The seniors commence the defence of their VAFA “A” Section title against newly-promoted, “B” Section runner-up Old Essendon Grammarians at Brindisi Street next Saturday (18th April) .
The sides historic back-to-back-to-back (premiers in “C” Section, “B” Section and “A” Section in consecutive years) had never been done in the 117 year history of amateur football in this state.
Similarly, a team had never in the history of the competition been promoted to ‘A’ Section and won the pennant in their first-ever season in the top division
On Saturday the Tigers will host a triple-header, kicking off with Under 19s taking on Uni Blacks commencing at 9.00 a.m. followed by Reserves at 11.40 a.m. and Seniors at 2.00 p.m. against Old Essendon
Last year’s premiership flags (U19s and Seniors) will be raised.
Over the summer, premiership-winning coach Beveridge was snapped up by Collingwood as their new development Manager. The season sees changes in leadership for the Tiges, with Owen Lalor taking over as senior coach after leading the club’s Under 19s to three consecutive premierships while local identity and fitness guru Brad Berry takes over as Reserves coach with Brian Bourke as the new Under 19s coach.
The Mentone team has also installed new on-field leadership with James Tyquin (after coming through the club’s junior ranks) taking over as captain from the decorated Luke Wintle who will doubtless continue to provide his own form of on-the-ground leadership with his weekly contribution in the ruck and up forward. Tyquin will have the most able deputies in the experienced and inspirational Ben Phibbs and Anthony Scafidi with the outstanding talent of Peter McGettigan and Jack Hellier rounding out the leadership group
The Tiges have had an excellent lead-in to the season proper with strong wins against traditional pre-season rivals Sorrento (MPNFL Nepean Division premiers) and last Saturday against Edithvale- Aspendale (MPNFL Peninsula Division runners-up).
The Senior Team have lost only 3 of their Grand Final team with retirements of stalwart Sam Hecker and Mick Hazell while pleasingly Pat Nicholls is lining up with VFL club Frankston.
As ever the Tigers’ fitness and hardness at the contested footy is expected to be key in their defence of the title along with development and progression of members of the Under 19 premiership team
โ€ขThe club is also very proud to note the AFL debut of one of its own in Myke Cook for Adelaide in the opening round against Collingwood at the MCG. Myke played 91 junior games for St Bedes/Mentone Tigers before being drafted in 2007 from Sandringham Dragons