The AFL Darling Downs Allied Pickford's Cup final five has been decided, with venues locked in. AFL Darling Downs media department take a look at each of the teams that are contesting the 2013 Finals series.
Allied Pickford's Cup
Minor Premiers: University Cougars – 60pts, 303.82%
The Cougars have been unstoppable this season with their only loss way back in Round 4 and that was against second place Coolaroo by 6-points. University finished the game with more scoring shots then the Roo’s. but lost. USQ finished the season as the number one defensive side, only conceding on average 44points per game. They were tested, “somewhat” against South Toowoomba last week where their inaccuracy in front of goal nearly cost them the minor premiership. Cougars will enjoy the first week off and be able to refresh before they take on the winner of 2nd verses 3rd.
Second: Coolaroo – 60pts, 273.13%
Coolaroo missed out on claiming the 2013 minor premiership by 30% and will now face the three-time reigning premiers in a qualifying semi-final. The Roo’s claim the rights to the number one attacking side in 2013 averaging an impressive 139points per game. Their potency when going forward is second to none and have a number of big game players, resting star Tom Rudolph in Round 18 may just be the key to the Roo’s flag chances.
Third: Toowoomba Tigers – 48pts, 171.52%
The three-time reigning premiers come into another final series in a similar position to where they launched each of their three flag campaigns. Can they make it four straight? Tigers have a squad that is well-balanced and have finals experience, USQ and Coolaroo may have been flag favourites all season but no-one would want to play Toowoomba in any final. They are primed with four straight wins to end the Allied Pickford’s home and away season, and are in good shape! It will no doubt be a thrilling game against long-time rivals Coolaroo in week one of finals.
Fourth: Warwick Redback’s – 36pts, 132.61%
Reddies, known for their hard, tough and physical footy and after not appearing in last year’s final series will be hungry for success. They have a well-balanced squad but have an absolute young-star with finals experience. Playing at home will be an added bonus for the 2011-Grand-finalists and no doubt the Southern Downs faithful will be out in force. Will they be a big player in 2013 finals, only time will tell but first they must beat the Hawks.
Fifth: Goondiwindi Hawks – 36pts, 129.54%
From wooden-spooners in 2012 to finals contenders in 2013, it has been a big turnaround for the high flying Hawks and Coach Jardine will have the entire team pumped for their Elimination Final against the Reddies. Goondiwindi’s top tier talent is some of the best that has been seen in years at the Hawks. Goondiwindi have shown that at times they can match it with the top teams. They will come into the finals as the genuine smokey and can go all the way, finals is a different brand of footy and no doubt that Goondiwindi community will be out in full force as they take on their country rivals in week on of Allied Pickford Finals.
PHOTO: Goondiwindi Hawks Facebook Page
Last Modified on 03/09/2013 19:10
