Tigers ready for the 2021 season

THE Torquay Tigers are ready to launch into the 2021 season following a few wise words from AFL Hall of Famer Kevin Sheedy.

Following the devastating cancellation of last year’s football and netball season, the club
gathered at the Torquay Hotel over the weekend to celebrate its sponsors, life members and the season ahead.

Club president Jenny Wood said the event offered an opportunity to see members of the community for the first time in up to 12 months.

“It was a bit of everything but predominantly a thank you to our life members and sponsors, especially those who have stayed around through 2020 when we didn’t have a season,” she said.

During the event which attracted MP Libby Coker as well as players, coaches and supporters of the club, AFL legend Kevin Sheedy discussed the importance of community and country football.

“He really had the audience captivated, we had a Q&A and he spoke about his career, the importance of sponsorship and how important community football is to the AFL,” Ms Wood said.

“He is very supportive of community football, so he was only too happy to come along.”

The weekend’s launch marked a return of functions for the Tigers, with Ms Wood calling the day a success.

“It was a good day, the pub put on a great function for us out in the beer garden,” she said.
“They are one of our sponsors, so it is great to be able to support them too.”

This time last year the season remained “up in the air” which ultimately led to the cancellation of 2020 season.

Despite having more certainty this year, Ms Wood says they are preparing for many possible outcomes.

“Even though we have a fixture that doesn’t mean the season will go ahead,” she said.

“Obviously, there is still a lot of uncertainty because we don’t know what the season will bring but we are planning for everything and anything.”

This season the club’s A grade netballers will be defending their 2019 premiership title while the senior footballers will be looking to come back from their grand final loss.

At this stage, the Bellarine Football Netball League is set to kick off with a home game at the McCartney Oval on April 3, as the Tigers take on Ocean Grove.