TRENT SLATTER | THE CHRONICLE | 10 SEPTEMBER 2012
THE Toowoomba Tigers have claimed their third-straight AFL Darling Downs flag with a bruising 11.15 (81) to 7.10 (52) victory over South Toowoomba in Saturday's grand final at Rockville Park.
After conceding the opening goal, the Tigers soon hit the front and never looked back as they dominated possession to be up by 15 points at the first change.
Accuracy was crucial in the windy conditions and the Tigers' struggles in front of goal kept Souths in the contest.
The Bombers muscled up either side of halftime to cut the deficit to seven early in the third quarter.
But the weight of possession was still firmly in the Tigers' favour and Souths just didn't see enough of the ball to take the lead.
The margin blew out to 23 at the final change before the Tigers kicked two late goals to seal the match and the premiership.
"I thought we controlled the game all day. We were in front right from the word go," Tigers coach Andrew Farr said.
"To Souths' credit, they did try and come back. They didn't roll over at any stage.
"But I think we just clearly showed that, on Rockville Park, we are the premier side in the football competition."
It was a scrappy encounter at times with both sides not afraid to play hard in defence - a game plan which Farr said suited the Tigers.
"We know we're the most physical side in the competition. We train that way," he said.
"The boys know that we don't need to be the prettiest side.
"It turns out that good, hard, solid football wins grand finals and we've now got three of them under our belts."
First-year recruit Hugh Priest was impressive for the Tigers and was rewarded with best-on-ground honours.
Daniel McPhee continued his stellar season, kicking five goals in a beaten team for Souths.
Last Modified on 09/10/2012 17:48
