Backing Up From Being No. 1
It is always tough fronting up for another year to again be the hunted...
The Hill's Supertigers took all before them in 2007, with the only serious challenger being the mighty college boys, SHOC (Sacred Heart Old Collegians), who seem to have access to some of SA's premier ex AFL & SANFL players.
Throughout the years, the Hill's boys have been able to boast some former greats but in 2008 they were reduced to 2 former SANFL heroes, Dean 'I am not going to let another knee reconstruction beat me' Renfrey (ex Norwood & Sth Adelaide) & Paul 'I really need a Chiro' Zoontjens (ex Nth Adelaide).
Putting in a solid 1 session pre-season at club stalwart Dave McGill's Bodyworkshop, Klemzig the Supertigers pummelled Rosewater in the first round on the wide expanses of Gawler's Elizabeth base.
Rounds 2 & 3proved to be testing times for the much heralded Hill's lads. Losing to the Wayne Wiedemann inspired Portland and the tall timbered East team the Tigers went into damage control.
Many questions were asked and lengthy debates within the inner sanctum took place. There were many comments & discussions about commitment and team rules which resulted in a near boycott of the away game to the Riverland Superdogs.
Only 10 fit and able Tigers fronted the Dogs at the lush (there are no water restrictions here) Berri oval. The result, a 3rd successive loss to the Hills' team, something never experienced before. There was trouble in the camp!!!
Behind closed door meetings and an extra-ordinary gathering at the local pub saw the boys rally for the remainder of the season.
After a hard fought 6 point win in Round 5 against Gawler the Supertigers pummelled the teams from River Murray, Mid North, Pooraka, South, Phantoms & Wests in subsequent rounds.There was one left to conquer.
The mighty SHOC boys!
Sunday August 31 at South's home ground of Reynella saw the match of the year. As is generally the case, the SHOC team fielded another one of their strong sides, comprising former AFL / SANFL players Kitschke, Chigwidden, Symonds and the like. The Hill's Supertigers were without, spearhead Gary 'Specky' Magee, hard working Dean Renfrey (knee reconstruction), the elusive Darren Watkins (back), running machine Mark 'Prince of Nairne' Jaensch (more important game to watch) & Alex Tucker (interstate) just to name a few but this appeared to give the Hill's team more resolve.
The first quarter saw the Tigers dominate with early goals from Dick Kleeman, Ross Wall & an inspiring pack mark and goal from big man Aleks 'broken nose...that's nothing' Bojanic.
The second term forced the SHOC team to get serious, after quite obviously not showing the Tigers any respect but this did not help their cause. The Supertigers continued to dominate throughout the match with amazing efforts all over the ground.
Although 208 saw the Hill's Supertigers lose 3 matches early in the season it was another fantastic year and effort by the ever challenged legends.Super coach Dave Piro is currently on a nationwide recruiting campaign looking to bolster the already talented roster of players.
BRING ON 2009!
