Status at AFL Canberra – 2019

Selection in the All Australian Galahs team proved one of the highlights of his career however a broken bone in his right leg prevented him making the journey. The National Football League still recognised his talents with presentation of his All Australian jumper.

“Aussie” as he is well known can best be described as a determined player, a dedicated club-person who was an excellent ambassador for the Tigers Club, Queanbeyan City and our great game of Australian Football.

MALCOLM WHEELER #14

The Tigers Sensational Full forward

Wall of Fame Induction – 1996

Tiger’s Champion full forward or centre half-forward Malcolm Wheeler is widely regarded as one of the most gifted players of the fifties and sixties to wear the famous Tiger jersey. His rapid elevation to First Grade Football (after not having the benefit of a junior career) and with only a handful of colt’s games under his belt, is a remarkable story.

Mal made an immediate impact in senior ranks, thrilling fans with his superb aerial work, taking sensational marks in the packs and kicking long and accurate goals to destroy opposing teams. After kicking 65 goals in his debut season in 1957, Mal booted 87 goals in 1958 and posted 108 goals in a magnificent effort during the 1959 season, a large percentage being kicked from the centre half forward position. Malcolm was also the Tigers Leading Goal kicker in 1961, 1962 and 1963 winning the Club Best and Fairest in 1963 and again in 1965.

During his illustrious career, Mal played 103 First Grade Games for the Tigers and performed with distinction in ACTAFL representative teams for several seasons, including the 1958 All Australian Carnival held in Melbourne.

His goal kicking efforts for the Queanbeyan Tigers gained him the record for goals kicked for the Tigers Club (479) a record which would not be broken until 2001 by Michael Niesen.

Played 1st Grade in 1957 after playing just a handful of junior footy games
Posted 65 goals in debut season followed by 87 in 1958 and 108 in 1959.
Tigers leading goal kicker in 1957, 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962 and 1963.
1st Grade Best and Fairest – 1963, 1965
1st Grade Games – 103
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1961
ACT Representative including the 1958 All Australian Carnival
Held the Most Goals Kicked for the Tigers (479) until 2001
Founding Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club

COL WHEELER #17

200 First Grade Games

Wall of Fame Induction – I996

Col Wheeler is the younger brother of Malcolm and was a star backman during the sixties and early seventies. He is one of only nine players to play 200 First Grade Games for the Tigers, a milestone achieved during the 1971 season.

More affectionately known as “Herb” Col was one of the most reliable Queanbeyan players of his era rarely beaten in a contest, an excellent mark, an expert and skilled player despite the lack of on field success. Col rarely missed a game and consistently produced praiseworthy efforts, against all opponents for his beloved Tigers.

Col won many awards for his superb defensive play whilst representing the Queanbeyan Tigers in a fine career. He is a member of the elite ACTAFL 200 games club and was awarded Life Membership of the Tigers Club in 1971.

1st Grade Games – 200
Magnificent fullback who played in a difficult era for the Tigers through the sixties and early seventies.
Founding Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Member of the ACTAFL 200 Game Group
Awarded Life Membership in 1971
Inducted Tigers Walk of Honour

JOHN WHEELER #22

Ace Ruck-man of his Era

Wall of Fame Induction – 1996

John Wheeler is the cousin of Col and Mal. He broke into the Tigers Seniors ranks after only a few colt’s games and without the benefit of a junior career went on to become the leading ruck man for more than a decade (1957 to 1968) using his great frame to dominate ruck and marking contests with strength and skill.

He was an immediate selection in the 1958 ACTAFL Representative team which went to the All Australian Carnival in his first full season of senior football. John became a regular selection in ACT Representative teams in a period which can be only described as a one of the most dominate by a ruck man in a career stretching from 1958 to his last Representative game in 1968.

Big John took out the Tigers Best and Fairest in 1959 and 1962 plus captained the First-Grade side in 1962. He played 136 First Grade Games for the Tigers always giving a totally committed performance and proved that he was one of the best big men to have worn the Tigers jersey.

1st Grade Games – 136
Leading Ruck-man for period 1957 – 1968
Regular ACT Representative including the 1958 All Australian Carnival
Represented the ACT for a period of 10 Years
1st Grade Best and Fairest – 1959, 1962
1st grade Grand Finalist – 1961
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 1961
1st Grade Captain – 1962
Founding Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
All Australian Carnival in his first full season of senior football

John became a regular selection in ACT Representative teams in a period of time which can be only described as a one of the most dominate by a ruckman in a career stretching from 1958 to his last Representative game in 1968.

Big John took out the Tigers Best and Fairest in 1959 and 1962 plus Captained the First Grade side in 1962. He played 136 First Grade Games for the Tigers always giving a totally committed performance and proved that he was one of the best big men to have worn the Tigers Jersey.

STEVE VIZY #15

200 1st Grade Games \ Mulrooney Medalist

Wall of Fame Induction – 2000

When Steve Vizy was coerced into playing in an Under 15’s junior game of Australian Rules by his mate Tim Wynd, no one thought that he would become one of the clubs most consistent and favourite players ever to don the black and gold.

Such was the case in the year 2000 when we celebrated his 200th First Grade Game and his induction into the Tigers Wall of Fame.

Steve’s talents were first recognised in 1987 when, as a member of the Tigers Under 17 Grade Premiership team he was called upon to play his 1st First Grade Game.

He went on to play in ten Grand Finals with Premierships in 1988, 1989, 1991, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

In 1988, he was awarded the ACTAFL Best First Year Player Award. In addition, Steve was keenly scouted by the North Melbourne Football club to join their hugely successful Under19 grade team.

He represented the ACT on many occasions, co-captained the Tigers Club in 1999 (along with career mate Michael Goiser) and was adjudged the ACTAFL Best and Fairest Player in 1997 being awarded the Mulrooney Medal. This same year he won the 104.7 Player of the Year Award.

His enormous ability to lift a team with his voice and enthusiasm before, during and after the match has often been the difference between a win and a loss for the Tigers.

When the Vis is ‘on song’ you know the Tigers will perform. His fitness and dedication and his preparation for any game was always to the forefront. Whilst he took some persuading in the early days to back up each year for another season, his efforts set a great example to the younger players of the club.

Steve Vizy is one of our champions. His infections smile and genuine concern for the Tigers Club, his team mates and his many friends will always regard the ‘Wizard’ as one of the great individuals to have graced the playing arena in the Black and Gold of the Queanbeyan Tigers.

1st Grade Games – 223
1st Grade Premierships – 1988, 1989, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2000
1st Grade Grand Finals – 1990, 1992, 1994, 1995
1st Grade Co Captain – 1999
ACTAFL Best First Year Player – 1988
Mulrooney Medallist – 1997
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
AFL Canberra Wall of Fame Induction – 2017

Longest-Serving-Supporter-Sponsor-and-Vo

JILL BRIGHT

Our Most Loyal Supporter

Wall of Fame Induction – 2010

Jill was the first Lady to be included in the Tigers Wall of Fame. After devoting her time, effort, personal monetary contribution, voluntary support and very loving nature to everyone associated with the Tigers Club.

For over 60 years, Jill has been the Tigers most avid supporter. She has served the Club since being a teenager growing up among her local heroes such as Alan Muir, the Williams Brothers, Wheeler lads, the Schow Brothers and many more – some of whom have now passed.

Her devotion along with her late husband Alan and daughter Nicole is noticed every week of the year by way of a collection of yearbooks they have put together dating back to the late 70’s. These yearbooks include every known newspaper article every written word about the Tigers Club and members of its family.

Incredibly she assists with fundraising activities each week for the Junior Club, operates the scoreboard at every Senior home game. A position she has performed since the club moved from the Queanbeyan Park in 1979.

No one is more passionate than Jill about her beloved Tigers. She has often taken players “under her wing” and assisted and guided them through the early stages of their youth and is the “mother of footy” of the Tigers Club.

Jill Bright was inducted into the Wall of Fame in recognition of her untiring efforts of support and as one of the true CHAMPIONS of the Club. In a separate recognition, the Tigers New Ladies team which entered the AFL Canberra competition in 2010 had the Best and Fairest player award named the Jill Bright Medal.

The Tigers New Scoreboard was named the Jill Bright Scoreboard with a plaque honouring this achievement placed within the confines of the grandstand at the Margaret Donoghoe Sporting Complex.

Assists with fundraising activities each week for the Junior Club.
Operated the scoreboard at home game since 1979.
Produced Tigers Year Book since late seventies containing every newspaper article written about the Tigers Club and members of its family.
First Lady to be included in the Tigers Wall of Fame. This after devoting her time, effort, personal monetary contribution, voluntary support and very loving nature to everyone associated with the Tigers Club.
Tigerettes Best and Fairest named the Jill Bright Medal.
Associate Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Scoreboard named the Jill Bright Scoreboard
Awarded Life membership – 2007

DENNIS QUADE #12

200 Club Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 2010

When Dennis Quade joined the Tigers Football Club in 1997 the organisation could not have asked for a more loyal servant. He has since played 200 Club Games (71 of those in 1st Grade) and now joins an elite group of players to reach the 200 Club game milestone.

His inclusion into the Tigers Wall of Fame adds another unique character to the magnificent group of individuals who have significantly contributed to the Club during its history. The following information refers to achievements gained during his playing career with the Club.

There has never been a time when this hugely popular person has not given everything to the Tigers organisation. His dedication, loyalty and fun-loving nature is endeared by all. There is no doubt that his laid-back country style manner has been a very positive and sincere attribute to the way he is respected by all and sundry.

Dennis has never asked anything of the club and has been one of the most supportive of everything that may occur in a sporting organisation like the Tigers Club. He has been a true leader both on and off the field.

1st Grade Games Played – 77. Reserve Grade Games Played – 130
1st Grade Premiership player – 2000
Reserve Grade Best and Fairest –1999, 2007
Reserve Grade Grand Finalist – 2001, 2003, 2006, 2008
Reserve Grade Premiership Player – 2007, 2009 (Captain), 2010 (Captain)
AFL Canberra Reserve Grade Player of the Year – 1999, 2007, 2010
Awarded Life Membership 2010
Inducted Tigers Walk of Honour

He is a true champion and a very popular inclusion in the Tigers Wall of Fame.

COL IMRIE #12

Player and Administrator

Wall of Fame Induction – 2017

Colin Imrie was inducted on the same evening as brother Alan. Our second induction.

He played 161 1st Grade games along with approx 40 years as a Club administrator which includes being the Licensed Club treasurer, the Football Clubs treasurer, a Director of the Licensed Club and a member of its Finance Committee and now being Vice Chairman of the Football Operations.

Col provided Tax Agency and Accountancy Advice and Service (pro bono) since the Licensed Club opened its doors in 1983.

On the footy field, he was highly gifted and regarded as one of the most talented players to have represented the Tigers. Hamstring injuries prevented being drafted to the VFL in those days however he did represent the ACT on many levels including being on the bench in 1972 v Collingwood.

Although no senior grade premierships were forthcoming he played his final game for the Tigers as a Premiership player in the 1985 Reserve Grade Premiership team. Included with the induction into the Tigers Wall of Fame is Life Membership.

1st Grade Games – 161.
Club Administrator since 1974 – to current representing both Licensed Club and Football Club
Vice Chairman of Football 2016 – current
Treasure of Football and Licensed Club and numerous occasions
AFL Canberra Representative
Member of the 1985 Reserve Grade Premiership team
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Inducted into Tigers Wall of Fame – 2017
Awarded Life Membership – 2017
Inducted into Tigers Walk of Honour – 2017
40 years service as a Administrator & Board at the Tigers Licensed & Football Club.

NEIL IRWIN #8

200 Club Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 2014

When veteran back line player Neil Irwin took the playing arena for the Tigers against Tuggeranong at Greenway Oval for his 150th 1st Grade game there was an ironic twist to this achievement in that he was originally a Tuggeranong Bulldogs Junior before crossing to play under age footy for the Tigers.

He would go on to play more than 200 Club Games for the Tigers which entitled him Wall of Fame status along with Walk of Honour Induction and Life Membership.

Being a resident of “nappy valley” provided closeness to the Junior Tuggeranong Club but it was never an issue where he would play his senior grade football with his grandfather Stan Anderson being a prolific footballer in his days with the Tigers Club along with Uncles Robert and Ian Anderson both playing senior footy for the Tigers – Robert being one of the great Tiger players having 229 1st Grade games to his credit along with a stint with Footscray (now Western bulldogs of the AFL).

Neil has undoubtedly some of his grandfather’s qualities with his on-field battles becoming legendary during 200 Club game stint. This was highlighted in 2012 with Jessie White of the Sydney Swans, Particularly so in the 2012 Grand Final with “big Neilo” taking the honours – as did the Tigers to win their first ever NEAFL Eastern Conference premiership.

Tigers Scholarship recipient – 1999
Reserve Grade Grand Finalist – 2001, 2003, 2018
First Grade Games – 164
First Grade Premiership – 2014
First Grade Grand Finalist – 2004, 2007
First Grade Most Improved – 2004
Tigers Spirit Award – 2010
First Grade Most Determined – 2011
NEAFL EC Premiership Player – 2012
NEAFL Championship Grand Final Player – 2012

WALLY THOMPSON

Long Serving Volunteer

Wall of Fame Induction – 2013

The Tigers longest serving Timekeeper Wally Thompson was inducted into the Tigers Wall of Fame in 2013.

His service to the Tigers spans many decades covering multiple positions within the organisation however his chief role has been that of timekeeper where he has excelled.

Covering the period from 1987 to this very day, he has served the Queanbeyan Tigers Club with distinction never faltering in the way he has represented the club with total honesty, reliability and sincerity to all associated with the Club.

Wally has invariably been involved in all matters black and gold and along with wife Lesley supports each function, provides refreshments for the volunteer staff each game along with “those magnificent sandwiches” after games. In addition, players looked forward to the delicious cakes served to players on those long bus trips when the club traveled in the NEAFL years.

On top of the timekeeping duties, Wally also assists with the preparation of player’s pre-game as a masseur for all grades as well as attending at least one night a week to assist with those duties at training. His expertise of preparing the annual preseason roast spit is legendary and yet another culinary delight that is fondly looked forward to each year.

He was the original Chairman / Organiser of the very popular Port Club which met once a month as a fundraising activity in the eighties / nineties.

His involvement spans 30 years in an official capacity and much longer as a supporter and friend of the Tigers Club Organisation. Wally was awarded Life Membership in 1998.

The Tigers Timekeepers Box at the Margaret Donoghue Sporting Complex has been named the Wally Thompson Timekeepers Box with appropriate signage displayed on the front of the grandstand.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was named the Wally Thompson Volunteer of the Year Award in 2019.

Inaugural Chairman of Tigers Port Club
Club Timekeeper for all Grades since 1987 – to current
AFL Canberra Timekeeper on numerous occasions
Provider of Pre-Season Spit
Timekeepers Box named the Wally Thompson Timekeepers Box
Volunteer of the Year named the Wally Thompson Volunteer of the Year Award
Along with Wife Lesley, they provide Volunteer refreshments each game

MICHAEL WESCOMBE #33

200 Club Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 2014

Michael Wescombe joined the Tigers from affiliate club Harman Hogs in 2001 and enjoyed a successful career with the Club over the next 13 seasons. This included playing in 1st Grade Grand Finals (2003, 2004 and 2007) along with a 1st Grade Premiership in 2014.

Along the journey he also competed in Reserve Grade Grand Finals in 2001 and 2006 collecting a Best and Fairest award in 2002 in that grade.

He was a dynamic on-ball player who often moved forward and was extremely dangerous around goals. His ability to be an all-rounder was typified by his tenacity to take the occasional “screamer” whilst also being an in and under player.

1st Grade Games – 107.
1st Grade Premiership – 2014.
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 2003, 2004, 2007
Reserve Grade Grand Finalist – 2001, 2006
Reserve Grade Runner Up Best and Fairest in 2002
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Awarded Life Membership – 2014

ALAN IMRIE #17

200 Club Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 2017

200 Club Games is an awesome effort and should be acknowledged even 34 years after the event. In 2017 Alan Imrie was finally rewarded with induction into the Tigers Wall of Fame for the achievement of playing 200 plus Club Games. In addition, he was recognised with Life membership and inducted into the Michael Haddock Walk of Honour at the Tigers home ground.

Records were a bit sketchy in the 70s and early eighties hence this achievement was missed. He is acknowledged as one of the hardest and most reliable players to have donned the Tigers black and gold jumper.

Playing off the half back line and being a former junior Tiger this player represented the Tigers on 201 occasions (182 1st Grade) before moving to the South Coast where he continued playing for the Batman’s Bay Sea hawks along with becoming a highly successful business person.

He was renowned for his tenacity and ability to get the hard ball and played in a period during which the club was slowly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the late seventies and early eighties. Unfortunately, the 1st Grade team could not get past the preliminary final on five occasions that he represented the Tigers.

1st Grade Games – 182. 18 Reserve Grade Games
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Inducted into Tigers Wall of Fame – 2017
Awarded Life Membership – 2017
Inducted into Tigers Walk of Honour – 2017

RENEE LOPPI #28

200 Club Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 2010

Not many players can boast a record of winning most every best and fairest award available while progressing through a Junior Organisation. That is the achievement Renee Ioppi recorded at a young age with the Queanbeyan Tigers before progressing into the Tigers senior ranks.

He has since gained recognition in most every manner at the Senior Grade level with exception of a senior grade best and fairest. But during the journey of 200 Club games his record speaks for itself.

Renee has been one of the most popular players to have donned the black and gold since the club was established in 1925. Injuries have certainly plagued his long career but when fully fit he has been an inspirational player and leader. He has represented the Tigers Club in a manner befitting many of our other champion players.

Member of the 1996 Grand Final NSW \ ACT RAMS team
1st Grade Games Played – 182. Reserve Grade Games Played – 18 Reserve Grade
Tigers Scholarship recipient 1998 – 1999
1st Grade Premiership player – 1998, 1999, 2000.
Grand Finalist 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007
Reserve Grade Grand Finalist – 2001
Reserve Grade Premiership Player – 2010
Captain – 1st Grade 2005 and 2006 (until injured), Co-Captain – 2007, 2008 and 2009

RYAN QUADE #2

200 1st Grade Games

Wall of Fame Induction – 2014

Ryan Quade is one of the most capped players in the Tiger's History and with his retirement at the close of business in 2017 with 240 1st Grade games, he joined an illustrious group that achieved almost every possible accolade and achievement.

This included premiership success, numerous grand final appearances, winner of the Tony Wynd Medal (1st Grade Best and Fairest), AFL Canberra and NSW Representation, Captaincy and most importantly being one of the most respected players to have donned the black and gold jumper.

He greatly contributed to the Tigers Club culture with strong loyalty and leadership qualities that provided inspiration to the many young players that enjoyed the experience of playing alongside him.

Family history provides the connection for Ryan after having played his junior football across the border. Brian Quade (Ryan’s fathers) is famously known within the organisation as Coach of the team that competed in 8 grand finals for 4 premierships during the period 1984 through to 1993.

Ryan was Captain of the historic NEAFL Eastern Conference Premiership team of 2012 won against a quality Sydney Swans Reserve Grade team, a club he won a premiership with in 2005 when taken on their rookie list for that season.

He was a wonderful on field Ambassador for the Tigers Club, a highly respected individual amongst everyone in the footy club and indeed throughout AFL Canberra and the NEAFL Communities.

At the time of playing his 200th 1st Grade match he joined such legendary players to reach the 200 1st Grade mark in Tony Wynd, Mark Armstrong, Michael Goiser, Jason Gilbert, Doug Daniel, Chris Davis, Robert Anderson, Alan Muir, Steve Vizy, Harold Williams, George Stevens, Col Wheeler and Jack McNamara.

1st Grade Games – 240.
NEAFL Eastern Conference Premiership Player – 2012
1st Grade Grand Finalist – 2003, 2004, 2007, 2016
Reserve Grade Grand Finalist – 2001
Supplementary player – Sydney Swans 2005. Played 16 games
Premiership Player with Sydney Swans Reserve Grade AFL Canberra team in 2005
ACT Representative – 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008.
NSW Representative – 2010.
NEAFL Eastern Conference team 2013.
Tigers Captain – 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Tigers Co-Captain – 2007, 2008, 2009.
Dane Quade Medal Best Under 21 Player – 2004
Michael Haddock Past Player Medal – 2006
Tony Wynd Medallist – First Grade Best and Fairest – 2011. Runner Up – 2006, 2009.
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Awarded Life Membership – 2014
Inducted Wall of Fame – 2014
Inducted Tigers Walk of Honour – 2015
Football Committee person 2017 –
Original Member of Delegation attending Solomon Islands as a Community Activity – 2017

PAUL WALSHE #42

Administrator / Committee Person

Wall of Fame Induction – 2018

Paul Walshe has had a long history with the Queanbeyan / Canberra Community. He is the son of Brian Walshe – a former Tigers player of the sixties. His service to the Tigers Club spans many decades and is the reason for his induction into the Tigers Wall of Fame.

He has been a strong community contributor having been a board member of the Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group for many years, a board member of the Alcohol and Drug Counseling Service Directions ACT and worked with a group of other concerned Queanbeyan residents about the lack of a respite centre in Queanbeyan.

Paul is a former junior of the Tigers Club having played in the younger age groups before his family moved to the Tuggeranong area where he rose through the ranks before eventually playing senior grade football with Tuggeranong.

He transferred back to the Tigers in 1988 where he gave outstanding service as a player, coach and committee person. His value to the Club is recognised through his loyalty to producing and maintaining numerous video / DVDs encompassing the history of the organisation along with presenting the Tigers prestigious 100 Club since 1998.

As the former Marketing Manager of ActewAGL he was responsible for the Tigers gaining a major sponsorship from that company – the Tigers Licensed Club being the first NSW based company to use energy from the ACT. The ongoing Major Sponsorship will extend to 23 years by the end of 2021.

Club Games – 106
Coach of Monaro Division 3 – 1992 (Preliminary Finalists)
Coach of Under 19 Grade – 1993 to 1996
Coach of Under 21 Grade – 1997 (Grand Finalist)
1st Grade Assistant Coach Triple Premiership teams – 1998, 1999, 2000
Club Treasurer – 1992 to 1996 inclusive
Awarded Life Membership – 2001
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
MC of 100 Club 1998 – continuing
Awarded Australian Order of Merit – 2017
Commonwealth Games Baton participant – 2018

BRETT FRUEND # 23

200 Club Games

Brett Fruend enjoyed a long and successful career with the Tigers as an on ball player but mainly as a dynamic forward line player.

A former junior, he endured a long road with the club until finally becoming a regular 1st Grade player eventually co-captaining the team in 2017. He captured two Armstrong/Niesen Medals as the 1st Grade leading goal kicker in 2014 and 2016 and enjoyed premiership success with the highly regarded 2012 NEAFL Premiership team that defeated a very talented Sydney Swans combination.

1st Grade Games – 146.
2009 Reserve Grade Premiership Player
2012 NEAFL Premiership Player
2012 NEAFL Conference Grand Final Player
2014 / 2016 QT 1st Grade Armstrong / Niesen Medalist (35 & 35)
2015 QT 1st Grade Premiership Player
2016 QT 1st Grade Grand Finalist.
Member of the Tigers prestigious 100 Club
Played 200th Club Game in 2018
Inducted into Tigers Walk of Honour – 2018
Awarded Life membership in 2018

Mark Thompson #3

Player, Administrator

Mark Thompson received Life Membership of the Tigers Football Club in 2000 and Life Membership of the Tigers Licensed Club in 2006. These acknowledgements represent two decades of service by Mark at both Clubs as Secretary of Football and as the Football Delegate on the Licensed Club Board. He is the longest serving Secretary of the Football Club serving 23 years in the position (1992 – 2014).

A quintessential character, loyal and dedicated and with a thoughtful process of decision making, Mark is recognized as being one of the most respected Administrators during the history of the organisation.

Thommo was a talented footballer, captaining the Tigers 1984 Under 19 Grade Premiership team and subsequently played 74 games (37 1st Grade games) in what would be an injury riddled career forcing an early retirement.

Most recently he has dedicated his time assisting long-time friend and former team-mate Peter Newham as a presenter of 1st Grade games for both Men’s and Women’s Grades on QBN FM 96.7.

He has also been an avid participant within the junior organisation following his son Riley through the ranks into the Clubs Senior Club Under 18 Grade Rising Stars team.

Captain Tigers Under 19 Grade Premiership team – 1984
Secretary of Queanbeyan Tigers Football Club – 1992 – 2014 inclusive
Member of Tigers Prestigious 100 Club as an Associate Member – 2020
Life Member (Football) – 2000, Life Member (Licensed Club (2006)
Wall of Fame Induction - 2020

Adrian Pavese

Coach, Administrator

Adrian Pavese is one of the most successful coaches in the history of the club with over 200 games to his credit. This includes both Men’s and Women’s senior grade teams and under 18 grades of both genders.

His record includes being coach of the Men’s triple Reserve Grade Premierships – 2009, 2010, 2011 along with a 1st Grade Assistant Coaching role in the highly regarded NEAFL title of 2012. The crème de la crème is a 1st Grade Premiership in 2020 as Senior Grade Coach.

Along with his coaching expertise “Pav” has held administration positions in the organisation as Junior Administration Manager and Senior Football General Manager – a position he excelled particularly during the covid19 epidemic.

He joined the Tigers Organisation in 2008 from Griffith Swans where he also had a decorated career as Coach of many Junior and Senior teams including 1st Grade Coach in 2016/17. He also held 1st Grade Coaching positions with Corowa in the strong Ovens & Murray League as well as with the Gungahlin Jets of AFL Canberra.

Reserve Grade Premiership Coach 2009, 2010, 2011
Reserve Grade Grand Final Coach – 2008
Junior Administration Manager – 2009 - 2012
Care-Taker 1st Grade NEAFL Coach from mid-2011
AFL Canberra Women’s Coach of the Year - 2011
Senior 1st Grade Assistant Coach of NEAFL Premiership team - 2012
General Manager – October 2017 – current
Under 18 Grade Tigerettes Rising Stars Premiership Coach – 2018
1st Grade Premiership Coach – 2020
1st Grade Co-Coach – 2021 / 2022
AFL Canberra 1st Grade Coach of the Year with Kade Klemke - 2021
Wall of Fame Induction - 2021

Hannah Dunn #2

Premiership Player / AFLW Gold Coast Suns Captain

Hannah Dunn is regarded as one of the founders of the Tigers Women’s Program.

The Tigerettes were established in 2010. The team played in Division 2 of the AFL Canberra Women’s Competition.

As a youngster, Hannah joined the Tigerettes as only the second female to sign with the Club having never played the game before. It would be an outstanding career in which she became the most decorated Tigerette covering 134 1st Grade games.

Division 2 Premierships were achieved in 2013, 2014 and 2015 capped with 1st Grade Premierships in 2017 and 2019. Hannah Captained the Tigerettes from 2013 to 2018 and represented AFL Canberra during the period 2010 to 2015.

Hannah was also a member of the successful AFL Canberra Women’s representative team that won the AFL National Championship Division 2 title.

Along the journey Hannah would be a squad member of the GWS GIANTS AFLW, joined SANFL Club Norwood in 2019 and then would be drafted to the Gold Coast Suns in 2020. Such was her qualities both on and off the field the Gold Coast Suns named her as Co-Captain in 2021 and sole Captain in 2022.

Original Tigerette – 2010
134 1st Grade Games
1st Grade Premierships – 2017 and 2019
Division 2 Premierships in 2013, 2014 and 2015
Best & Fairest 2013 and 2018
Tigerettes Captain 2013 – 2018
AFL Canberra Women’s Representative 2010 – 2015
AFL Canberra Division 2 National Champion team member - 2013
GWS GIANTS Squad – 2017
Played in the GWS GIANTS Inaugural Round 1 Match v Adelaide
Joined SANFL Club Norwood – 2019
Drafted to Gold Coast Suns – 2020
Co-Captain of Gold Coast Suns – 2021
Captain of Gold Coast Suns – 2022
QTAFC Board Member 2017 - 2019

Wall of Fame Induction - 2021

Lani Watson #3

150 Club Games

In 2021, a decision was made to include female players into the Tigers Wall of Fame and Walk of Honour based on the achievement of playing 150 Club Games. The men’s equivalent is 200 games.

This decision was based on lesser games being played in the formative years of the Tigerettes.

Lani Watson is the first female player to achieve this milestone after a long and successful career with the Tigerettes as small forward / on ball player.

Lani is a four-time premiership player being a member of the triple Division 2 Premiership teams of 2013, 2014, 2015 with a career highlight being a member of the 2017 1st Grade Premiership team. A prolific goalkicker, Lani is a leading goalkicker in 4 seasons.

2021 - First female player to be inducted into Tigers Wall of Fame and Walk of Honour
2017- Tigerettes 1st Grade Premiership Player
2013, 2014, 2015 Tigerettes 2nd Division Grand Final Player
2011, 2012, 2016, 2018 - Tigerettes leading goalkicker.
AFL Canberra Representative
Member of the Tigers 100 Club
Played 150th Club Game in 2021

Wall of Fame Induction - 2021

Ella Ross #36
Playing Achievements

One of our most decorated female players who boasts 4 Premierships and 4 Best & Fairest since joining the Tigers in 2014 from the Australian Softball Team.

Ella was our first ever drafted female player into the AFLW competition back in 2017 and has also played at VFLW levels. Ella has also had an impressive ACT Representative career and actually played a state game vs. Sydney before even playing her first ever club game back in 2014.

1st Grade Games - 105
Premierships – 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019,
1st Grade Best and Fairest – 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019
Drafted to GWS GIANTS - 2017
Richmond VFLW - 2018
Club Captain - 2021
AFL Canberra Representative - 2014 to 2018
Wall of Fame Induction - 2022

Joan Vosnakes
Team Management

Joan was the Inaugural Team Manager of the Tigerettes and since the Year 2010 has been an integral part of the management and development of the Women’s Program.

Her attention to detail and the wonderful disposition she endures to all players and officials has certainly been the catalyst to the success of both teams which resulted in the triple Premiership teams of Division 2 plus the magnificent 1st Grade Premierships of 2017 and 2019.

The Tigers Most Promising Female Player Award was named after Joan in 2017 for her outstanding contribution.

Team Manager - 2010 onwards
Division 2 Premierships – 2013, 2014, 2015
1st Grade Premierships – 2017, 2019
Wall of Fame Induction - 2022

Bowyer Brothers - Ian, Peter and Murray
Playing Achievements

Wall of Fame Induction - 2023

The induction of the Bowyer Brothers is a great story for the Tigers Club stemming back to the early eighties when we were informed of a young curly haired ruckman playing some outstanding football at Batemans Bay. He was known as Shirl. Former Club President Dave Imrie and former Eastlake Player/Coach Kerry Briant who were both involved with Batemans Bay at the time suggested we should try and recruit this player to the Tigers.

That we did in 1984 - and along with him came brothers Peter and Murray. Not only did we have the three Bowyer lads, but we also had their parents Dawn and John who were obviously strong and proud supporters of the boys. They became avid Tigers supporters.

There has been a lasting family affair ever since - with siblings from all three being involved with the Tigers Club and becoming important members as players, supporters, girlfriends etc and most importantly Premiership players as were their fathers.

Ian “Shirl” Bowyer #20

Player Achievements

128 First Grade games
Best and Fairest 1985 and 1990
Alex Jesaulenko Medal 1985
Premiership Player 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991
Grand Finalists 1986, 1987, 1990, 1992
ACT Representative Player

Peter ‘Perkins’ Bowyer #26

Player Achievements / Administration

80 1st Grade games
Premiership Player 1985
Grand Finalists 1987
ACT Representative Player
Long time Director of the Queanbeyan Tigers Licensed Club
Heavily involved with the refurbishment of the Licensed Club

Murray ‘Muz’ Bowyer #25

Player Achievements

109 First and Reserve Grade Games
Premiership Player 1988, 1989 and 1991
Premiership Player 1984 (Under 19’s)
Grand Finalists 1987, 1990
ACT Representative Player

WALL OF FAME

The Tigers Wall of Fame was a first in the district and is widely acclaimed by many sporting organisations.

The initial Wall of Fame inductees were drawn from a wide spectrum of individuals all of whom provided the Tigers with outstanding service to the organisation or by way of an outstanding achievement.

2023 Tigers 100 Club Booklet

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At least two individuals were included from each decade in the initial Wall of Fame opened in 1987.

The inclusion of a person on the Tigers Wall of Fame normally occurs either from the milestone of playing 200 1st Grade Games (or the total of 200 Club Games) or for an Outstanding Achievement whether on the playing field, as an Administrator or as a Volunteer.

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The criteria and subsequent admittance on the Wall of Fame for an Outstanding Achievement is based on the historical value of the achievement.

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The Tigers Football Operations has a sub committee to review all achievements and to subsequently decide on new inclusions.

The Tigers Wall of Fame is situated within the Tigers Licensed Club, Queenbar Road Queanbeyan adjacent to the Tigers Home Ground Allinsure Park.

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The following individuals (in alphabetical order) are represented on the Wall of Fame with a brief description – which is then followed by a full resume (in no particular order) of each induction:

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Adrian Pavese - Coaching, Administration

Alan Muir * – LEGEND # 2

Alan Imrie – 200 Club Games

Bob Griffin – Renown Sports Masseur, Australia wide

Bowyer Brothers - Ian, Murray & Peter Playing Achievements

Brett Fruend – 200 Club Games

Brian Quade – Four Time Premiership Coach

Bob Kay * – Player, Administrator.

Chris Davis – 200 1st Grade Games

Col Wheeler * – Outstanding Player

Col Imrie – Player / Administrator

Dave Imrie * – Foundation President – Licensed Club

Dennis Quade – 200 Club Games

Doug Daniel – 200 1st Grade Games

Ella Ross - Playing Achievements

Floyd Primmer * – First Premiership Coach – 1939

Frank Hopkins * – Team Management

Frank Jones * – Fundraiser

Fred Gisik – Long Serving Sports Medicine Trainer

Gary Bullivant – President Licensed Club / Sports Medicine

Geoff Gosling – Administration Junior and Senior

George Schow * – Founder of Tigers Junior Organisation

George Stevens – 200 1st Grade Games

Hannah Dunn - Player, AFLW Achievements, Board Member

James Black – Four Best and Fairest Awards

James Dore – Triple Premiership Coach

Jason Gilbert – 200 1st Grade Games

Jeff Gilbert – Outstanding Premiership Player

Jill Bright – Volunteer and first lady induction into W of F

Joan Vosnakes – Team Management

John Wheeler * – Outstanding Player

Lani Watson - 150 Club Games

Mark Armstrong – 300 1st Grade Games LEGEND # 5

Mark Thompson - Player, Administrator

Mal Wheeler – Outstanding Player

Merv Strang * – Player, Administrator.

Michael Goiser – 200 1st Grade Games

Michael Wescombe – 200 Club Games

Michael Niesen – League Goal kicker

Neil Irwin – 200 Club Games

Noel Miller – Team Management LEGEND #1

Paul Walshe – Administrator / 100 Club Official

Phil McClure – 200 Club Games

Reg Netting * – Player, Administrator.

Renee Ioppi – 200 Club Games

Robert Anderson – 200 1st Grade Games

Robin Schelberger – 200 Club Games

Rod Gisik – 200 Club Games

Roger Cuschieri – 200 Club Games

Ron Fowlie – Administrator LEGEND # 3

Ryan Quade – 200 1st Grade Games

Stan Anderson * – Player / Sports Medicine Trainer

Steve Vizy – 200 1st Grade Games – Mulrooney Medalist

Schow Brothers – Keith * Ross * and Peter * Outstanding Family Contribution

Tom Kelly * – First Mulrooney Medalist – 1938

Tony Wynd – 300 Games - All Australian – 5 Best and Fairest LEGEND # 4

Van Rakowski – Player / Administrator

Wal Mason * – Foundation President in 1925

Wally Gisik – Administrator

Wally Thompson – Volunteer timekeeper, masseuse, caterer etc

Williams Brothers – Arthur * Ron * Harold * Jim * Roy * Famous Brothers combination

* Deceased

WALL OF FAME MEMBERS

FLOYD PRIMMER

MARK ARMSTRONG #1

LEGEND # 5

TONY WYND #2

LEGEND # 4

Ella Ross #36
Playing Achievements

Joan Vosnakes
Team Management