Finals are upon us and AFL Darling Downs media department preview week 1 of the Under 12’s McDonald’s Trophy finals. Two blockbusters open week 1 of the finals as Dalby take on University at Warwick and the Redback’s face the Lions at Gold Park.
Qualifying Semi-Final
Highfields Lions V Warwick Redbacks @ Gold Park, 9:45am
Warwick would be relatively nervous coming into this QSF against the Lions, as the young Redback’s are yet to beat Highfields. On both occasions Highfields have roared to impressive 10 goal victories and will be quietly confident going into this clash.
In their last meeting Lachlan Davies created headaches for the Reddies, as the Lions skipper ran-riot booting 4-goals in a best on ground performance. Highfields supported their skipper well throughout the clash with Holt, Boardman and Evans also stand out performers.
Hilton and Wright were by far the best for Warwick but lacked support as the Lions piled on 6 unanswered goals before the Reddies could register their first major.
Warwick will look to Hilton and Wright along with a number of Reddies to have more of an input. Jaiden Fidge is the Redback’s ‘X’-factor will need to have a major influence in this game if the Reddies are to progress to the Qualifying Final against Coolaroo. A likely match up, that will also be an epic battle would be Davies (Highfields) V Fidge (Warwick). Both can change a game with their own boot and whichever of these two stars can give the most, will give their the advantage. Either side losers and it isn’t season over as both sides have earned the Double chance.
Elimination Final
University Cougars V Dalby Swans @ Roddies Oval, 9:45am
An unusual place for both sides, as the 2012 Grand-Finalists face each other in this year’s Elimination Final. Dalby dominated last year’s big decider but on recent form this Final is set up to be an all-time blockbuster.
Dalby have won both match-ups this year, with the last encounter a goal deciding the result in the last few minutes of the game set up an amazing come from behind victory by the Swannies. Both teams have genuine match winners but to win finals it is the entire list that needs to contribute for success.
Last time they met, Cameron Ferguson and Joshua Halling were a dynamic duo, running a-muck in the midfield and Ferguson booted two-goals in the Swans four goals to two victory. The match winning ability of young female footballer Zimmorlei Farquharson must be watched closely by the Cougars as she has the ability to tare games open in the matter of minutes.
On the other side University have already played an Elimination Final in Round 18 against South Toowoomba, the winner coming through to the 2013 Finals. Cougars should be finals ready but their slow finishes are something that must be fixed if they are to advance. University have knocked teams off the paddock with their attacking brand of footy and at half-time have locked up the win.
But on a number of occasions their opponents have given them a 6-goal head start, with the Cougars opponents firing back in the second half. Luckily for University they have hung onto more games than they have lost but must play a four-quarter game if they are to eliminate last year’s Premier’s.
Akol, Arnold, Banim, Amol are all stars and list continues but if they are to defeat the Swans they need an all-round well balanced performance for the entire game. An Elimination Final worth watching, as this game will no doubt go down to the wire.
Last Modified on 04/09/2013 12:05
