Skipper steadies Tigers

THE Tigers make TSL history today by playing in their first final, and skipper Sam Rice has taken on a key role in keeping steady heads with three State League grand finals and a premiership already under his belt.

For the second week in a row, the Tigers head north to play Launceston at Windsor Park, this time in the elimination final.

It is the first time since they entered the competition in 2014 that they have tasted finals, and it will be a welcome return to post-season action for Rice, 26, who joined the Tigers from the Burnie Dockers in 2015.

Rice played in three consecutive State League grand finals at Burnie from 2011-13, including the Dockers’ premiership in 2012.

“The main feeling around the group this week is excitement,” Rice said.

“It has been a long drought in terms of finals, especially for me having played in a few at the start of my career, I feel a bit gifted I suppose.

“It has been a struggle for the club but a good journey, so it’s good reward to make it, especially for some of the blokes who haven’t played in a finals series before. They are excited and raring to get stuck into it.”

In his second year as Tigers captain, Rice knows exactly what to expect.

“It’s just another game, but that first quarter is a little bit more heated than usual,” he said. “It’s about being composed in finals and whoever composes themselves first.”

As the team’s onfield leader, the tough-as-nails defender has set the standard.

“I do a captain’s run every Thursday, and it’s important to stay composed myself and do the things I pride myself on – staying cool and calm and collected,” Rice said. “I try and create that vibe for the rest of the group.”

The winner advances to the first semi-final next week.