Match of the Round
AFL Scotland
West Lothian Eagles v Tyne Tees Tigers
20/06/19 Linlithgow Rugby Club 2:00pm
The West Lothian Eagles and Tyne Tees Tigers will continue the exciting footy that AFL Scotland has shown this year, as they battle it out this weekend in a season defining match for both clubs.
Having contrasting seasons thus far, the Eagles and Tigers both have a lot to play for.
The Eagles in their inaugural AFL Scotland season are looking for their first win to jump start a finals run, while the Tigers are looking to leap to the top of the ladder, following three consecutive wins.
This match has the potential to be a shootout, with both sides showing on their day, that they can kick scores of over 100.
The overall importance of this game is huge for both sides and is described by Tigers Coach Chris Rodger.
“This weekend’s game is pivotal to our season, it will strengthen our spot on the top half of the ladder and continue our push for finals.”
Reiterated from Eagles club founder Michael Allan, there is a sense of optimism surrounding their side this week.
“Officially only 18 months old as a club, we have now been training well with increased numbers and this is our week where we could get some points on the board and then build on our season from there.”
Efficient in front of goal and using their size through aerial contests, the Tyne Tees Tigers have some exciting qualities and can be damaging in many areas of the ground.
Their resilience and overall fitness to will themselves back into games is also an exciting strength of this Tigers outfit.
In contrast to this their opponent of the West Lothian Eagles use their leg speed and agility well to break the lines and are known for their hard hitting tackles, showing they will not back down in this game and can lift their intensity when needed.
The new changes in staff for the Eagles are seen as a real positive, as people within the club are starting to notice an effective game plan, which is needed in important matches like the one this weekend.
“A change in coach and playing style has seen a marked improvement as of late, being competitive with some of the top teams and hoping the strategies in place will get us some wins in the games ahead.” said Michael Allan.
These sides have helped the progression of AFL in Europe and by sharing the Australian sport culture to locals, these clubs will continue to grow and be successful for years to come.
“Again this year with a few new faces and good numbers around the club it all looks pretty good for our future on and off the track,” said Tigers Coach Rodger.
With the Tigers amazing efforts to enhance Australian football in Scotland and the emergence of the new club West Lothian Eagles, the standard of AFL Scotland is rapidly increasing and is exciting to see some new players in this match-up.
Michael Allan from the Eagles shares how his side has an element of mystery going into this match-up and how great it is to see this rise of Australian football in Scotland, through their new club.
“This year so far we have introduced around 17 men and women to AFL and will continue to build on this, we can add a surprise element against the opposition and giving a game to many new players is great for the growth of the sport.”
With the West Lothian Eagles improving each week and the Tyne Tees Tigers wanting to capatalise on a successful season so far, both teams have a lot to play far.
This match will be a close encounter and with the players wanting to represent their club with pride, increased attack on the contest will be shown.
Liam McAllion – AFL Europe
Special thanks to Fine Wine Partners for their support of the growth of the game throughout Europe.
