Thank You Tigers

The recent announcement by the JRL to cancel the 2021 season has left many of us disappointed, we understand the decision, but none the less it ends what was proving to be an exciting year for the club.

Our playing numbers were up, we had some talented people in coaching and management roles and our teams were playing well, with three teams with a realistic shout of being premiers at the conclusion of the season.

As a club we will certainly look to re-group once restrictions are lifted and we hope to hold some picnic/BBQ days with some inter-team (Tigers teams) competitions, with an emphasis on fun rather than competition. We are already planning for season 2022 and next year we will be launching a new Tigers playing strip, we hope to field an additional two tackle teams in the competition and we are also confident of registering at least two girls tag teams in the Sunday competition.

I know it is very early days but we would love to get an idea on who is thinking of playing with the Tigers again next year and whether you know of any additional players wanting to come across from other teams. As we said above, we will be ordering new playing strips for all teams next year and this will include training tees, shorts and other merchandise. We want to get in early with our orders, so we avoid the delays we experienced this year. We will send out some information through team managers to get an idea on people's intentions for season 2022, to assist with our planning.

On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank all the players for being such fantastic ambassadors for our club, the parents for your encouragement and support throughout the season and for the following team coaches, managers and trainers who have made such an important contribution to the Tigers this year.

Let's start with the Tiger Cubs, which despite some hiccups proved to be a great introduction to playing league. All the Cubs had a great time and improved their ball skills and confidence, which is the aim of the program. We also had several of the Cubs graduating to playing for the U6's and they had a great season. Our thanks to Nardia Cowie and Millie Cowie for being such great mentors in this program and we will definitely build on the success of this next year.

The U6 Yellow Team who enjoyed a fantastic season and played some sparkling football, thanks to; David Dart, Dannielle Marsh and Matt McMillan, you did a great job and it was great to see the development of this team over the year.

In the U7 Green Team who are so close to having a break-out season, thanks to; Tyler Gibbons, Kylie Walker and Grant May. You dealt with so many emotions this year but you were always supportive and positive and the team responded to your encouragement at training and on match days.

The U7 Blue Team found the competition a bit strong this year but there were plenty of encouraging signs amongst the players and next year I believe some players will really shine. Thanks to; Shane Jones, Lara Dart and Adam Hampson for your encouragement and positivity which the whole team appreciated.

The U11 Silver team were coming home with a wet sail and were starting to show true premiership form in the second half of the season. 2021 will forever be remembered as the What Might Have Been season but our thanks to; Michael Mackenzie, Harrison Cavanagh and Ben Nolan for being a great influence on the team and getting them to believe in themselves.

The U11 Bronze Team had a great year, playing a brand of football that most teams found difficult to keep up with. They had a real chance of winning the premiership and certainly 2021 will be remembered as the one that got away. Thanks to; Steve Mason and Belinda Janssen for getting behind this team and showing them just how good they can be if they believe in their own ability.

The U14 Silver Team were on course for a second premiership in two years and this year the team played with a maturity and intensity that had been lacking in previous years. Our thanks go to; Jack McFadden, Blake Maddock, Peter Lamaro, Darren Fenton and Ben Robinson for your support, encouragement and advice to the playing group, they responded in the best possible way.

I would also like to say thanks to our merged U12 and U17 teams who played well despite some tough competition. We hope to see everyone back with the Tigers next year as we have some unfinished business and we also hope to welcome many more new player to the club.

Gerome Lane

President-Yarrawarrah Tigers