Tigers take down Redlegs in season opener

Welcome back to the 2022 season! It was so good to see so many supporters here at ACH Group Stadium for our round 1 game against Norwood. With the reserves pulling off a remarkable win in the last minute of the game it provided a good starting platform for the league team.

With nine changes to the grand final team and six debutants, it was an exciting day for the club and the debutants’ families. Congratulations to Hugh Stagg, Cole Gerloff, Corey Lyons, Riley Holder, Nick Leck and Nic Minchin on making their debuts for the club. It was particularly a long time coming for Nick Leck, who has waited five years to make his league debut. It was exciting to see these young guys rewarded for outstanding preseasons. All performed well and their work rate on the day was impressive, with Nick, Hugh and Riley kicking their first goal for the club.

We always knew Norwood were going to be a formidable opponent and that is what we got. It was a tough, hard contested game which saw them win the stoppage battle, but we were able to capitalise on turnovers and score from them. I thought our defence stood up really well. It was great to see Billy Stretch back, fully fit and providing run for us, along with Jordan Murdoch, who has returned to club after 11 years in the AFL System, and Matt Allen, who provided some good run and carry for us.

It was pleasing to see our effort and work rate at a level that allowed us to pressure Norwood and keep at them for four quarters. Claiming the points was a good way to start the year and I look forward to seeing improvement in the squad as the season progresses.

This week against Sturt at Wigan Oval will be another tough contest. Sturt have a young, tough physical team that will provide us with a challenge we are looking forward. We hope to see you there.

– Brett Hand, Senior Coach

Goal kickers: L. McBean (3), M. Allen, R. Holder, L. Hosie, R. Kuller, N. Leck, L. Partington, H. Stagg, J. Yates