Mayne will certainly enjoy the bye this weekend buoyed by the prospect of a large number of players available for selection for the clash with Wilston Grange on the 18th May.  Whilst sitting at 0-3 it has been difficult to get a form line on the side given the number of changes to the lineup each quarter let alone each week.
 
With Housego, Paterson, Sellen and Aldridge set to return from injury the coaching staff will be looking to keep the faith in the inexperienced lineup that showed terrific fight against the Demons last week.  17 year old first gamer Zac MacLean was outstanding on a forward flank and continued to build the representation from Everton juniors in the senior line up.  He was joined by ex Mayne Junior in 18 year old Eddie Newman who displayed a clean set of heels and has a bright future ahead.  Ex Tasmanian and Morningside defender Alex Potter also made his debut in Tigers stripes and was amongst the best in an exciting display. 
 
It was also a double celebration for the Tigers with Luke Faulkner ecstatic with the birth of Archie on Tuesday (Jess was very pleased too!) as well as being cleared to play next week after a calf injury restricted him to little over a half a game versus Surfers Paradise.
 
Up the Tigers

Despite holding a narrow lead at 3 quarter time on Saturday, Mayne were overwhelmed by a 9 goal final quarter blast from the Magpies who ran out 39 point winners at Sherwood.  In what was a sometimes brutal affair both sides entertained the crowd with an exhibition of high quality football. A seven goal 3rd quarter surge gave the Tigers a chance of snatching the 4 points however the loss of Jake Magill (broken leg) and Nic Aldridge (hamstring) in the first half proved too much to overcome.   The severely depleted midfield battled manfully against all odds with Sam Paterson a powerhouse all day.  Liam Burke was busy in his Tigers debut up forward and Jack Collings again threw his body at every contest and also slotted 3 goals.  The Magpies small forwards were hard to handle all day with Thompson (7 goals) and 16 year old Hearne (4 goals) dynamic.  The focus turns to next week against the Springwood Pumas at home in what is typically a cracking contest between the two clubs.

Western Magpies 21.13.139 d. Mayne Tigers 14.16.100

Best: T.O'Malley, S.Paterson, D.Hartley, C.Brown, J.Collings, S.Daly

Goals: C.Brown 4, J.Collings 3, C.Massingham 2, L.Bourke 2, A.Housego, S.Daly, L.Faulkner

Henry Leong loves footy.

So much so that the 16 year old heads down to Mayne Tigers training four nights a week, running with the under-18s and the seniors.

Leong won’t be draft-age until 2014, but he has already played two senior games for Mayne and senior coach Mitch Ferguson says he will be adding plenty more to that number this season.

Leong has always played at the Tigers, starting with Mayne’s junior affiliate, Everton, in the under-eights and he enjoys his footy just as much now as he did then.

Everton coaching director and former Brisbane Bear Danny Craven has coached Leong on and off through his footy career, says Leong’s passion for the game is clear to see.

“I wouldn’t say he’s a fanatical trainer but he just loves footy so much that he wants to be training all the time.”

The Brisbane Lions’ success of the early 2000s attracted Leong to the game, but with a naturally strong build and talent for the game, it is clear to see that he and footy are a pretty good match.

While plenty of young footballers struggle to bulk up, Leong says he has never had never had that problem.

“You see some real twigs out there. I’ve always been kind of bigger bodied,” he says.

 “I’ve really worked on my fitness this pre-season so that I can run with [senior opponents] in a game.”

Craven says he rates Leong as one of the state’s top young players.

 “He’s definitely capable of playing state footy. He hasn’t quite broken through largely because his fitness has not been where it needs to be,” Craven says.

“He’s worked on that and now he’s in great condition for season 2013.”

“In my opinion, he’s in the top 20 players in Queensland.”

Craven said Leong “inherited” the Everton Under-16s captaincy last year as the most experienced player in the side.

But the added responsibility did not bother Leong, who delivered a best on ground performance in the Division Two grand final despite being on the end of a 37-point loss.

Craven says Leong is mature for such a young player, coaching the under-12s at Everton this season.

 “He’s a well-rounded kid. He’s a credit to his family and the junior club,” he says.

“He’s working on his leadership and his communication and that’s indicated by his coaching involvement.”

In the lead up to the 2013 season, Mayne senior coach Mitch Ferguson described Leong as a “16 year old in a 25 year old body.”

“He’s a big, strapping lad. He can keep up with the play with the way he’s built,” Ferguson said.

“He’s a hell of a kid. We’re very lucky to have him.”

Playing off the half back flank, Leong models his game on players including Richmond’s Brett Deledio and West Coast Eagle Beau Waters.

Leong’s dream is to play in an ANZAC match at the MCG, but right now he just wants to cement his spot in Mayne’s senior side and take advantage of the opportunity to play with older guys.

He says his first foray into senior footy against Sandgate last season was a memorable experience.

“The guys really embraced me,” he said.

“It was lots of fun, I don’t think I’ll forget it, it was amazing.”

Craven believes that Leong is well on his way to a strong footy future.

“He’s got a promising future in footy,” he said.

“He’s got his head screwed on and that’s half the battle for a lot of young guys now.”

The Tigers completed their pre season with a hitout against the Springwood Pumas in all 3 grades at Everton on Saturday.  Each side showed enough on the park to suggest that 2013 will be another step forward for the resurgent Mayne Football Club.  A youthful reserve grade outfit, complimented by the addition of a number of Everton junior recruits were particularly impressive and pleased coach Russ Ditchburn to no end.

The highlight of the weekend however was the annual Mayne Tigers Jersey Presentation and Auction held after the game in the Tiger Den.  A capacity crowd was on hand to witness lot C headed by Shaun Daly snagged in a bidding frenzy by astute investors Sam Ditchburn and Sam Gardner who were well pleased with their purchase.  All other lots reached record sales as the stage resembled something out of a Magic Millions yearlings sale.  Auctioneer Andrew Housego and MC Matthew Jones performed admirably in their respective roles and kept the crowd entertained all evening.

Notable mention also must be made to the large number of wives, girlfriends, mums and dads on hand who enjoyed a fantastic evening and were made to feel very welcome by the wider playing group and friends.

To all the players new to the club who received their playing number for this season we wish you all the best in your endeavours this season at the Mayne Tigers AFC.

After slogging it out on the training track the last few months the Tigers were very pleased to finally be able to play a game of footy.  The trial game at Yeronga on Tuesday night proved to be an excellent contest, played in good spirit with a drink and schnitzel afterwards.  Ticking all the boxes in many ways!
 
The match also enabled the coaching staff their first look at the new boys in Tigers colours, who all played strongly.
 
After a 5 year lay off ex Redlands ruckman Dion Schultz showed terrific athleticism and energy around the ground and looks to be a valuable addition to the big man stocks.  Ex- Tasmanian Liam Bourke was a livewire across half forward racking up plenty of touches and will only improve from the run. Bourke joins the Tigers as a midfield / forward type with plenty of speed. Nic Aldridge has been a calming influence down back since his arrival from Wyndhamvale and will add experience and poise to the side.  Aldridge was targeted by the coaching staff for his finals experience and utility value and interestingly enough to add to the number of school teachers in the playing ranks.  17 year old Ryan Barbagallo in his first game of senior footy did some good things and no doubt will be itching for another crack.  Barbagallo was recruited from Caboolture as a goal sneak but with his raking left foot will be able to play further afield when needed.

Yeronga did enough to suggest they will be a strong contender this season with some wonderful players all across the ground. Veteran Shaun Mugavin showed the crowd glimpses of magic around goals looks set for a big year.

A big thanks to Yeronga for putting on the game and we wish the club all the best this season.

It was a welcome return to the training track this week for club legend Andrew Housego who enters this season on 234 senior games.  Buoyed by the addition of a number of handy recruits Housey duly posted his personal best 3km time trial in a jaw dropping exhibition of his ability to push through the pain barrier.  The proud father of 2 children (Abigail and Spencer) is saddling up for his 18th season of senior footy with the Tigers.  This season could see Housie spend more time back in front of the goals after spending most of 2012 in defence.  In any event the Tigers faithful will again be grateful to watch this ageless warrior in action.

After surviving the recent floods in the north Sam Paterson has now turned his attention to the training track.  Rumour has it that he is planning an assault on the Tigers' 3km time trial club record tonight after a mountain of work in the Xmas break.  The popular midfielder now in his 3rd year at Everton looks in better shape than ever and again be a pivotal player for the Tigers in 2013 where he has finished runner up to the club champion the past 2 seasons.
 
Mayne train Monday and Wednesdays at 615pm at Mott St, Everton

The Mayne Tigers will bounce into this season buoyed by the news that club captain Caleb Brown has overcome the niggling injuries that restricted him to only 11 games in 2012. Brown suffered a serious ankle injury early on and only really got going late in the season where the Tigers won their last 4 games on the trot. Brown will headline a powerful forward line this season and lead an expanded leadership division on field.

Luke Faulkner underlined his remarkable consistency at the Tigers by finishing 3rd in the 2012 club champion award after winning the coveted Keath Beavis club champion trophy in his first 2 seasons with the club. Faulkner has enjoyed a freshen up over the break and will again provide that class edge to the Tigers around the ground.

Tom Falconer was another player Mayne missed in 2012 as a chronic leg injury curtailed any influence he might have had on field. Falconer only managed 10 games for the season but has left no stone unturned in the off season to ensure 2013 is a success. A booming left footer Falconer is critical to the Tigers fortunes and will relish the chance to join the leadership group.

The trio of Tigers spearhead a retention policy the club has implemented which will lay a strong platform for success in 2013.

Training starts on Wed 30th Jan at 615pm

The Mayne Tigers have started 2013 with a bang by signing Albury Tigers star and the 2011 Ovens & Murray League Medalist Shaun Daly as a playing assistant coach.  The 27 year old midfielder will bring with him some much needed finals experience to Everton Park as the Tigers look to break a premiership drought dating back to 1982 when the late Mick Nolan led Mayne to victory at Windsor Park.
Daly, an accountant, will relocate to Brisbane with work in late January and identified the challenge of guiding the improving Tigers outfit to finals as his prime motivation for the decision to play for Brisbane's most famous club.

"Albury Tigers were in a similar position when I joined the club and we have enjoyed terrific success the last 4 years.  I have been really impressed with the efforts of Mayne in helping us to settle in and can't wait to get into it." Daly Noted.

Daly will add considerable size and strength to the Tigers midfield which will also feature 2011 club champion Adam Stevenson, Tom Falconer and ex Qld representative Nikos Keim.  Mitch Ferguson, in his 6th year as senior coach credits an astute recruiting drive as a major reason the Tigers will develop even further in 2013.

"It was extremely important that any player we were talking to fit the criteria for us both on and off the field.  We spent a considerable amount of time doing our homework on players and are confident that the boys who join the Tigers this season will be terrific servants to the club" Ferguson Said.

Daly will be joined at Mayne by his former teammate Josh Duffy who played alongside former Brisbane Lions star Daniel Bradshaw at Howlong last season.  A tenacious midfield / forward type Duffy will relish the opportunity to again play under Daly where the wide expanses of Everton Park will suit his combination of electric pace and sublime skill.  A schoolteacher by day Duffy is also looking forward to working with and developing the younger players at Mayne where he will draw on his finals experience in Victoria.

Training resumes on the 30th January at 615pm

For those that were unable to attend the launch of Bob Gowers new book, "From Glory to Heartache: The History of the Mayne Tigers, we have copies available for purchase now.  We can arrange postage to anywhere in Australia for $12, and the cost of the book is $50.

To purchase a copy please contact Bob Gower robertgower@hotmail.com and he will be able to send you a copy.

The Mayne Tigers will kick off their campaign at the 2013 Pineapple Hotel Cup Premiership shortly, pre season training will commence next weekend Sat 17th November 8am at Kangaroo Point (river terrace).

They will then follow it up with a light run on Wed 21st November 6:15pm at Everton (Mott St) where we will give everyone an update on what has transpired since the end of season 2012 and what we have planned for 2013.  There are some incredibly exciting things happening on and off the ground.

From there it will be Sat sessions only until we break for Xmas.  More details to follow. 

Please bring runners to each session.  Look forward to seeing you all there