Lions looking to roar in 2007

The Northern lions are hoping for a huge season

NEW coaches, new major sponsor, and a new clubhouse have got the Northern Districts’ Tigers excited about the year ahead. Competing in the South Coast Australian Football League, the Tigers will face stiff competition from an expanded field of teams this year, with opponents stretching from Nowra to Camden.

Training has been underway since early January, and already strength and skills are reaching a match-ready level. New coach Steve Wilson has brought a fresh perspective to the club, with a simple, match-focussed training regime. Trial games against sides from within the Illawarra and also a Canberra side will be held through March, with the season proper starting in mid April.

Club President Bill Parsons is confident of a successful year both on and off the field.

“The club is looking strong this year, with early turn-out to training very encouraging."

With the support of our sponsors and the expansion into our new club house, we are confident of reflecting our performance on the field with our professionalism and friendly club atmosphere off the field,” Bill said.

The Tigers are keen to welcome new players, both experienced and new to the game. Training is held Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm sharp at Hollymount Park in Alice St, Woonona.

Meanwhile last Saturday the Northern Districts Tigers faced off against the 2006 Premiers of the Canberra Australian Football League.

The Gungahlin Jets came to Woonona for their annual friendly hit-out prior to the start of the AFL season.

The Canberra based club have been regular visitors to Wollongong for the last five years, experiencing the beaches and the atmosphere of our city leaving behind the land locked capital.

The cordial relationship between the clubs has continued to blossom and Gungahlin have relished the pre season weekend trip to the coast.

The football match has proved to be a useful warm-up for both clubs, and Northern Districts have gained much from the up tempo clash against a side which dominates in the competitive Canberra League. Hot and humid conditions tested both sides, but the Tigers’ preseason conditioning paid off to give the team plenty of run through all four quarters. Players such as Peter Burton, Nathan Hynd, and Mark Edis remained on the paddock for the entire game, while most others enjoyed the benefits of the ten-man reserves bench.

Gungahlin made a strong start to the game, winning the first two quarters, with Northern Districts fighting strongly to remain only a few goals behind at half time. A re-shuffle of the on-field side and a clear message of strategy from Coach Steve Wilson at half time had the Tigers take an upper hand through the third quarter. Excellent performances from Dan Forsyth and Derek Langhorn gave their team the momentum running into the last period.

The final quarter saw the Tigers rally, with Lee Clouten and Ben Paulson playing above themselves to help their team stay in touch.

The final result saw the Gungahlin side (13-14-92) return home victorious, with the Tigers (9-7-61) looking forward to a strong start to their home season in mid-April.

Thanks to their sponsors this year, lead by major sponsor the Woonona Bowling Club.

The Tigers will be rewarding the best players each week with cash awards, while maintaining registration fees that are well below that of many other sports.

More details on the club, including training time, contacts, and the draw for the 2007 season are available at www.ndafc.com.au.