Thursday 17 March 2011
Labrador might have split their games in the opening round of the Club Aid Trophy pre-season competition, but there was plenty to like for the Tigers.
Defenders Tauryan Zimmer and James Slattery, who missed large chunks of 2010 through injury, were standouts in a 46-point loss to the Gold Coast Suns.
In the same game, clever midfielder/small forward Dean Gavin showed he has plenty of tricks to add to last year’s runners-up.
Gavin (pictured), who won the North Ballarat Rebels best and fairest in 2009 collecting 25 possessions per game in the midfield, has a lethal left foot.
Gavin’s presence will go some way to covering the loss of Tony Lester, a key part of the Tigers midfield last season who has moved to Frankston YCW.
Zimmer, a one-time State Under 21 representative, has constantly battled injury but could be a real asset to the Tigers in 2011.
Slattery is one of the quiet achievers at Cooke-Murphy Oval and his absence through the finals series hurt, particularly in the grand final.
The Tigers have further bolstered their defence this season through the acquisition of Langwarrin defender Andrew Withers, who was named in a back pocket in the Mornington Peninsula Team of the Year in 2010.
The Tigers were impressive 22-point winners over Southport in their other game.
Labrador again hosts the southern division in the second and final round of the Club Aid Trophy on Saturday.
