PONTING IN THE MIX FOR T20 COACH JOB

THE curtain has fallen on the Tassie Tigers Australian Hockey League campaign, with the Tigers cursing their ill fortune at being drawn in the group of death.

Tassie finished third in their pool group, behind defending champions Victoria and Queensland, meaning that they failed to qualify for the top four playoffs.

That was despite dropping just the one match in the early rounds, a late Queensland goal defeating Tasmania 4-3 on day one of the AHL.

Unsurprisingly, both Queensland and Victoria would later play their way into the gold medal match.

Tigers midfield star Jeremy Edwards said the players were disappointed not to feature among the medal winners.

“We were disappointed we missed making the semis because we felt we were good enough to really push for a medal,” Edwards said after a post-tournament players meeting.

“However, we did develop a lot of players and play some pretty positive hockey along the way too.

“The guys are all keen to push again next year and get back up to where we think we belong, so it’s an exciting time for the Tigers.”

The Tigers fell 2-1 to Western Australia on the final day to end up with seventh position, but four players were recognised with selection in the Kookaburras Oceania Cup side.

“Josh Beltz was outstanding and won our coaches MVP award, while Eddie Ockenden was a standout as usual and won our player voted MVP,” Edwards revealed.

“Our two debutants were really good contributors.

“Both Sam McCulloch and Linden McCarthy were both playing in the midfield and more than held their own, which is a really positive sign for their potential.”

Kieron Arthur claimed the AHL top goal scorer award with nine goals, as the Tigers finished as the third highest scoring team, behind the finalists. The Van Demons fell 2-1 to the Northern Territory in their final match to finish in 12th position.