THE Tigers have claimed the 2014 Mount Isa AFL title after defeating Lake Nash in dramatic fashion at Legend Oval.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Despite trailing at every interval, the Tigers charged home in the fourth quarter to win 13.11.89 to 13.9.87 on Saturday afternoon, winning their first title since 2011.
Tigers coach Craig Brice was proud of his players that showed plenty of fight and resilience to get themselves back in the match.
“I thought we played four strong quarters of footy, but couldn’t capitalise on it with goals in the first quarter,” he said.
“We stuck with it and gradually worked our way into the lead. I knew once we had a sniff of the lead it was going to be hard to take it back from us.
“I think last week’s come-from-behind win against Rovers assisted us; knowing that we can fight back in a match.”
Brice was hoping his side would hit the ground running from the first bounce, but the Tigers only managed three behinds to the Young Guns’ 23 points at quarter time.
The second quarter saw the Tigers hit back with goals to Greg Warren and Brodie Deverell in the opening minutes of the term.
But plays from Lake Nash duo Jamison Billy and Nathan Ross ensured their side went into the break 17 points ahead.
“Despite being down at half time, there was a wonderful self belief among the boys that we could win this game,” Brice said.
“I hadn’t mentioned Jarryd Harrison’s injury all week, but I used him as an example about how important this flag is to everyone at the club.
“That really got the boys going and spurred them on to start the third quarter strong.”
Deverell was proving a handful in the forward 50, having a hand in both Tigers’ goals in the first four minutes after the main break.
The Tigers continued to bridge the gap and had their first lead of the match just before the three-quarter siren when Theon Raffaldi converted a chance from right in front.
But two late goals to Billy and Nathan Ross would see Lake Nash head into the final break leading 72-62.
“I moved Theon Raffaldi into the ruck in the second half and his impact was sensational and a catalyst in our fight back,” Brice said. “He was an X factor in the middle, and seemed to be involved in everything for stretches of the match.
“His combination with our front two, Brodie Deverell and Greg Warren, was a large reason for our win today, providing them with solid service into the 50.”
Signs were ominous when Billy sidestepped some would-be defenders to snap his fifth goal for the afternoon
Two quick goals to Deverell helped Tigers regain the lead with less than five minutes to go, before the game-changing moment happened.
Billy was awarded a penalty 30 metres out, after Tigers defender Jason Boydle tackled him in the back, but the star forward failed to convert what would have been his sixth goal.
“At the end of the day, football was the real winner, with a sensational grand final topping off a great season,” Brice said.
“This premiership is on par with my last one in 2011, but the quality of the league has definitely improved since then.”
Young Guns coach Rohan Webb admitted Billy’s miss took the wind out of his team’s sails with only minutes to go.
“If Jamison Billy had kicked that goal, it could have been a very different outcome,” he said.
“If not saying that it came down to his [Billy’s] miss because without him we wouldn’t have even been in the match.
“In the end, it was a hard-fought game that could have gone either way, but when it mattered most, Tigers stood up.
“While it’s disappointing, we have had a remarkable season and will build on this to come back stronger next season.”
Nathan Ross was awarded the prestigious Paul White medal for best on ground on the day, continually exploiting the Tigers defence with his speed and strength.