A Queenslander by birth, Tidyman debuted for Eastern Suburbs in 1913 joining a star-studded line-up that included Dally Messenger, Wally Messenger, Sandy Pearce, Larry O'Malley, Les Cubitt, Dan Frawley and Arthur "Pony" Halloway who had already posted two premiership victories on the trot in 1911 and 1912. The 1913 Tricolours were minor-premiers after fourteen regular rounds and thus claimed the overall premiership and in the process permanent possession of the Royal Agricultural Society Shield having now won three successive premierships. Tidyman also played in the Eastern Suburbs sides who won the City Cup (a post-season tournament) in 1914 and 1915.