Tweed Coast Tigers focus on youth and retention for 2024 season

A FOCUS on junior development and retaining key players is driving the Tweed Coast Tigers as they prepare for the coming QFA Division 2 South season.

Former AFL player Dean Solomon has helped lead a resurgence since taking over as coach of the Tigers in 2023.

Solomon played 209 AFL games for the Essendon and Fremantle between 1998 and 2009.

He has brought a new level of professionalism to the club after spending 10 years as an assistant coach at the Dockers and Gold Coast Suns.

At the height of his coaching career, he took over the Suns in a caretaker role at the end of the 2017 season.

Solomon is optimistic about key forward Mitch Chopping returning, as the forward looks poised to continue making an impact in the competition.

Chopping, an experienced forward, played 16 games in his debut season for the Tigers, kicking 41 goals.

Solomon is hoping for another consistent season from Chopping in the Tigers’ forward line.

“Chop joined the club last year after the team went winless in 2023,” Solomon said.

Mitch Chopping has emerged as a key player for the Tweed Tigers. Photo: SUPPLIED.

“Reaching the finals in 2024 was a significant step forward, and we’re only just getting started.

“We’ve been adding 16 and 17-year-old’s who are now eligible and will continue to do so, forming the most exciting, dynamic team we’ve had in years.”

Solomon has encouraged Chopping to step up as a leader for the younger players during pre-season training at the newly-named Beaumont Tiles Tweed Oval.

Chopping, one of many new recruits last season, will play a key role in mentoring the youth, while the coach has helped galvanise the club with his connections and influence adding a new layer of excitement each season.

His long-term goal to build the club around junior development and moving players into the senior grades could set the club up for success against the better Gold Coast teams in coming years.

Tweed has fared the best of the Northern Rivers teams in the Queensland-run competition, with a fifth-place finish last season.

Pre-season training continues at 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with new players welcome.