Gibbs’ nine caps off big Tigers win

Railways key forward Kenton Gibbs has sealed his first Sean Plaisted Medal after a nine-goal haul against Albany on Saturday.

Gibbs had played just four league games before this season because of injury but has been a revelation up forward for the Tigers, finishing with 43 goals in 15 games.

A dominant 12-goal first half set up the result for the minor premiers, who ran out comfortable winners 20.11 (131) to 5.6 (36).

The 69-point half-time margin was quickly pushed out to beyond 100 points midway through the last term after Gibbs kicked four goals in a row to start the quarter.

The Sharks hit back with three goals of their own to double their score with Mitch Jackson kicking two, but his side went down by 95 points.

Kleemann Medal chances Zane Marwick (60 possessions and a goal) and Joel Want (34 and two goals) were both highly influential, while Gibbs kicked nine goals and took 14 marks.

Tom Wolfe thrived from playing at full forward all day, booting four goals.

“We have really focused on our starts these last four weeks, our midfield got on top early and our back line repelled well,” Tigers player-coach Craig Frost said.

“These last two weeks we have played four quarters of footy which is what we have to do against the good sides.

“Kenton has been a real focal point for us this season and we knew he had a good chance.

“It’s good for him after missing the last two years through injuries and he’s really important for us.”

Ruckman Stewart Davies again was one of the Sharks’ best with Marcus Mellon and Hamish Fuller also solid contributors in a side that were missing a number of key players.

Sharks coach Kim Mayfield praised his side for their improved season despite not winning a game.

“This season has been a huge improvement, it was disappointing on the weekend but we are happy the way the club is going next year,” he said.

“We had a few key players missing, we can’t afford to have (them) missing, it hurts us.

“The CSI (Centennial Stadium Incorporated) is helping us out a lot, having the new facilities means we have a base now and we have somewhere to call home.”