The Tigers proved naysayers wrong last year, storming into the grand final, only to go down after a poor opening half, but they’re ready to go one better this year

Season 2018 of the Central West AFL kicks off on Saturday, with the Tigers travelling to Dubbo for their round one clash, and they’ll have plenty of old names back in the sash. 

At the top of the list are former skipper Tim Barry and the Michael and Chris Rothnie, with Ben McKenna and Mick Evans among those returning. 

Barry and Chris Rothnie played together in Wagga Wagga during the 2017 season, while Michael Rothnie was in Canberra. 

All three are chomping at the bit to get onto the field in Dubbo and are wrapped to be playing closer to home in season 2018. 

“The travelling and stuff and Chrisso and Dinga [Michael] being back here plenty of home games – work can be pretty tiring and then heading off over the weekends, so I’m keen to get back and enjoy some footy back here,” Barry said. 

He said he was looking forward to playing at the club’s new home at Waratahs and “be a bit more front of mind for the town”. 

For the Rothnie boys, both have stepped straight into the leadership group, which includes last year’s skipper of Luke Thorley, vice captain Andrew Nelson and Dan Sadler and new additions Ben McKenna and Jaxon Mumme. 

“I learnt a lot at North Wagga and it’s good to be back and teach a lot of the younger blokes what I picked up and share the experience,” Chris Rothnie said. 

“It’s been good, the boys have been welcoming and we’ve got a bit of banter back up so it’s good.”

Brother Michael is loving get out on the track – “the past few weeks training has ramped up a bit and it’s getting me excited”.

The women’s side is ready to go as well, and there’s a full compliment of juniors – under 12, 14 and 17 boys and the youth women’s side – raring to go.