Former Gold Coast Sun returns to the fold as Tigers look to back up last year’s finals breakthrough

Six years after entering the competition, the Tigers finally tasted senior finals TSL action in 2019. A return to a top form makes repeating the effort more difficult, and consistency will be key.

Tigers are ready to roar in 2020. (L-R) Kieran Lovell, coach Trent Baumeler, captain Sam Rice and Lachie Clifford. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

THE TSL Tigers finally tasted seniors finals action last season, but will need to find more consistency to repeat the feat this year. ADAM SMITH casts his eye over the club and its chances in 2020.

Senior coach: Trent Baumeler

Senior captain: Sam Rice

Last year: 5th (6 wins, 13 losses)

2019 best & fairest: Kieran Lovell

2019 leading goalkicker: Michael Paul and Tyler Carter (27)

Gains: George O’Neill (Cygnet), Nathan Duggan (Cygnet), Jack Bilson (Melbourne), Mackenzie Willis (Southport), Will Campbell (injury)

Losses: Alex Vincent (cricket), Hugh Johnston (work), Michael Paul (Huonville)

Jack Bilson (left) returns to the Tigers in 2020. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

THREE TO WATCH

Lochie Griggs: Flashed his upside at times last year – including a best afield effort in a victory against North Hobart – and will be one Tiger looking to elevate his game in 2020. A damaging halfback/wingman, Griggs has the attributes to be a damaging TSL player.

Oliver Burrows-Cheng: A regular face in the Devils program last year, Burrows-Cheng will be available all season for the Tigers in a huge boost to their midfield depth. The tough as nails onballer provides plenty of inside grunt.

Oliver Burrows-Cheng (left) in action for the Tasmania Devils last year. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

Mackenzie Willis: Reunites with fellow underage star Kieran Lovell in a coup for the club. Willis, who was picked in the same AFL draft (2015) as Lovell, made five appearances for Gold Coast before being delisted at the end of 2018 after rupturing his ACL in May. Played with Southport in the NEAFL last year but returns to Tasmania in 2020.

COACH SAYS

“We know our good footy can match it, for us it is now growing as a group and being a bit more consistent instead of turning it on for two quarters or one week and then dropping off the next. We just want to keep growing our environment and growing our footy as well, the bigger picture will unfold from there.”

PREDICTION

The Tigers created club history last year by featuring in senior finals action for the first time, before crashing to a rampant Launceston in the elimination final. After finishing five wins behind the Blues, repeating their finals appearance in 2020 will be challenging given the move to a top four. The return of former Gold Coast Sun Mackenzie Willis is a huge boost, while Will Campbell also bolsters the midfield having missed all of last year with injury.