THE Tweed Coast Tigers are shaping as genuine title contenders in this year’s Summerland AFL competition following their gutsy 14.13-97 to 12.6-78 triumph over Lismore at Pottsville Oval on Saturday.

A strong force throughout their debut season last year, the Tigers have begun their second stint in impressive fashion.

In their opening encounter, they were edged out by just two points by reigning premiers Byron Bay before bouncing back to topple beaten grand finalists Lismore in no uncertain terms in their round two encounter at the weekend.

Off to a slow, nervy start in front of home fans, the Tigers took some time to hone in on goal but once the radars locked in, they showed all in attendance exactly what all the hype is about.

Trailing by 20 points at the break and determined to not slump to a loss on home soil, the Tigers lifted their intensity and played themselves back into the game courtesy of five majors off the trusty boot of David Rounds.

Leading at three-quarter time, the Tigers kicked the first two goals of the final term and were never headed, closing the game out 19 points clear.

“We just kicked into a different gear and played ourselves into the game with the wind behind us in the third,” Tigers president Colin Richards said.

“We increased our tackling intensity, contested possessions strongly and caused a lot of turnovers as a result.

“Once we got our noses in front, they never threatened the lead again.

“I think we’ve got away to a great start this season against the two grand finalists from last year and all the sides will certainly be taking notice.

“We definitely enjoy playing on the smaller pitch at Pottsville and all the guys were happy to get the duck off our back.”

The only negative coming out of the superb victory was the loss of three players to injury, with the longest stint on the sidelines likely to be Trent Shepherd with broken ribs.