From Vision to Club
What began with a flyer in a letterbox and a fold-out table outside a primary school has grown into one of the strongest community AFL clubs in the Northern Rivers.
The year was 2003 when a retired Accountant named Bob Mackay moved south from Brisbane to Pottsville. After a couple of years settling into the Northern Rivers lifestyle with wife Anne, he saw the need for a Junior AFL Club in his new found home. Bob had previously been on the committee of the famous Coorparoo AFL Brisbane ghostwriter and for the club newsletter, while his son Noel was playing Junior football there.
In early 2006, Bob typed up a flyer asking for anybody interested in playing AFL to contact him. This was done via a letterbox drop to all the homes in the growing neighbourhoods of Pottsville. The only reply that a despondent Bob received was from a young landscaper named Julian van den Driest who had recently built his first home in Koala Beach with his new wife after leaving Kingscliff.
Soon, Bob and Julian organised a sign on day on a Saturday morning out front of the Pottsville Primary School. The pair sat at a fold out table for 3 hours, only to have 2 cars turn up!
Undeterred, Julian approached the school where he knew a few teachers and volunteered to run AFL Clinics for the kids at lunchtimes. Meanwhile, Bob was busy contacting AFL NSW in Coffs Harbour in a bid to form a new Junior AFL Club the problem was that AFL NSW only extended as far north as Ballina and AFLQ only as far south as Coolangatta!
Once word spread of the activities of the ‘Dynamic Duo’, AFL NSW began paying Julian a small sum to visit Northern Rivers Primary Schools and conduct AFL Clinics on a part time basis.
By Easter, while Bob was still working hard on the logistics of forming a new club, Julian’s passion and demeanour with young kids and AFL skills had attracted enough young players from surrounding schools to play some practice matches. These unsanctioned games were played against the team that had a bye in the local Northern Rivers competition, often taking place at the Pottsville Primary School oval.
By the start of season 2007, the Tweed Coast Tigers were officially part of the Northern Rivers AFL competition.
Bob and Julian were officially recognised for their contributions by being awarded as inaugural life members of the Tweed Coast Tigers Junior AFL Club. Bob passed away on the 6th September 2022. Julian and brother Rick attended the funeral where Bob’s coffin was adorned with a Tigers footy jumper as well as his life member badge! Bob is survived by his son Neil who incidentally is a teacher at Palm Beach Currumbin High School and responsible for setting up the AFL Sporting Excellence program that he runs to this day.
Julian has been working with AFLQ for the past 15 years and has a son Noah playing with the Tigers in the U17’s in season 2026.
The year was 2003 when a football ‘tragic’ (by his own admission) Colin Richards arrived in the Northern Rivers from South Australia. He quickly found work in pubs at Cabarita and Tumbulgum in order to support his wife Jen and young family.
By 2007 Col had cemented himself at the Pottsville Tavern, where he met a co-worker in Shane Shallue. Shane was another fanatical AFL ‘nut’ who loved the Swans (his sister had married Swans Royalty Brownlow Medallist Barry Round)!
Col and Shane quickly realised the need for a local Senior men’s football club and Colin, being the ultimate people’s person, wasted no time recruiting young men from Soccer, Rugby League and Union to support the handful of ex-Victorians living in the area.
By 2008, Colin’s eldest son was attending Pottsville Primary School. It wasn’t long before Col crossed paths with Julian van den Driest who had recently began working for AFLQ and was conducting Auskick clinics at local schools.
One year later, with the help of Julian and the then AFL Development Officer for the Northern Rivers, Brent Kelly, Colin got a Committee together to form the Tweed Coast Tigers Senior AFL Football Club. Tony and Pat Curtis, Tim and Judy Webb, and John Sharpe were passionate AFL people who helped Colin (the Inaugural President) get the fledgling club up and running.
Three weeks before the Tiger’s very first game in season 2010, Col finally convinced his mate at work (Ex-Geelong reserves player Paul Kelly) to coach the team! Colin now had a coach, team, Committee and were a part of the Northern Rivers AFL Football League, consisting of Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and Nimbin (Shane Shallue took over as coach in 2011)
Some notable players in that very first game were Julian van den Driest who played out the game with cracked ribs, Ben Kelly (past junior coach, Life Member and ex Senior President 2019, 2020, 2021, and 12 years on the Senior Board), and John Nankivell (Coach of Tiger’s teams since 2016, Life member of Juniors, Club Treasurer 2016-2019).
Although the team went down by 3 goals in front of a home crowd of 150 at Pottsville Oval, the seeds had been sewn for a very bright future for our club. Colin currently resides in Bairnsdale in East Gippsland, Victoria – where he has coached a number of junior Premierships. Apparently he can be heard working in the pub down there, sharing football yarns – we’re sure many of which involve his beloved TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
A look back at the games, teams and moments that define our success.
The Tweed Coast Tigers Football Club came of age on Saturday, 11 September, when it claimed a historic first premiership in only its second year of existence.
After a narrow two-point loss to Byron Bay in Round 1, a fierce determination took hold within the club. That resolve carried the Tigers through a remarkable 19-game winning streak and a dream season for such a young side. While the players delivered on the field, the expertise and tireless support of the club’s volunteers and committee provided the foundation for success.
Confidence inside the Tigers camp was strong leading into the Grand Final. A hard-fought preliminary final win over a powerful Ballina side, combined with the benefit of a week’s rest, had the team primed—though the suspension of Summerland League Best and Fairest winner Arnold Knight was a significant setback.
Training continued under boxing and fitness trainer Paul Charlesworth and Coach “Shags,” with preparations culminating in the team’s customary Thursday night bonding session. The club felt ready to make history.
At 2:00 pm on Saturday, however, the Lismore Swans came out firing. After Nugget opened the scoring for the Tigers with a set-shot goal, Lismore dominated much of the first half. The Tigers struggled to find their usual intensity as the Swans’ running game took control, leading 3.2 to 1.2 at the first break.
The pattern continued in the second quarter, with Lismore repeatedly surging forward from centre clearances. Despite the pressure, the Tigers managed two goals for the term, but inaccuracy proved costly and the Swans extended their lead to 15 points at halftime.
Grand Finals often hinge on experience. Coach Shags’ halftime address refocused the team on the magnitude of the moment, while veteran Arty’s emotional plea galvanised the players. The response was immediate.
A powerful run down the wing by star onballer Johnno, capped by a brilliant 50-metre goal on the run, ignited both the Tigers and their supporters. Tactical adjustments to the backline added defensive strength and midfield drive, and with Roundy dominating the ruck, the onball brigade Jimmy, Bones, Johnno, Boalie and Jai—began to control the contest.
Bolty’s marking strength provided quality delivery to Ash, who had been moved to full forward. Ash, who had excelled all season against bigger opponents, produced a match-winning performance, kicking five goals in the second half to earn the Bob Hill Medal for Best on Ground.
To their credit, the Swans fought bravely, but injuries to key midfielders in the third quarter proved costly. By the final change, the Tigers had edged ahead by six points.
The final term belonged to the Tigers, who outscored the Swans four goals to one. The defensive unit stood firm, with Timmy taking crucial marks and Jacobs’ relentless tackling shutting down any Swans resurgence.
In the midfield, Jimmy lifted his work rate, linking effectively with Ash and Nugget to put the result beyond doubt. Fittingly, Jimmy kicked the final goal of the season after breaking free from a pack and running into an open goal, later receiving the Players’ Player award.
At the final siren, the Tigers led by 28 points, securing a historic premiership and completing one of the most memorable seasons in the club’s short history.
Shane Shallue
Jai Purcell
Ash Gemmill
A. Gemmill 5, S. Peddie, J. Walle, B. Kelly, John Bevan
Shags – Coach, Mark – Team Manager, Lucy – Team Physiotherapist, Deano – Runner,And a very special mention to the boys who missed the GF but are part of the playing group: Arnold, T-Bone, Matty, Big John, Muzza, Thommo, Nathan, Louie, Mark and of course Colin.
This was truly a dream come true for the Tigers playing squad and their supporters; a number of the Tigers were playing in their first ever Grand Final and all involved will never forget Saturday 11th September, 2010.
Shane Shallue
Josh Edwards
Jimmy Walle
D. Round 7, J. Bolt 3, J. Walle 2, A. Gemmill 2, J. Carlsey, L. McGrath
2 B. Spencer, 3 B. Kelly, 4 J. Bolt 5, 7 J. Walle, A. Dean, 8 J. Carlsey, 9 A. Gemmill, 12 X. Hawkey, 13 T. Wells14, L. Spencer, 17 L. McGrath, 18 J. Weston, 20 S. Peddie, 22 T. Hoopman, 24 B. Lye, 25 D. Round, 28 C. Richards, 30 S. Edwards, 34 J. Bone, 37 J. Edwards, 38 B. Lillis, 39 H. Woods
2013 we secured a memorable victory over Byron Bay to claim a 3rd Premiership. With the game story below.
The Tigers established an early advantage in a fiercely contested Grand Final, taking a narrow two-point lead into quarter-time. Carrying that momentum into the second term, they extended the margin to 10 points by the main break, putting themselves in a strong position. Byron Bay responded in the third quarter, mounting a determined comeback.
With the final kick before three-quarter time, the Magpies edged ahead by a single point, setting up a tense finish and keeping spectators on edge.
In the decisive final term, however, the Tigers took control. Restricting Byron Bay to just one point, while the Tigers surged clear to record a 17-point victory and secure the premiership.
Ashley Gemmill delivered a match-winning performance with four goals, while Bones, Roundy, Woody and Kieran were also outstanding contributors. Singling out individuals was difficult, as the triumph reflected the strength and depth of a 28-man squad that had pushed each other for selection throughout the closing rounds of the season.
The victory marked back-to-back Grand Final appearances for the club….. an achievement that signalled the Tigers’ growing strength and reputation.
Shane Shallue
Josh Edwards
Ash Gemmill
A. Gemmill 4, J. Walle 2, P. Lathoruras , M. Kirsner , D. Round
2 M. Kirsner, 3 L. Spencer, 4 J. Bolt, 5 A. Dean, 7 J. Walle, 9 A. Gemmill, 10 J. Bone, 11 M. Murnane, 13 T. Wells, 15 J. Bevan, 16 J. Smith, 17 L. McGrath, 18 J. Weston, 20 L. Haliday, 22 T. Hoopman, 23 C. Bolt, 24 C. Payne, 25 D. Round, 26 K. Baker, 28 P. Lathoruras, 30 S. Edwards, 37 J. Edwards
Tweed Coast Tigers pulled off one of the great wins in local club Aussie rules footy in extraordinary circumstances against a bitterly and deservingly so disappointed Byron Bay.
The 2015 decider of the Queensland Australian Football Association (B) South competition will be etched into both clubs’ memories, following one of the most unbelievable conclusions to a grand final with Tigers winning 10.8 (68) to 10.7 (67).
The Magpies had a week’s rest following the win and looked the fresher of the sides, kicking away early to lead by 27 points at quarter time.
The Tigers started to make its move in the premiership quarter, however couldn’t reel in the minor premiers with the margin narrowed to 16 points at the last change.
The Magpies failed to kick a goal in the final quarter as the Tigers kicked three of its own and snatch the premiership by the smallest of margins, hitting the lead with six seconds on the clock (not what the scoreboard reflected though).
Confusion reigned around the Byron Bay Sports Complex as the scoreboard at full-time incorrectly indicated that the Magpies had won the game by a point, making them undefeated premiers.
Goal umpires David Manson and Jason Belikoff confirmed the official score post-match after a 3 minute delay and much confusion. The score board correctly changed and the Tigers celebrated…. for days!
James Walle was named as best on ground and was accompanied by strong performances from Rudds, Spud, Sammy and Kizza for the Tigers.
The win was the Tigers first against the Magpies for the season and was also the Magpies first loss of the season. A great team, who went on to win many flags and have some great battles with the Tigers along the way!
The win gave the Tigers their 4th premiership since joining the competition in 2009 and was the Tigers 6th consecutive grand final appearance.
Shane Shallue
Ash Gemmill
Jimmy Walle
Ash 2 Spud 2,Doc 2, Rudds 2 Bones 2
4 Jason Bolt, 6 Judd Harris, 7 James Walle, 9 Ashley Gemmill, 10 Jarrad Ruddock, 13 Tim Wells, 15 Jonathon Bevan, 16 Nathan Brown, 18 John Weston, 19 Zachariah Nuske, 20 Luke Haliday, 21 Shaun Cadd, 22 Thor Hoopman, 24 Brenton Tickle, 25 Dean Anderson, 28 Kieran Baker, 30 Samuel Edwards, 37 Josh Edwards, 40 Joshua Bone, 50 Thomas Arnold, 51 Robert Prichard, 77 Joshua Secomb
Katie Patison
Rachel Kelly
Makayla Sekac
Not Recorded
1 S. Hinchcliffe, 2 B. Hawkey, 3 K. Walle, 4 C. Brown, 5 J. Patience, 7 A. Ella, 9 R. Channells, 10 E. Pritchard, 11 M. Dreyer, 12 K. Van Rossum, 15 A. Ryan, 16 M. Sekac, 19 L. Vandendriest, 22 A. Cronan, 23 E. Crawley, 24 S. Whitburn, 26 K. Pritchard, 28 R. Hunter, 29 K. Harrison, 32 J. Fraser, 33 S. Joyce, 77 R. Kelly
Emergencies: 14 N. Clark, 18 R. Vandendriest, 21 R. Pickerin
Injured: 6 T. Ella, 8 G. Ella
Katie Patison
Chantelle Brown & Jessica Mitchell
Alannah McNally
Brooke Hawkey
2 B. Hawkey, 4 C. Brown, 5 L. Mostert, 9 J. Mitchell, 11 S. Sharp, 13 K. Patison, 16 M. Campbell, 18 R. Vandendriest, 21 K. Newnham, 32 A. McNally, 34 M. Campbell, 35 R. Bell-Warren, 40 T. Mitchell, 41 B. Hutton, 42 C. Talbot, 45 O. O’Bryan, 46 P. O’Bryan, 50 J. Harkin, 52 I. Topper, 55 A. Fulton, 77 R. Kelly
Emergencies: 14 N. Clark, 22 E. Gonsal
Injured: 15 J. Patience, 24 S. Whitburn
