Second term blitz secures shield

Railways all but assured they will host the second semifinal later this month after prevailing over reigning premiers North Albany by 27 points in the fourth annual Warrick Proudlove Tribute Match at Tigerland on Saturday.

The Tigers managed two goals, kicking against the breeze in the first quarter, and then produced a brilliant second term with the wind, where they piled on seven unanswered goals to set up their 11th win of the season.

Midfield dynamo Zane Marwick was again superb for the Tigers with 25 possessions and three goals, while Craig Frost, who finished runner-up in the Kleemann Medal last season, was back to his best form with a damaging display in the middle.

The Tigers had 10 individual goal kickers compared with the Kangas, who had five, on their way to reclaiming the Warrick Proudlove Tribute Match perpetual shield, 16.12 (108) to 12.9 (81).

Marwick was awarded the match-day ball for his best-on-ground performance, with Frost, Liam Nyhan and defenders Hansen Amann and Michael Parker also vital contributors.

Tigers coach Wayne Stubber was extremely happy with the way his side played in the first half.

"I couldn't be any happier," he said.

"The game was set up in the first half - to kick two goals into the breeze and then to kick seven with it, that was the difference.

"The second quarter was where the game was won.

"It was another all-round performance, which was the most pleasing thing."

Leading by 30 points at half time, the Tigers kicked two of the first three goals in the second half before the Kangas responded with four majors in a row to come within 12 points.

However goals to Logan Stubber and Riley Quilty in the final 90 seconds of the third quarter handed the Tigers a 25-point buffer at the last change.

The Kangas were able to get the margin back to 19 points in the last term, but struggled to outmuscle the sturdy Tigers defence.

Captain Brent Welshman was terrific throughout, booting five goals, and midfield jet Matt Orzel gathered 32 disposals and three goals in another vintage display.

Kangas coach Mick Mustey said the way they had played was disappointing.

They beat us at our own game," he said.

"Over the whole game I thought they outplayed us, but there is still not much between us.

"Railways managed to kick goals when they needed to and their inside-50s were better than ours."

The Kangas were missing spearhead Daniel Parker and defender Alec Haskins.

The only concern for the Tigers, is a knee injury to Bodhi Clifton.