Tight-knit Tigers on course for first title
KINGBOROUGH star Marcus Gardner says the tightknit Tigers continue to believe they are capable of dethroning back to back reigning premiers Launceston and winning a maiden TSL flag this season.
After a gusty 26-point win over North Launceston on Saturday, Kingborough has all but assured itself of second spot on the ladder, sitting two games clear of Clarence with three rounds remaining.
Gardner, who was awarded three votes in the TSL Player of the Year award for his 18 disposal, seven mark, 26 hit out, two-goal game against the Northern Bombers, said on Monday the Tigers were roaring with belief on the eve of finals.
“There’s still a few games to go before we can think about that but we are at the right end of the ladder and we have a lot of confidence,” the 2021 TSL Team of the Year ruckman said.
“We have got a really good core group that’s been there for a long time and been through tough times and I think this year is different because we’ve all been there together and seen how much work we’ve put in to get to this position,” he said.
While Launceston sit on top of the TSL ladder with just one loss for the season- a shock defeat to Lauderdale in Round 6- the Tigers big man said they weren’t invincible.
“They are definitely beatable and I think our best is good enough,” he said.
“It’s just a matter of preparing well and with good sides like that you can’t slip up or take your foot off at any time because they’ll punish you when you do.
“We are definitely confident but it’s still a bit down the track.”
The addition of fellow star ruckman Jack Tomkinson into the Tigers line-up this season has meant Gardner has spent more time up forward this year, a role he said he’s happy to play when it
leads to success. “It’s been a bit different but I’ve just been happy that we’ve been winning games.
“I’ve been the sole ruckman I guess for the last few years which has been challenging but I think letting him [Tomkinson] do his thing is the best thing for the team.
“I’m happy to step out of his way if that means we are winning games of football.”
However, Gardner could be forced to reclaim the number one ruck mantle at Tigerland in the coming weeks after Tomkinson aggravated a stress fracture in his foot in Saturday’s win.
Gardner said Tomkinson, as well as star onballer Kieran Lovell – who hurt his calf in the win – would be assessed later in the week.
The Tigers will head to KGV on Saturday to take on the Pies before facing Launceston at Windsor Park the following week.