Tough elimination for Tigers

THE 2024 finals campaign has ended for Simpson’s senior footballers after an agonisingly close elimination final last weekend.

The Tigers put in a huge effort against South Colac on Sunday but went down by just four points, 8.4.52 to 8.8.56.

Senior coach Daniel Beard said while his side was disappointed with the result, he said he was extremely proud of their efforts.

“It (the result) was just so close and obviously we’re all disappointed not to get the win but at the same time I’m very proud of their efforts, not just on the weekend but the entire season,” Beard said.

“We kicked into the wind in the last quarter but unfortunately just couldn’t get over the line. It was a huge effort from every player out there.

“Nick Harding was obviously very strong, kicking six up forward, and Beau Clarke had a great game at centre half back. We definitely showed we were a team worthy of playing finals footy.”

Best players were Beau Clarke, Nicholas Harding, Matthew Drayton, Brad Salmon, Brenton De Jong and Mitch Reed.

Nicholas Harding kicked six goals for the side while Jarrod Garth and Cody Mason kicked one each.

Week one of the Colac and District League finals series saw the Tigers’ reserves have the week off after finishing top of the ladder.

They will now face Alvie in this weekend’s qualifying final.

The finals campaign also came to an end for Simpson’s under 18 footballers who were defeated by South Colac in the elimination final, 2.4.16 to 2.7.19.

Best for the team were Nate Sambell, Jack Balcombe, Brady Fratantaro, Bodhi Crole, Isaac Holland and Darcy Salter.

Riley Chamberlain and Darcy Hutton kicked a goal each.