Tigers aim to turn tables on Bulldogs
TOWNSVILLE’S biggest local AFL rivalry resumes at Neil French Oval this afternoon when the Hermit Park Tigers host the Thuringowa Bulldogs.
The traditional powerhouses lock horns for the second time this year, with Thuringowa handing the Tigers a 93 to 29 point drubbing in last month’s season opener.
But the Tigers have enjoyed a better run in recent weeks, having won their past two games, while Thuringowa endured a 70-point thumping at the hands of Curra last weekend to concede their first defeat of the season.
“I’m sure they’ll be coming after us pretty hard after that result,” Tigers coach Brett Hughes said.
“For us we want to be controlling the ball as much as we can, and put them under as much pressure as we can.
“Our personnel has changed from week to week and we still have a couple of blokes coming back from injury, but we’re mindful of bringing them back too early, so we may until the next game to play them.”
Thuringowa sits second on the
Townsville AFL senior ladder, followed by the Tigers in third, while the highflying Curra Swans remain unbeaten heading into their game against Northern Beaches at North Shore.
Hughes said many things had changed since their last meeting with Thuringowa. He expects an entirely different contest this afternoon.
“Earlier in the year things felt a bit rushed, but now we feel like we’re in a groove,” he said.
“They (Thuringowa) got the choccies last time, but we’re in a much better place to be more competitive.”