AFL Canberra division one grand final man-of-the-match Queanbeyan Tiger Matt Liddle said no individual is bigger than his club, as he claimed his first such grand final honour during his side's premiership win over Ainslie.
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The Tigers pulled from the NEAFL competition this year, attracting some negative press to the club, but said the club would always play a big part in the Queanbeyan community, even if individual players left it due to no longer having a NEAFL pathway.
Liddle played 150 games at NEAFL level for the club, but said the club had proved it could deal with any situation after taking out the premierships in AFL Canberra division one, Rising Stars, and Women.
"We're a community club, and we pride ourselves on making the most of a situation and I think we have, and it shows," Liddle said.
"I played most of the NEAFL time for the club as well, and it's been an awesome experience, and I think the club's learned a lot from it."
"But it's about the club being bigger than the individual, and it's about making sure it's sustainable for the future."
Speaking of his award, Liddle said he felt as though he had dominated his area of the field, but said his team's effort made life much easier.
He added his men's premiership had not come from two weeks of training in the lead up to the match, but from the season as a whole.
"Finals aren't won on the day. They're won during the season, and all the preparation and work you've done during the season," he said.
"Then it's about executing, and I think everyone knew what they needed to do on the day, and I think they did exactly their roles."
At 30 years of age, Liddle said he was considering retirement, but admitted the premiership had made him keen for next season.