Noosa Tigers sign new head coach Chris Rourke along with former AFL player Jono Freeman for the 2022 QAFL season

The Noosa Tigers have wasted no time in turning their QAFL dream around after the club announced key player and coach signings for the 2022 season.

Noosa Tigers captain Aaron Laskey says there’s work to be done ahead of club’s 2022 QAFL fightback.

Noosa Tigers senior captain Aaron Laskey says there’s growing excitement around the club after the signing of big-name free agents, along with Ainslie six-time premiership-winning coach Chris Rourke.

Rourke, a former Fitzroy VFA senior player, will take over the role of head coach from outgoing club legend Adam Bovalino.

Laskey said the much-welcomed news was what the team needed after a lacklustre 2021 season.

“We definitely needed that buzz after the year ended and bringing on Chris Rourke is really exciting,” he said.

“No doubt the loss of Bovalino is going to be massive but from all reports Chris is a super coach and you’ve just got to look at his resume to see the accomplishments he’s achieved.”

Jono Freeman brings plenty of experience and leadership upon his return to the Noosa Tigers in 2022. Picture: AAP PHOTOS

The club had also announced the signings of free agents Tom Templeton and former Brisbane Lion Jono Freeman.

“Tommy (Templeton) is great pick-up for us and Freeman too having AFL experience,” Laskey said.

“The pure size of Freeman being six foot six means he can mark well in the contest and kick the big goals when needed so there’s not too many fullbacks that will be able to compete with him.”

The Tigers underwent their first season in the QAFL after taking out QFA Division 1 premiership and gaining promotion in 2020.

Noosa Tigers captain Aaron Laskey says there’s work to be done ahead of the club’s 2022 QAFL fightback.

The dual-premiership captain said it was a massive ego hit after the team eventually took out the wooden spoon.

“Obviously it was a really good standard of competition and the level of footy was higher than what we initially anticipated,” he said.

“Our injury toll really smashed us around, as we ended up having 50 players run through our seniors team throughout the season.

“It definitely was an ego hit given we had been winning the last few years but we were able to implement a lot of things for growth and learning as a team.”

Aaron Laskey in action for the Noosa Tigers in the QFA competition. Picture: Craig Slaney Photography

Laskey, the four-time best and fairest runner-up was able to claim his first seniors award this season.

“I did feel as if I was playing some of my best footy which isn't the best in a non-winning team,” he said.

“As a senior player and as captain I wanted to show the ropes and give everything I had each week no matter the result on the scoreboard.

“I definitely had that monkey on my back again after a few of the boys started telling me I was the favourite to win the award this year.

“I was saying that I’d rather come third or fourth than second again but it was definitely nice to take it out this year.”

Other Sunshine Coast team Maroochydore Roos will make their push to compete in this year's QAFL grand final as they take on minor premiers Labrador in the preliminary final on Saturday.