‘CUZ’ DOES THE JOB FOR TIGERS
BANNOCKBURN utility Matt Tyquin may have done enough against Geelong West to take out an early lead in the GDFL’s Whitley medal vote count with his match-winning heroics on Saturday.
The 22-year-old proved to be the ideal replacement for his well-documented cousin Jack Brauman when collecting 12 disposals and nullifying his opponent Justin White in the first term.
Tyquin, son of 1986 Whitley medallist Wayne, then moved forward to register five late goals to guide the Tigers to a memorable 26-point victory over Geelong West in wet conditions.
“Last year Matt was set back because of injury, but towards the end of the season he was up there with our best players,” Bannockburn co-coach Darren Milburn said.
“We just have to get players who can play a role, we can’t replace Jack, but Matt proved he can still play forward and some of those goals he kicked were pretty impressive.”
The Giants strung together four straight goals via Chris Johns, Justin White, Scott Galloway and Michael Leamer to capture a 20-point lead after halftime.
However, poor forward entries from that point on would allow the home side to rebound off half-back with ease.
“You would have hoped that those sides outside of the top three had improved, and they have, which is great for the competition,” Milburn said.
“Geelong West was clearly the better side in the opening half (while we were clicking into gear) and its full credit to them because it took everything we had to beat them.
“Last year we were seven goals up against them and fell asleep, so it will be interesting to see how we match up on them in Round 13.”
Bannockburn will now go to Anakie (which sits 11th with a 0-2 record) before hosting Winchelsea at Victoria Park four days later on Anzac Day.
“We’ll have a bit of an eye-opener with the short turnaround, so we’ll try to get our best side in both games; it’s probably the older guys we’ll be cautious with in the turnaround,” Milburn said.
While Tyquin, who finished with 31 disposals, may add to his 10 goals, the cocoach also believes EDFL recruit Jake Myles will continue to add flair to the Tigers’ midfield.
“Jake is another quality player, he’s just a footballer who knows where to go and he comes from a quality league,” he said.