SIBLINGS OF THE TIGERS ARE READY TO UNLEASH

TROY Chatfield does not dish out any favouritism within his Hermit Park Tigers’ ranks. None is even reserved for his little sister.

The first-year coach will take part in his maiden finals series with the clipboard in hand, as his side battle minor premiers Curra Swans for a spot in the AFL Townsville grand final.

While he spent two decades playing football in Townsville, Chatfield did not begin coaching the women’s side of the game until his sister Leah first picked up the Sherrin.

From that point they have worked side-by-side, with Chatfield assistant coach in last year’s flag triumph.

Chatfield said Leah had blossomed to become a key member of their charge to a premiership trifecta, capable of filling numerous positions across the park.

He said their connection had made his transition to head coach more seamless than he could have imagined, however it still was not without its growing pains.

“There’s definitely no favouritism there but watching her go from strength to strength has been really good,” Chatfield said.

“Definitely her confidence and aggression at the footy have been really good. It’s really been a massive improvement from years past when she played.

“There’s no hesitation with her, she’s ‘see ball and get ball’, which is really vital.

“She’s definitely turned out to be a great asset for the team.

“It (coaching) is really rewarding, obviously it can be very time-consuming but I think overall it’s been a really good experience.

“I’ve learnt a lot about myself and the players and especially of the standard of women’s footy in Townsville, which is increasing year on year.”

Chatfield said he and his Tigers were embracing a tag they were not normally paired with – underdogs.

With the Swans collecting a maiden minor premiership, and University Hawks impressing throughout the campaign, the Tigers are not the sure thing they once seemed to be.

But Chatfield has backed his firepower to make an impact when the time is right. Former Queensland Country cricket skipper Stephanie Baldwin has consistently showcased her skills off both feet, while Hayley Cornish has emerged as a favourite to claim the player of the year mantle.

Chatfield said he put his faith in captain Cornish to steer the ship at Riverway Stadium.

“Her desire to win and will to see it through is second to none, she loves that hard footy,” he said.

I think she’s definitely got the capacity to inspire the whole group with the way she goes about her business.

“To have three teams in top contention is really exciting for the game and women’s footy.

“It’s not something that’s been seen, so I think there’s a lot of anticipation going into the finals series.”