Sport
16 August, 2022
Hard work pays off
FOR the first time since 2018, the Simpson Tigers will contest finals in the Colac and District League.
FOR the first time since 2018, the Simpson Tigers will contest finals in the Colac and District League.
With 10 wins on the board and currently sitting fifth, the Tigers are looking forward to tackling Colac Imperials in this Sunday’s elimination round.
And senior coach Daniel Beard couldn’t be prouder.
“The last time we made finals was four years ago when Tom Leishman and Daniel Razga led the side and they lost by 22-points to Alvie in the elimination final,” Beard said.
“We’re keen to step it up and go deep into finals.”
Beard said the Tigers began pre-season back in November, with seven runs before Christmas, followed by 10 weeks of pre-season training with “five-night fortnights.”
“We had 50 players attend at least one pre-season training session and we added 13 new players to our list in the off-season.”
This included Jack Finn, Sam Rial, Brett Robbins, Lachie Gass, Rhys Ziegelaar, Tanner Fratantaro, Tom Lindquist, Archie Rial, Stuart DeBie, Luke Kensit, Angus Hawkes and Brodie Neale.
“Across the 18 rounds of the home and away we had 67 different players play at least one senior or reserves game of football,” Beard said.
Thirty-four of those played seniors, including 12 who made their senior debut for the club.
“Rhys Jansenvanbeek, Darcy Leishman, Rhys Ziegelaar, Lachlan Gass and Jamie Barr all played every game this season which is a great effort.”
Beard made special mention of Brad Salmon who was named in the best on 11 occasions (alongside Jack Hookway and Brock Neal named best nine times).
Simpson’s leading goal kickers for the year were Nick Harding on 47, Tom Lindquist 22 and Jono Jennings 21.
“The reserves have also had a great season, winning eight games, and have only missed finals by percentage,” Beard said.
“We had 50 players who played at least one reserves game for the year.”
Reflecting back on the year that was (to date) Beard said the group had ticked off small targets as the season progressed and was now “absolutely stoked” with how the season played out.
“Not only on the field, but equally as important, off the field as well,” he added.
“The players, both footballers and netballers, have really brought into the culture that’s required for the club to have a positive name in the community and what the club means to the community.”
Beard said the club as a whole (including parents, sponsors and supporters) had driven the change and as a result there was “a packed room” for last weekend’s reunion and the club’s major fundraiser.
“If you measure a year’s success on how much enjoyment everyone at the club is having right now, then it has been an overwhelming success,” Beard said.
“We are very thankful to our volunteers and supporters for making season 2022 what it has been and we now look forward to the excitement that comes with playing finals.”
