Even In Adversity...Tigers Claw Through

Ten In A Row...And Only One To Go

Can the mighty Hill's Supertigers go through a whole season unbeaten?

This question will be answered this Sunday at Rosewater against the tough Bulldogs outfit.

Match 10 of season 2009 saw the very undermanned Tigers demolish a gallant Fitzroy outfit by 54 points.

Trailing by some 4 goals midway through the 2nd term, Tiger's Supercoach was planning his next move. This happened to be an escape after his halftime address.

Not feeling confident, Supercoach Dave Piro fled as he did not want to be confronted by a losing Tiger's supporter group.

Ugly scenes were expected and security was rushed in to control the burgeoning crowd, many of who had been waiting for an opportunity to celebrate a win against the rampaging Hill's team.

This is exactly the motivation that the Supertigers needed.

Kicking with a strong breeze in the 2nd term all seemed to gel at the 15 minute mark with several quick goals just before half time. The Tigers took a slender lead into the long break but it was very hard work. Strong centre clearance work by Wayne Seymour and Simon Kemp kept the forwards in the game. Gary Magee finished the day with 3 well worked goals and Tom Hancock, playing on a wing in the absence of regular winger Alex Tucker, contributed with 4 much needed goals.

Somewhat dazed and confused the rucking duo of Damon Wilson and Aleks Bojanic contested strongly winning many stoppages but both caught the eye of the umpire on a number of occasions, not for the right reasons!

The defensive lines were hard hit by the withdrawal of Andrew Frohling. Paul Zoontjen at centre half back dominated while Rob McGregor spoiled everything coming his way, which in the first half of the game was very regular. The powerful run provided by Chris Geraghty and Dave Wuttke, who did provide another season highlight by venturing to the goal and converting, was again on display, as was the resolute defending provided by first season player Richie Slater.

Also missing from the unbeaten side were Richard Kleemann, Kim Pearce, Dave McGill, Mark Jaensch, Damian Dolman, Dale Wylie, Damian Ryde and Ron Berry. But the 'hard working 16' certainly compensated.

Neil Thomson covered a great deal of ground and broke lines when required...Ross Wall dodged and weaved out of trouble in defence in the second half after umpiring the first half...Matt Ormsby was strong across half forward, marking and delivering well to bustling full forward Magee...Sean Watt played his usual tough, close checking game in the forward lines resulting in another visit to the tribunal (see Tribunal letter)...

BUT it was the continued 'Chris Hill Experiment' that was again the highlight...2009 has been a break out year for Hill who has dominated out of a forward pocket and providing a foil for the lead up players. The term breakout is usually reserved for players early in their career but Hill has re-emerged from the shade with retirement well out of his mind.

The all conquering Supertigers venture to the blustery Rosewater Oval on Sunday 30th August in an attempt to keep a clean sheet in 2009.