Sewer’s so proud of Tigers’ tenacity Coach full of praise

SHE was tempted to lace on the boots for her beloved Tigers, but such was the quality of her squad Jodie Sewer elected to remain on the sidelines as coach.

While she had played a handful of games throughout the AFL Townsville season to qualify for the grand final, so much had gone into securing an undefeated campaign that Sewer would not have been able to omit someone to take the field herself. And it did nothing to inhibit the pride she felt for her Hermit Park outfit, as it claimed back-to-back premierships in defeating Curra Swans 6.3 (39) to 1.5 (11).

A dynamic performance from Hayley Cornish set the tone for the defending champions, with the likes of EllieMarie Pritchard, Breanna Clark and competition best and fairest Bridie Kippin playing crucial supporting roles.

Sewer spoke to her outfit about the importance of the third quarter, and it was in that period the Tigers took their game to another level.

From there she was confident the year would end on the highest of notes, something she had been confident of throughout 2020 but hesitant to put the mockers on.

“I sort of knew on paper through the whole season we had the talent and the skill, and the girls were really committed to the footy season this year,” Sewer said. “They were always at training getting around each other, and a really good culture at the club has helped make sure we got that win.

“We didn’t want to have a repeat of a few years ago when we were undefeated and lost the final. That was a bit of motivation. The girls really wanted it and were hungry for it.”

Kippin was able to cap off the dream introduction to Aussie rules on Saturday – a maiden title to coincide with her best and fairest medal in her first year in the sport.

Coming from a football background, the fullback has been a shining light in an already impressive season, and Sewer lauded her dedication to continuously improve every time she took the field.

Having stated her intention to the coach to be back in the black and yellow in 2021, Sewer said she would prove an almighty inclusion in the pursuit of three consecutive triumphs.

As for best on ground Cornish, the coach said a big game was always going to come from her based on the pre-game mentality.

“I think it was just her determination. We asked all the girls before the game what they were bringing into the final and she was just determined to bring it home,” Sewer said of Cornish’s efforts.

“Throughout the season her attack at the footy has been fantastic. She’s always hungry for the ball, goes in hard and doesn’t stop running all game.”