Mayne Tigers AFC

Champion Tiger Andrew Housego faces a race against time this week to overcome a hamstring injury suffered in the on-field warm up on Saturday at Everton.  The Tigers went on to grind out a 24 point victory with Housego playing on for a quarter before retiring to the sideline.  In his place young Taylor Murtha put in an early claim for goal of the year after taking possession in the back pocket and bouncing the ball the length of the field and kicking truly from 50m out.  It was a fierce contest early on with the Pumas making their intentions clear, displaying an intensity to the task that shook the Tigers into action.  It took until midway through the final term for the Mayne boys to take control of the game with Stu Vimpany consistent all day and debutant Dean Hartley impressive at half back.  It was the same outcome in all three grades with the reserves and under 18s both recording tough wins.  The Tigers now face their longest road trip of the year when they take on the Blues at Coolangatta this Saturday.

Mayne Tigers 11.19.85 def Springwood Pumas 9.7.61

Goals - G.Ryan 2, D.Hartley 2, C.Massingham, D.Smith, L.Faulkner, J.Moritz, C.Brown, J.Seccull, S.Vimpany

Best - S.Vimpany, N.Smyth, D.Hartley, M.Jones, T.Murtha, C.Brown

The Mayne Tigers are embracing new technology with style, launching the Mayne Tigers Web App to be downloaded today.  The new app is all about bringing fans closer to the action at the Tiger Den, with live news/twitter feeds, fixtures and results, photos, social calendar plus much much more all at your fingertips, it is an essential app for any true tiger fans phone or iPad.

To install the Mayne Tigers AFC Official App view this link on you mobile device and save to your home screen (we will keep you updated as the native phone app hits stores).

The App is also now available on Google Play for Android owners, soon to be in the iPhone app Store.

The Tigers once again lowered their colours to the Sandgate boys with the visitors over running the Tigers by 4 goals at Everton on Saturday, recording their 14th straight win over Mayne.  The Tigers were never able to crack the youthful Sandgate outfit and had very few winners on the day.

Sandgate controlled the stoppages and ran rampant at the centre bounce in the second half to put the Tigers defence under enormous pressure.  Despite the tireless efforts of Spencer Greville, Adam Stevenson and Stu Vimpany the side capitulated in the last quarter conceding 7 goals to 2.  It will require a concerted effort on the training track this week to ensure a return to the winner's list against Springwood on Saturday at Mott St.

Mayne AFC 15.5.95 def by Sandgate AFC 18.11.119

Goals: L.Faulkner 5, A.Stevenson 3, B.Davies, W.Stephens, G.Ryan, B.McElligott, B.Faulkner, S.Greville, S.Vimpany

Best: S.Greville, A.Stevenson, S.Vimpany, S.Paterson, L.Faulkner, W.Stephens

The sure hands of wet track specialist Luke Faulkner set up a grinding win over the Maroochydore Roos on Saturday. The former Tasmanian reveled in the heavy conditions, with his 4 goal haul proving the difference between the teams in the end. Faulkner combined well with veteran forward Luke Ferguson, with both players finishing off the strong efforts of the hard working midfield. Another of the Tigers' Taswegians in Adam Stevenson also thrived in the mud, consistently driving the ball forward. The young Maroochydore outfit were superb all afternoon with the game in the balance right up until the final siren. The Tigers now have 2 wins in the bank and face traditional rivals Sandgate on Saturday at Everton - the first home game of the year.

Mayne Tigers 10.5.65 def Maroochy Roos 5.7.37

Goal Kickers: L. Faulkner 4, L. Ferguson 2, S. Vimpany 2, J. Collings , R. Louwen-Skovdam
Best Players: C. Paterson, L. Faulkner, A. Stevenson, J. Henry, S. Greville, W. Stephens

The relentless pressure from the rejuvenated Mayne Tigers laid the platform for a dramatic 4 point win over the Surfers Paradise Demons on the Gold Coast yesterday.  In constant drizzle both teams found the conditions tough with neither side giving an inch the entire afternoon. 

Ultimately it was the Tigers' third quarter efforts which proved the difference pushing the lead out to 19 points which was enough to see the visitors cling to victory.  The goalkicking was shared amongst a number of players for the Tigers with Corbin Sellen's snap from an impossible angle in the second quarter a highlight.  First gamer Ben McElliot also displayed terrific endeavour when injected into the contest after halftime.  The Tigers now head to Grange for the local derby on Friday night with the coaching panel allowed the luxury of considering taking in an unchanged lineup.

The Tigers topped off their pre season campaign with an encouraging display against an understrength Maroochydore outfit at Everton yesterday.  In a tight opening stanza both sides tried to gain the ascendency with strong running and tackling.  However, over the course of the match the Tigers were able to grind the younger Roos outfit out of the game and were able to keep the scoreboard ticking over for the final 3 terms.  Ex Melton and Broadbeach midfielder Glen Ryan showed his versatility in kicking 4 goals whilst providing plenty of drive at the centre bounce.  Corbin Sellen displayed a clean set of heels in the forward line with 3 majors with Matty Evans doing well down back before an early shower.

In further good news for the club the top 3 players in the best and fairest from last year in Luke Faulkner, Sam Paterson and Jeames Gillett have re-signed with the club with each completing outstanding pre seasons. The addition of more seasoned recruits this season has allowed the trio to release much of the load they carried from 2011 and given the side more depth through the list.  With a couple of more new faces to join the club next week the Tigers will head into round one full of confidence for the season ahead. 

Former FNQ boy Matthew Jones spent many afternoons at Cannon Park Racecourse dreaming of one day owning a Cairns Cup winner.  Earlier this month he went one better by taking out the 2400m Mayne Cup in a shock result for punters at Eagle Farm.  In a true handicap test Jones was given a couple of minutes headstart on the more fancied runners and managed to hold off all challengers in the long Eagle Farm straight to post a remarkable victory.  A classic old fashioned one paced stayer Jones was elated at his win "this is as good as it gets - I am absolutely thrilled".  He put his form turnaround down to a new aged diet, hard work on the East Brisbane training track in the lead up and a new haircut.

The Tigers will be hoping that Jones continues his good form into the season proper as he forms an integral part of the defensive unit.

In other news Taylor Murtha was crowned Mayne's fastest player in the mad dash down the Eagle Farm straight with a comprehensive win over a star studded lineup in the blue ribbon 100 yard sprint.  Murtha was too strong at the finish with Gundy boy Corbin Sellen and another Cairns boy Justin Moritz filling the minor placings.

The Tigers are at home to Maroochydore this week in the makeup game for last week's washout.

Mayne's tallest recruit - ex Alex Hills ruckman Scott Maxwell made a successful return to footy with a strong performance in the middle against Wilston Grange on Saturday.  A personal trainer by day, Maxwell combined his strength and agility well to give the Tigers' midfield plenty of drive around the stoppages.  After 4 years out of the game, he has finally followed the lead of ex Alex Hills star and close friend Luke Faulkner in coming on board,with the Tigers faithful very pleased with his early form.

In soggy conditions at Everton Park, the Gorillas justified their tag as flag favourites by finishing over the top of the Tigers in an old fashioned slogfest.  The Gorillas had too much polish around the clinches and were efficient in front of goal to topple the Tigers by 4 goals.  Mayne are set to play the Gorillas again in the traditional Anzac Day clash in a few weeks time and will need to work extremely hard to match it with the classy Grange boys.

This week it is Maroochydore at Everton with reserves at 12pm and seniors at 2pm.

Under 18 Division 1 will be split into two equal groups, The Under 18 Cup and The Under 18 Shield.   The Under 18 Cup will comprise clubs aligned with Pineapple cup seniors, while The Under 18 Shield will be made up of NEAFL aligned clubs.

Division 2 will be split into two groups, North and Central.

Cherie Brockwell, Community Competitions Manager - AFL Queensland, said that increasing particpant numbers had seen the competition outgrow the current structure.

“The Under 16 Competition has grown significantly over the past few years and we’ve seen a flow-on effect to the Under 18’s,” said Brockwell.

“While it’s great to see the hard work of both clubs and AFLQ pay such strong dividends, we’ve also had to acknowledge the need for change to successfully manage the expansion.”

Brockwell said that the restructure also gave AFLQ an opportunity to address broader community football goals.

“Our theme for community football is ‘a day of football, not a game of football’, she said.

“Previously, games have been played in isolation. The new structure gives clubs an opportunity to align with senior club games and provide a full day of football for fans.

“From an organization point of view this will help with draw allocations and also ease some administration pressures.”

A couple of ex-Tasmanians have added to the growing list of recruits heading to the den in season 2012 with Adam Stevenson and Ben Davies officially signing with the club last week.

A lengthy career in the army has seen Stevo travel across much of the country including stints at Springwood and Wilston Grange in the PHC. A powerful midfield type Stevo brings with him plenty of experience and ideas to add to the Tigers’ midfield and his ability to kick the ball long will see him add an extra dimension to the Tigers attack this season.

Former Scottsdale (Tas) and Redland Bomber (NEAFL) Ben Davies is looking for a fresh start in the PHC after a frustrating stint at Redland Bay last season. Davies found limited opportunities with the Bombers and is chomping at the bit to play senior football at the Tigers where he will likely play across half forward and through the midfield. A schoolteacher by trade Davies is keen to educate the tiger cubs pushing to play seniors this year. Completing his first full pre season for some time will see Davies hit the ground running where his efficient ball use will be invaluable to his Tigers’ team mates.

Both players are turning out for the first time in Tigers colours on Tuesday night out at Yeronga with Mayne taking on the Devils in the club’s first hit out of the season.

The club wishes Adam and Ben the best of luck for the season ahead.

2011 Reserve Grade Co-Captain Jarad Marsh is set to take on an even more challenging role in 2012 than leading the ragtag Mayne Tigers Reserves. He has been appointed the head coach of Mayne Tigers U18s Team, focusing on developing the pathway from youth football to seniors. The last five years have been very successful for the developing Tiger cubs and 2012 is proving to be much the same. With a new influx of players from Mayne Under16s as well as Everton Under16s and a number of last year players hitting the track again it is shaping up to be a great season. Taking over from Paul Smith, Jarad brings a fresh set of ideas and an energetic youthfulness to the role and the Mayne Tigers AFC are very excited to see what these youngsters can produce this year.

Training has already commenced for the year and we are already seeing record attendance numbers for this time of the year. For any details please feel free to call Jarad on 0433650329

In further good news for the revamped Tigers the club is pleased to announce the addition of 3 new faces to the off field department. Joining the Tigers are Brad Pollock, Tony O’Connor and Mick Collings each from wide and varied backgrounds.

Brad (Bear) Pollock takes on the assistant coaching role after stints at Springwood and Mt Gravatt and a playing career that started in the Ovens and Murray League in Victoria a few years back. Bear will spend considerable time working with the Tigers’ midfield and assisting the younger players in the transition to senior football. His work with the whistle on the track thus far has been impressive with the players appreciating his fresh ideas.

Tony O’Connor brings with him a fascinating combination of sporting experience. His days as a robust / pacey centreman in the 70s playing in the Brisbane Rugby League Competition are tempered with his time spent around Brisbane’s netball courts. His daughter, former Firebird Jenny O’Connor is the glamorous half of one of the Tigers’ high profile players. Tony responded to a call from senior coach Mitch Ferguson to act as team manager and will fill the role with aplomb. His sharp wit and encouraging, relaxed manner will see him fit in beautifully amongst the playing group.

Former Darling Downs rugby league player Mick Collings has been engaged to add starch to the Tigers defence, accepting the role of tackling coach for this season. Mick played over 200 games in the sometimes brutal position of hooker, before converting to rugby union late in his career. His knowledge of the more technical aspects of defence has been a revelation and one that has made an immediate impact at training. The father of new Tiger Jack Collings and uncle of 100 gamer Caleb Brown, Mick has shown tremendous enthusiasm for the task at hand.

Welcome to Tigerland boys

By Terry Wilson

 Gold Coast Bulletin

FOR too long locked in the cellar of the Pineapple Hotel Cup, the Mayne Tigers appear set to claw their way back to competition respectability after some excellent off-season signings.

Sweeping changes have been made at Mott Street, not the least the reinstatement of Mitch Ferguson as head coach after 2011 player-coach Luke Faulkner agreed to step aside.

Ferguson will have former Springwood coach Brad Pollock as his assistant, plus a couple of as yet unnamed extras to help out on the boundary line.

Faulkner will continue on as a player, likely to be included in the leadership group after winning Mayne's best and fairest last season.

But the return of champion former dual B&F winner Caleb Brown from Mayne, presents the Tigers with some headaches when it comes to selecting a captain.

Brown, 28, has `come home' after satisfying himself he was up to NEAFL standard, which was the main reason he played with the Panthers last year.

Brown not only played for Queensland against West Australia, but also he made the Footy Record's Team of the Year.

Asked if he feels the Tigers will have plenty of bite back with his return, along with those of Luke Ferguson and Tom Falconer, Brown replied: ``I'd like to think so, but it'll take a lot more than us coming back to get off the bottom. Even when we there before we still finished at the bottom.

``I had a year in the NEAFL and did a lot better than I thought I would.

``But work is pretty busy now and I missed my mates. I want to try to finally have some success with them.''

What Brown likes is the fact Mayne blooded many younger players in 2011 and the club is ready to reap the reward of doing that.

``Faulks did a good job getting some youth and enthusiasm in the team,'' said Brown.

Also returning to the yellow and black are past pair Jack Collings and Corbin Sellen and Ben Davies, a half-forward from Redlands.

Collings is first cousin to Brown and played for Morningside last year while Sellen, a junior star on the Darling Downs, returns to the club where he played his first season of senior football at in 2008.

And the Tigers are still in the hunt to sign some more players from the NEAFL premiership.

The only loss of note is Jake McGill, who is off overseas for an extended holiday.

Mitch Ferguson, who did not really retire after the 2010 season  he continued to help out as Faulkner's sideline eyes  is enthusiastic about the new-look Mayne, especially with the club on a solid financial footing with a new sponsor in place and new dressing sheds at Everton Park.

Mayne failed to win a game last year, although several times led more fancied teams only to fall apart on just one quarter.

With some wiser heads out on the field to support Faulkner and super veteran Andrew Housego, the Tigers may just be ready to show some roar at last.

Training is set to resume on the first day back at school Jan 23rd at 6pm.  With terrific numbers on the training track before Xmas it will be exciting to see everyone back down and rearing to go.  In particular a number of players restricted to light duties up until this point will be relishing the opportunity to hit the track at full pace.

Part of the intrigue at this time of year is the number of new faces at each club in the competition with Mayne no exception.  The club is set to unveil the next batch of recruits in the coming weeks with one high profile name in particular set to get the competition talking.

See you on the track

The foundations have been laid for a Tiger resurgence in season 2012 with the return of three of our finest sons.  Caleb Brown, Luke Ferguson and Tom Falconer have made their way back to Mott St after successful forays in division one. All three will bring fresh ideas to the club and will be able to draw on their experience in showing younger players what it takes to be a quality performer.  Brown in particular was fortunate to play alongside some of the best players in Queensland when he represented his state against WA earlier this year.  Whilst Brown made his mark as centre half back at Morningside, Ferguson in the ruck and Falconer in the midfield at Aspley, new coach Mitch Ferguson has hinted that each player will potentially be playing different roles next season.  The return of the trio has ensured that other recruits know that the side is being rebuilt for immediate success.

The tigers will be hoping that new recruits Jack Collings and Corbin Sellen display all the attributes of another star performer from Goondiwindi in Gunsynd.  That Gunsynd went on to become one of Queensland's greatest thoroughbreds might be asking a tad much but nonetheless the signs have been impressive on the training track.

Collings - first cousin of 2 time club champion Caleb Brown, joins the club after 3 years at Morningside and looks a mirror image of his well credentialed cousin.  He will work through the midfield and bring that reknowned Goondi steel to his work.  Sellen, a junior star on the downs, returns to the club he played his first season of senior football at in 2008.  The 2011 version looks as good as Gunsynd did in the mounting yard with his customary dash across half forward sure to give the Tigers another dimension in attack.

The two Goondi boys will be on display at the Mayne Cup held in the new year at Eagle Farm over 2400m with both sure to attract plenty of support from the local punters.

Mayne AFC welcome Jack and Corbin back to the club and wish them every success for the season ahead.