Toowoomba Tigers prove once again they are best in business
AFLQ Finals: Tigers proved once again why they are the best in business winning yet another AFLQ Darling Downs premiership. Find out how they did it here. Check out all the junior and senior action here with our 50+ photo gallery.
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For 52 minutes Toowoomba Tigers were barely even a shadow of the team that has dominated women’s Aussie rules on the Darling Downs for nearly a decade.
Midway through the final quarter things looked grim for Tigers who had failed to score a single goal in the grand final up until that point.
University Cougars were the better team throughout the first three quarters before a Lara Paget goal dramatically swung the match.
The Tigers dynamo, who finished the AFLDD Toyota Cup season as the leading goalscorer, kicked her team’s first major and the rest was history with Tigers going on to secure a gritty 3.5-23 to 2.2-14 win.
“To be honest we were really struggling,” Tigers Tiarna Jericho said.
“We were absolutely gassed, down and out.
“A lot of us were not playing at our best and late in that game we didn’t think we had any chance.”
Paget’s goal energised Tigers who have now played in all nine women’s grand finals.
Chelsea Mifsud kicked Tigers’ second and skipper Lauren Taylor’s goal ultimately sealed victory
“That (Paget) goal energised us,” Jericho said.
“It gave us hope – we started to believe again.
“Everyone found that extra bit of energy and determination and we got the win.
“It was a completely different feeling when that final siren.
“In the past I remember everyone sprinting to the sideline to celebrate.
“This time round there was a sigh of relief – when we came together we were just happy we got there in the end.”
Jericho paid tribute to coach Neville Jericho in the wake of Tigers latest win – their eighth title in nine years.
“He has helped instil a proud culture in the club,” Tiarna said.
“Through the years we’ve always had a good core (of players) but we’re always welcoming new players as well.
“We always put the team first, never give up and play with a positive attitude.
“He has done a lot for the club and team and deserves credit for that.”
Cool hat-trick
Coolaroo had the hot hand in a thrilling end to the AFLQ Darling Downs season on Saturday.
The Roos secured a premiership hat-trick, winning all three premierships they contested and three of the four trophies on offer.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for the club,” Coolaroo president Scott Hannon said.
“A lot of hard work from a lot of passionate people, coaches, volunteers and players has led to these results.
“As a club we’re very proud of what our juniors and seniors have achieved.”
Coolaroo’s Under-12 Mixed got the ball rolling, holding off a fast-finishing University Cougars to secure a 5.3-33 to 2.3-15 win after leading 20-2 at halftime.
The club’s U14 Mixed side followed suit with a 4.3-27 to 3.5-23 win over South Toowoomba Bombers.
The senior men then wrapped up the day with a 13.5-93 to 7.5-47 premiership defence against Goondiwindi Hawks.
Hannon said while the skills of the club’s juniors had developed over the season, it was passion that got them over the line.
“We’re really proud of them (the juniors). Both sides came from third and fourth position, so it was knockout football all the way for them,” he said.
“We have some very talented young players, but I think what impresses the most is their love for the game.
“Quite a few of them of them have come up from Auskick together, and they love their footy and everything about it.”
The club’s seniors also played a leading role in the success of the junior program.
“Winning back-to-back titles and losing just the three games in the past few years proves how special our senior (men) are,” Hannon said.
“We’re very proud of the work they’re doing off the field as well, though.
“We have been heavily focused on creating a family-friendly atmosphere in recent years.
“We want everyone to enjoy their footy and to want to be part of the club.
“Our seniors are actively involved helping them at training, supporting them at games, it's fantastic to see, because without our juniors there is no future for the club.”
Toowoomba Tigers won the women’s premiership beating University Cougars 3.5-22 to 2.2-14.