The crowd at Hopetoun enjoyed an MFL second semi performance from the Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers which would have significantly enhanced their favouritism to take the 2015 and last Senior MFL Premiership Flag.

Though the Pennant is yet to flutter, on present form this Tiger outfit must rank with the best Senior teams to have taken the field in MFL history.

The first quarter was as good a quality contest you could see – fast, physical, intense, uncompromising finals footy. The Cats were up and about, Arnold Kirby (2 goals) particularly and Gravestocks Medal winner Trent Donnan worked his way into influence as the quarter progressed. However it was to prove to be a day for power forwards with Doering (3) and Ryan (2) proving a first quarter handful.

The second quarter began as dead set stalemate arm wrestle with ferocious tackling and shepherding a highlight. Neither team enjoying the ascendancy till Doering cleverly pressured and smothered in a defensive forward press and goaled. The Tigers found another gear and the Cats were forced to make positional changes particularly to contain a lethal forward line.

Thus goal scoring was difficult for the Cats as they shored up the defence. The Tigers maintained the intensity, Doering enjoyed 3 majors of 5 kicked and a half time lead of 42 poits was on the board.

Ryan goaled for Tigers in first minute of third quarter which unsettled the Cats – a few indiscretions and a spate of 50m penalties appeared to ignite the Tigers afterburners as they went on an 8 goal spree. Ruckman Zac May set up many moves, Matt Elliot and Scott Weekly were prolific onballers, Simon Weekly an absolute handful, and the sweeping, running backline were ruthlessly solid.

The result was done and dusted at ¾ time, the Tigers enjoying an 82 point lead. The Cats held the Tigers to a 2 goal final quarter. Solid Cats included Kirby, Trent Donnan, Brodie Adcock, Jake Hogan and Jamie Church. A very difficult day at the office for the Cats who must regroup for a Preliminary Final contest.

The Tigers have certainly deserved their right to a Grand Final contest such has been their excellence in 2015. They are raging favourites to the point that it is alleged that local engravers were involved in an ugly post match altercation over the right to inscribe the Tiger name onto the 2015 Premiership Cup.

By Tim Hallam