Tigers’ fast start too strong for Adelaide

After a solid week of training following our disappointing performance the previous week, we couldn’t have been more pleased with how we started in our Round 3 encounter with the Adelaide Football Club. Starting with great energy and intent for the contest had been a strong focus and while we were ok if it didn’t lead to reward on the score board straight away, it was important to set the tone for how we wanted the game to look. 5 Goals in the first 15 mins was certainly great reward for the group and it was built of relentless pressure all over the ground.

Most pleasing was our ability to maintain the pressure at a high level for the first 90 mins or so of the contest. With that part as the start point, defensively we were able to get back to where we wanted it to be which allows our offence to get going. Some exciting ball movement was the result with our forwards able to capitalise on some good work. As a group we are aware of what it looks like for us to play the game how we want to, so we feel the last few weeks has given us some great little learnings and reminders of what the important areas to get right are. We certainly know we have a lot of improving to do and growth in all of us, and that was evident in the last quarter. We dropped off in all areas and allowed the Crows to dictate to us around the contest and in work rate away from contest. There was a level of frustration for us no doubt and something we need to be better at. Again, we take some learnings away and aim to improve when these moments come up again.

Our Reserves group unfortunately were not able to put the full 4 quarters together again. The group was able to play some strong football at different times and showed that they are more than capable. The past 2 weeks have provided a lot of the group with some great insight of areas that they can improve individually and certainly as a group. The ability to be able to maintain intensity and consistent effort for longer is an area of focus into round 4. There were some strong performances from a number over the day that continue to push for League selection.

Our focus for our players now is recovery both physically and mentally as we head into the Anzac Day Grand Final rematch with Sturt at Stratarama Stadium on Thursday. Being a 4 day turn around into the game is a challenge for both clubs but the opportunity to be able to represent our club and the SANFL competition on such a special day more than makes up for that. Our playing group are excited, and we can’t wait for Thursday afternoon to come around. We look forward to seeing all our great supporters there again, should be a great day.

Go The Bays

– Darren Reeves, Senior Coach

Goal kickers: McBean (5), Hosie (4), Reynolds (3), Allen, Bailey, Bell, Holder

Best Players: Bell, Lyons, McBean, Kuller, Kitschke, Hosie