With the home and away season concluding, the finals season is officially underway and AFL Darling Downs Media department look at each side competing in the McDonald's Trophy finals.
Under 12 McDonald's Trophy
Minor Premiers - Coolaroo; 60pts - 455.67%
The Roo's have played three of their fellow finalists in the last month and haven't come away with the results they would of wanted. Losing to both the Lions and Cougars but gaining some much needed momentum in Round 18 defeating the Swans. Coolaroo will now have a week off before they play the winner of Highfields and Warwick in the Qualifying Final on September 7th.
Second - Highfields Lions; 56pts - 388.57%
Highfields are the form team coming into finals, with their last loss coming in Round 12 against University. Since then the Lions have roared, including wins over fellow finalists Warwick, minor Premiers Coolaroo and a return game against University. The Lions now face Warwick in the Semi-Final with the winner progressing to play Coolaroo in the Qualifying Final and loser facing the winner of the Elimination Final in a knockout Semi-Final
Third - Warwick Redbacks; 56pts - 216.73%
Reddies have had an indifferent month leading into finals, with a big win over Stingers in Round 18 but going down to Highfields by 10-goals in Round 17 and two commanding wins in rounds 15 and 16. Warwick have the worse defensive record of the McDonald's Trophy finalists and will need to focus on that as they face the Lions who average 90.6points a game. Redback's have the double chance with a show-down in the Semi-Final with the Lions
Fourth - University Cougars; 54pts - 278.75%
The Cougars are one of the lucky sides in this years McDonald's Cup and played a Elimination Final in Round 18 against South Toowoomba. Lose that and they wouldn't play finals but they prevailed and here they are. University are a side that get out to good starts and then play possession footy to hang onto that lead, even if they don't mean to. They are one of the hardest teams to score against and have experienced a number of close games in 2013. They face the Dalby Swans in the Elimination Final and their tough, close game experience may just be what they need.
Fifth - Dalby Swans; 52pts - 369.38%
An unusual spot for the reigning Premiers, the Swans have finished second for the last three seasons in the Under 12's and find themselves fighting for survival in the McDonald's Trophy Elimination Final. They have defeated the Cougars both times this season but that was home and away fixtures, this is finals, a completely different campaign. Dalby have the finals experience behind them and that can be what wins you premierships but from fifth will be difficult.
PHOTO: Highfields Lions Facebook Page
Last Modified on 02/09/2013 08:50