Promoted Noosa have started pre-season training determined to make an immediate impact in the state league next year.
The Tigers expect to shake the QAFL with their presence, after winning the south-east Queensland Division 1 flag for the past two seasons.
“We’re a very proud club and we’ve been successful during the last couple of decades,” coach Adam Bovalino said.
“Going into the premier competition, we’re definitely going to have some challenges, but I think we can not only be competitive but we’re going to be right up there … we’re aiming to contend.”
Bovalino captained the Tigers to successive flags in 2010 and 2011 and the club has been a threat in the region since, claiming titles under his coaching in 2019 and 2020.
“We’re a team that thrives on working hard for each other and we are super talented …. that makes it easier and it’s probably why we’ve been successful.”
Now, they’re ready to step up.
“Our standards and behaviours have probably got to go to another level, but I’m going to continue to go by the same philosophy, to develop young footballers and educate our young guys coming through.”
More than 50 players attended their first session on December 3, along with another 30 for the women’s team.
“There’s a fair bit of energy around the football club, on and off the field and the attitude of the players, you just sense there’s something pretty exciting happening at our club.”
The Tigers have lost their best and fairest player from last year, Mitch Fraser, who has returned to family in Perth. Shane Hutchinson and Ben Collins have retired and will be assistant coaches.
But Brett Meredith, Aaron Laskey, Jai Fitzpatrick and Tyler Stack are among the key players set to play again.
“To see blokes like them get an opportunity to go to the next level is pretty exciting,” Bovalino said.
They also expect several new players to shine for the team next season, when the Tigers will renew old rivalries with Maroochydore and Palm Beach.
The return of the Sunshine Coast derby will be well received.
“That’s pretty exciting and great for both clubs. We attract big crowds.”
Noosa and Maroochydore met in grand finals of the south-east Division 1 competition in 2017, 2018 and 2019 before the Roos’ promotion to the state’s top tier in 2020.
The Tigers lost the first two deciders before salvaging some redemption.
“We also had a rivalry with Palm Beach back in the day. We beat them in a GF, and they beat us,” Bovalino said.
The state league season is set to start in April.
