New era for Tweed Tigers

NEW co-captains Nathan Brown and Tom Bruhn will lead the Tweed Coast Tigers for the first time when they run out for the opening round of the Aussie Rules season on home soil.

The Tigers host the Burleigh Bombers in the QFA Division 2 South season opener at Barry Sheppard Oval on Saturday, April 5.

Vice-captains Mitch Chopping and Ollie Allis will be joined by Nick Lock and Cameron Campbell to round out the six-man leadership group.

Brown takes on the main role having been part of the rebuild at the club in recent years.

“The Tigers mean everything to me, and I love playing for the club with this group of players,” he said.

“I am committed to giving everything I can to help lead this club towards success.”

Brown and Bruhn take over from the experienced Glen Phelps and outgoing co-captain Connor McDowell who has moved to Victoria for work commitments.

Coach Dean Solomon said a strong leadership group was important to continue the club’s trajectory towards playing finals.

The Tigers have improved from a bottom ladder team to a fifth-placed finish during Solomon’s two years coaching at the club.

“We’re thrilled for Nathan and Tom to be allowed to lead our club and are confident they are ready for the responsibility that comes with the role,” Solomon said.

“It’s been a measured approach in selecting the team for Round 1. We’ve worked hard to ensure we’re fielding the best possible side.”

Key players to watch for the Tigers include Mitch Chopping, who had a breakout season last year scoring 41 goals.

Defenders Ollie Allis and Xavier Jordon will anchor the backline, providing vital experience in what promises to be a hard-fought contest.

The Tigers will again play the bulk of its games on the Gold Coast this season.

The joint venture between Ballina and Byron Bay has ended with neither club entering teams into the competition

Both clubs struggled to nominate the two senior men’s teams required, but will field women’s teams this season.

Ballina and Byron Bay hope to play locally in some capacity this year along with the Lismore Swans who have not fielded a side since the floods in 2022.

The Tigers have two senior men teams with reserves starting at noon with first bounce in the main game at 2pm.