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 Shield finals.
Under 14 McDonald's Shield
Minor Premiers - Coolaroo; 56pts – 321.64%
The second Coolaroo side to finish as minor-premiers, this Roo’s side have had a near perfect season with just the one loss throughout the McDonald’s Shield home and away season. This loss was to fellow finalists Highfields way back in Round 7 when the Roo’s were understrength. Coolaroo have averaged 78points against the other finalists while the other finalists have averaged just 29points against them. Is it the Roo’s year, we will have to wait and see as they will enjoy the first week of finals off.
Second - Highfields Lions; 48pts – 425.08%
The Lions have been very consistent this year and boast a superb line up across the paddock. Highfields are the number one defensive side in the McDonald’s Shield having only 22.5points averaged against them. Their losses this season have been against fellow finalists South Toowoomba and minor-premiers Coolaroo; both times they were blown away in the third quarter.
Third – Dalby Swans; 48pts – 352.46%
Dalby are an experienced finals campaigner and half their squad are from the 2012 premiership Under 12’s side. Dalby are the number one offensive side in the McDonald’s Shield averaging an impressive 107.5points a game. They face the number one defensive outfit in the Highfields Lions in Semi-Final during the first week of finals. What will happen when the best attackers meet the best defenders, a classic finals bout!
Fourth – South Toowoomba Bombers; 36pts – 193.07
South Toowoomba have flown under the radar somewhat in 2013 and now face up in an Elimination Final. The Bombers are ranked fourth in both defence and attack, they have a superb on-ball brigade but lack dual targets up forward. They have played three other finalists in their last four games and lost all three not ideal for a team looking to make a run for the flag from fourth. Again it is finals and anything can happen.
Fifth – University Cougars; 32pts – 96%
The young-Cougars are ranked sixth for attack and defence and some would say they are lucky to play finals. Their Round 18 win over South Toowoomba will be a confidence booster going into the Elimination Final against the same opposition but finals are the unknown and have the uncanny ability to bring out the best in players or get the best of the players. It is now or wait until 2014 for redemption.
Last Modified on 02/09/2013 08:50
