By Lauren Henry

Well-credentialed footballer Jake McQueen returns home to Nhill to lead the Tigers in 2024, in his first season as a senior coach.

McQueen will be supported by former coach Jaye Macumber, who will return as game day bench coach, while David Flood will continue in his game strategy role. 

After playing high level football for Southport in the Victorian Football League, McQueen came back to play for the Tigers for a couple of games last season.

His football resume includes playing for Essendon in the VFL, as well as in the Ballarat league, TAC Cup, Ovens and Murray league, and Northern Territory.

He is now aiming to help lift the Tigers to improve from their seventh placing in 2023, when they won just three games – against Warrack Eagles, twice, and Horsham Demons.

But he said he was not putting any expectations on the playing group or the club.  

“As long as we’re all enjoying it and playing good footy,” McQueen said. 

“I’m not putting any expectations on where we’re going to be, or anything like that.”

Nhill’s first test will be against Minyip-Murtoa on April 20.

“It’ll be very interesting how it goes – how we go,” he said.

“I’m not expecting to be flying. We’ll probably progress as the year goes on. 

“We’re a very young side, so we’ll be quick and nimble. 

“We have a few taller blokes this year, so we’ve a few targets to kick to, which will be good.”

Nhill has recruited some key players for 2024, including onballer and forward Peter Politis from the Northern Territory, imposing forward-ruckman Daniel Batson from Robinvale-Euston in the Sunraysia league, and tall and athletic forward Dylan Ridding from Gaza Eagles in the Adelaide league.

Former Tiger best-and-fairest winner and Wimmera league representative Jake Harrap, a dynamic midfielder and forward, also returns to Nhill after playing in South Australia.

Nhill’s inclusions look to outweigh their losses, which include Fraser and Tom Driscoll, who have gone to play football in Adelaide.

McQueen said he was also hoping to see some of the club’s junior players step up to play senior football this season.

“We have a couple of juniors coming through from under 17s, so it’d be good if we see them play a few games as well,” he said.

Nhill’s first practice match this year was against Dennington late last month.

“That was a good hit out. We ended up winning by a bit, but it was good,” McQueen said.

“We got what we needed out of it, so I think that was pleasing.”

The Tigers will play Pimpinio in a practice match this weekend.

Coaches: 

Seniors: Jake McQueen

Reserves: Cameron Natt

Under-17s: Luke Oldaker

Under-14s: Jack Mason

Under-12s: Steve Shurdington

Under-9s: To be confirmed

The entire April 3, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!