Coach: Damien Miller / Team Manager: Michelle Maran’

2018 was a year of growth, understanding and team balance.  It afforded all boys the opportunity to influence games at different times, it also educated them that we as a collective are far better at each contest than relying on a few to do all the work.  This comradery set the template for the season and it was just about enough to get into the finals……. we all know that on our day anything was possible.

The commitment to preseason training was another reason for the great improvement.  As we train as an Under13 collective, a number of boys set the benchmark across both groups and none more-so than Campbell Paroz (Winning the best individual performance for the whole group).

As these first 8 rounds roll through, a number of boys (approx. 12) have been playing across between the Red & Blue’s teams.  This as a result made the standard increase on both platforms and again solidified the boy’s attitude to their footy for the year.

As a team, we brought training games style theories into the game and teams struggled when we executed them really well.  The boys in the ruck Jerome and Cam McCleod always afforded the onballers the best chance of getting the ball, often resulting in some soreness.  There were moments in games where the boys could have followed another team’s distractions and to our boys’ credit they worked through some trying conditions.

The season would not be able to happen without all parents chipping in and it made for a connected environment off-field that was also so evident on-field by the boys.  A massive thank-you to Michelle Marani for always keeping the group informed and caressing the obstacles off the field.  John Mutton for his level-headed approach and balanced guidance of our boys.  To everyone else that was there to support all kids and requirements, Thank you.

The season was never short of surprises and heading into the final few games we gave ourselves every chance to stay in the top four.  Due to some surprising actions from other teams the boys slipped out of the 4 in the last two weeks and it wasn’t a true reflection of a great year.  What started out like soccer in the first few weeks developed into a run and gun style of game.  Mitchell Thomas was a standout in-front of goals, kicking 5 once & 4 goals twice with 32 for the year.  The mosquito patrol drove opposition crazy with the non-stop running and attack on the ball, both Dylan and Luke deserve the accolades they received for their effort for the team.

Some moments in the season can be fleeting, not these… Thomas “Bulldog” Miller kicking a great goal against a fiery St Kilda and being chaired off the ground at ¾ time was one for the ages.  At the league Best and Fairest Dylan Marani polled top of the pack, 2 votes clear to win the League B&F, well done on a tremendous year.

The season was fantastic and as coaches to watch and assist in the development of the boy’s character and skill, we were very fortunate.  We are proud of the season we had and can’t wait for the following one, just like the players.

 Accolades from this year

Boys that played 100 games:

Mitchell Thomas

Boys that played 50 games:

Jerome Figredo, Liam Foster & Thomas Marani

Under 13 League Best and fairest awards:

Dylan Marani: Best and Fairest for the division…Well done Champion!

Well done Tigers on a great year!  Hard work will always pay off!

Damien Miller