On Friday 10 June 2010 an enthusiastic Under 12 Darling Downs AFL team and 3 officials set off for the State Championships in Cairns. With a couple of first time fliers, the trip to Cairns was a lively, exciting experience. Greeted by a distinct change of weather, the DD boys removed layers of clothing as they stepped onto the tarmac at the Cairns airport. With no billeting required, the children were met by their families and headed off to their accommodation.
The first day kicked off with an opening ceremony welcoming all the regions to the championships. Our captains; Sam Copland, Josh Adams and Brendon (BJ) Shelton led the team out proudly onto the Cazaly’s field. Our first game was against Wide Bay, the winner of Pool B the previous year. We knew it would be a tough first game and the Darling Downs boys failed to get going from the start. Wide Bay was a well drilled and disciplined unit, winning the game 11.15. 81 to 0.0.0. The Players’ Player was Sam Copland with Thomas Orchard winning the Coach’s Award.
Early on the second morning, on a dew covered field, our team entered the stadium again ready to make amends for day 1. The team lifted and played with more structure. They were more motivated and determined and this showed on the scoreboard (12.16.88 to 2.1.13). Tom Benham (Players’ Player) dominated up forward with 4 goals, Egan Siggs and goal sneak Tom Matthews contributed 2 with singles to Taran Rissman, Nick Watt, BJ and Sam Copland. The great run of Darcy Coleman in the midfield saw him win the Coach’s Award for the game. Considering the greasy conditions this was an impressive win.
Our third game was a cross over game against the Sunshine Coast Region that same day. This was a chance for the state selectors to have a look more closely at a few of our boys. It was a tough ask to back up the same day against a Pool A team, but to their credit they never gave up and pressured their opponents all game. The silky skills and run of the Sunshine Coast team won out on the day (12.11.83 to 0.0.0). Riley Easton (Players’ Player) and Sam Stahlhut (Coach’s Award) showed great defensive work.
Our day three game against Capricornia was a must win encounter. The boys were fired up and dominated possession around the ground. A five goal spurt in 5 minutes by Capricornia proved to be the difference with DD not making the most of their possession (9.4.58 to 3.5.23). The boys never gave up with great performances by Thomas Orchard (Players’ Player) and Will Grundon (Coach’s Award). Tom Matthews, Riley Easton and BJ all scored singles.
The next game was against the host region team. Peninsula peppered the goals all game but our DD team fought hard and showed glimpses of what they are capable of. The scoreboard (6.19.55 to 4.4.28) was not a true indication of the contest with Peninsula wining by more than 4 goals. Joshua Mengel, Sam Agar, Matt Ryan and Sam Copland scored one each for DD. Hard hitting Jayden Shanks (Players’ Player) and Tom Matthews (Coach’s Award) both had great games.
It was the final day, final game, and after two good performances the previous two days the boys were desperate to finish with a win. Northern were the second placed team in the Pool B competition. DD matched Northern with their skills and dominated them physically. It was a great game to watch with DD getting a sniff of victory after a great 3rd quarter. Northern held on for a 7.9.51 to 3.6.24 victory. Joshua Mengel, Tom Matthews and BJ all scored one each.
The winner of Pool A was Met East who was not really challenged during any game. Wide Bay was the stand out team in Pool B, winning all their games.
Sam Copland, BJ Shelton and Riley Easton were selected in the Qld Country Team who smashed Met West 10.10.70 to 2.3.15. All three boys contributed to the victory and deserved their spots.
The DD boys improved with every game and gained the respect of the other regions and crowd. Thomas Orchard was awarded the Most Valuable Player trophy for the Darling Downs team, who developed as a player over the carnival and never gave up.
A very well organised carnival by Jo Butland and Andrew Vearing from the Peninsula region and a great job done by Coach David Mountford-Vale and trainer Peter Wilson. A big thanks to all the parents for their help and support.
Released By:
Andrew Wickes
DD Manager
Photo: U12 DD Schoolboys Co-Captain Sam Copeland kicks clear as a DD team mate provides support.
Last Modified on 29/09/2010 12:08
