Sport
15 May, 2024
Tigers show depth
ROUND five of the Colac District League saw two teens make their senior debut for Simpson last weekend.
Jayden Gass and Bailey Vines took to the field for their first senior match for the Tigers on Saturday, and according to coach Daniel Beard, both held their own in the side’s 43-point victory over Western Eagles.
“It’s always pleasing to see youngsters like Jayden and Bailey make their senior debut and it’s great to have them back with the Tigers,” Beard said.
“Jayden kicked the first goal of the game from long range which was exciting. Unfortunately his brother Lochie is currently out injured after hurting his ankle in round three against Lorne but we’re hoping to have him back in a few weeks and it’d be great to see the brothers playing together.”
Beard said Vines also had a good first senior game, playing deep back.
“Saturday was a good learning experience for Bailey and hopefully we can give him some more game time to show his wares at senior footy level.
“He (Bailey) won an under 18 best and fairest as a bottom aged player in 2022 so we’re looking forward to seeing how he develops.”
Along with the two debuts, Beard said he was also happy to see Brenton De Jong continue his current good form on Saturday, making an impact on the wing.
He also made mention of the efforts of Brad Salmon and youngsters Louis Duynhoven and Jack Finn.
“We’re currently sitting fifth with three wins and three losses, and have a bye this weekend.
“Our first four rounds we played the top three sides. Our next three are against South Colac, Apollo Bay and Birregurra and they’re all winnable games so we’re hoping to set ourselves up well by the mid-point of the season.”
Having finished in eighth place last season, Beard is confident his side is “definitely improving” and aiming to rise up the ladder.
“We’ll reassess where we’re at at the midway point and then focus on the remaining rounds. With wins in both the footy and netball last weekend, it’s great for the club.”
Last Saturday saw the Tigers defeatWestern Eagles by 43 points, 14.11.95 to 8.4.52.
Best for the Tigers were Brenton De Jong, Brad Salmon, Jayden Gass, Louis Duynhoven, Jack Finn and Matthew Drayton.
Nicholas Harding booted five for the side while Jarrod Garth kicked four and Matthew Drayton two.
Louis Duynhoven, Jayden Gass and Brock Neal each contributed one.
Earlier in the day the reserves enjoyed a 72-point win, 15.8.98 to 4.2.26.
Jonathon Jennings had a great day out, kicking eight for the Tigers and named among the best alongside Matthew Rhode, Jordan Riches, Tanner Fratantaro, Cooper Neal and Samuel Newcombe.
Other goal kickers were Brodie Neale and Jordan Riches (two each), Shaun Guy, Cody Mason and Darcy Thorburn.
In the under 18s, Simpson defeated the Eagles by 52 points, 12.12.84 to 5.2.32.
Among the best were Isaac Holland, Bradey Fratantaro, Oliver Rial, Darcy Hutton, Jack Balcombe and Noah Nelson.
Jayden Gass and Bailey Vines took to the field for their first senior match for the Tigers on Saturday, and according to coach Daniel Beard, both held their own in the side’s 43-point victory over Western Eagles.
“It’s always pleasing to see youngsters like Jayden and Bailey make their senior debut and it’s great to have them back with the Tigers,” Beard said.
“Jayden kicked the first goal of the game from long range which was exciting. Unfortunately his brother Lochie is currently out injured after hurting his ankle in round three against Lorne but we’re hoping to have him back in a few weeks and it’d be great to see the brothers playing together.”
Beard said Vines also had a good first senior game, playing deep back.
“Saturday was a good learning experience for Bailey and hopefully we can give him some more game time to show his wares at senior footy level.
“He (Bailey) won an under 18 best and fairest as a bottom aged player in 2022 so we’re looking forward to seeing how he develops.”
Along with the two debuts, Beard said he was also happy to see Brenton De Jong continue his current good form on Saturday, making an impact on the wing.
He also made mention of the efforts of Brad Salmon and youngsters Louis Duynhoven and Jack Finn.
“We’re currently sitting fifth with three wins and three losses, and have a bye this weekend.
“Our first four rounds we played the top three sides. Our next three are against South Colac, Apollo Bay and Birregurra and they’re all winnable games so we’re hoping to set ourselves up well by the mid-point of the season.”
Having finished in eighth place last season, Beard is confident his side is “definitely improving” and aiming to rise up the ladder.
“We’ll reassess where we’re at at the midway point and then focus on the remaining rounds. With wins in both the footy and netball last weekend, it’s great for the club.”
Last Saturday saw the Tigers defeatWestern Eagles by 43 points, 14.11.95 to 8.4.52.
Best for the Tigers were Brenton De Jong, Brad Salmon, Jayden Gass, Louis Duynhoven, Jack Finn and Matthew Drayton.
Nicholas Harding booted five for the side while Jarrod Garth kicked four and Matthew Drayton two.
Louis Duynhoven, Jayden Gass and Brock Neal each contributed one.
Earlier in the day the reserves enjoyed a 72-point win, 15.8.98 to 4.2.26.
Jonathon Jennings had a great day out, kicking eight for the Tigers and named among the best alongside Matthew Rhode, Jordan Riches, Tanner Fratantaro, Cooper Neal and Samuel Newcombe.
Other goal kickers were Brodie Neale and Jordan Riches (two each), Shaun Guy, Cody Mason and Darcy Thorburn.
In the under 18s, Simpson defeated the Eagles by 52 points, 12.12.84 to 5.2.32.
Among the best were Isaac Holland, Bradey Fratantaro, Oliver Rial, Darcy Hutton, Jack Balcombe and Noah Nelson.
NETBALL
A grade – Simpson defeated Western Eagles 48-46. Best players: Chloe Woods, Jessie Harding and Paige Salmon.
B grade – Simpson lost to Western Eagles 34-48. Best: Melissa Drayton, Kayla Hallyburton and Claudia Richardson.
C grade – Simpson lost to Eagles 33-43. Best: Rachael Duynhoven, Georgia Arndell and Ella Arndell.
D grade – Simpson defeated Eagles 24-18. Best: Bernadette Bellman, Brianna Ferrari and Zalli Fisher.
17 and under – Western Eagles defeated Simpson 36-31. Best: Shelby Cameron, Kaylee Jansen and Chloe Cameron.
15 and under – Western Eagles defeated Simpson 51-24. Best: Ellie Balcombe, Esha Crole and Tara Robertson.
13 and under – Western Eagles defeated Simpson 51-15. Best: Mia Arndell, Halle Barake and Keisha McVilly.
After this weekend’s bye, Simpson will host South Colac on May 25.
