Eventful may not be the correct term to describe the Noosa 3rd division season; however it is the one word that comes to mind when you analyse our season as a whole. Inconsistent also comes to mind. A first round win over the eventual premier Pomona in a very high standard of 4th division footy started our season. Great start, Here we go, we must be a fair chance.
The following 14 weeks would surprise the greatest of footy fans after that top winning start. Four forfeits, (3 against us due to lack of numbers and some AFLQ draw collisions and one for us vs Gympie at home), losses to the bottom two teams, two hefty losses to the tune of a total of 450 points, a couple of really good victories at home and the Noosa boys found themselves in a first semi final v Maroochydore at Pomona.
The same team that had accounted for us easily on 3 occasions and also had beaten us the previous year in a home final. What happens? In stifling hot conditions the Noosa Tigers produce their best footy of the year jumping their more fancied rivals and finishing their season to the tune of some 40 points. More to the point a preliminary final awaits as Noosa’s only senior team in the finals are set to play Bribie Island, the team who not a month ago kicked 43 goals against us. The prelim was played at Caloundra and once again the Noosa boys were outstanding their tackling and harassing pressure making Bribie work for everything and whilst a 38 point loss was season ending, as coach I couldn’t have asked for more. Just the look in the eyes of the boys after the game told me they were happy with their effort, had improved on last year and continue to enjoy each others company both on and off the field.
It must be remembered that this group of very likeable young and some middle aged men play footy because they love it. They don`t get paid, most of the year they don`t even get a water runner. Their coach even found himself umpiring 5 games in 2013. We didn’t train except maybe for a few beers at the bar on a Thursday night, we understand that the reserve grade and seniors (thanks Rob Purvis and Fletch for your help with numbers) are the pivot of our club but still the physical effort and courage shown for the jumper by these men should be applauded. I have really enjoyed coaching these blokes the past 2 years but more importantly getting to know them and sharing a beer and a laugh. It is how the footy of old was.
Congratulations to all the trophy winners and a massive thanks to skipper Sammy Taylor whose passion and enthusiasm to the cause is something I and I know his team admire. Thanks also to Karen Carr, Leigh Bowes and Bob Cross who were there to open the bar for us and help out wherever on game days. To all those that put their hands up to do anything, thank you and especially those who bravely put their hands up just to make a team on several occasions. And lastly, a kindly reminder to those who may think the 3rds are a joke and are above playing Div 4, ask the blokes who filled in from the 2nds and seniors what they thought and you will be surprised.
Eventful? Definitely! But we made the Prelim and had a ball.
Cheers
Pittsy
Last Modified on 20/09/2013 14:32