Week two of finals action is upon us, as only four teams remain in each age division. AFL Darling Downs media take a look at each side remaining.
Under 16 McDonald's Cup
Qualifying Final - Dalby V Coolaroo @ USQ Baker Street 12:30pm
Minor Premiers Dalby will be fresh after their week off, while Coolaroo will be bouncing with confidence after their 14-goal win over the Reddies last week. Roos main man James Sprason was on fire booting five from the middle in a best on ground performance, Sprason along with Samuel Copland were the destroyers bagging nine majors between them in the big win over Warwick.
After the week off, no doubt the Swannies will be fired up and the big three of Harry Milford, Riley Easton and Dan Mauch will be keen to be let off the leash. Milford is the Roos big threat, the Swans key forward booted 10 in their round 18 clash, taking his season tally to 107. The winner of this game will progress to the 2013 decider.
Knock-out Semi-Final - Warwick V South Toowoomba @ Rockville Oval 12:30pm
Warwick will need to regroup quickly otherwise they will be kicked out in straight sets. South Toowoomba are flying high as the Bombers easily accounted for the Demons in last week's Elimination final by 12-goals. Ryan Duke along with Nathan Mills were pivotal in the victory and will play a major role in this elimination Semi.
Josh Read was damaging for the Reddies and McKendry chipped in with a team game high 3goals. Both will be important players but will need a more even team contribution if they are to get past the soaring Bombers. Read verses Duke will be a likely match up and may just be the contest that decides who advances to next week's Preliminary Final.
Under 14 McDonald's Shield
Qualifying Final - Coolaroo V Highfields @ USQ Baker Street 11:00am
Could this be a Grand-Final preview or the last time these two sides meet in 2013. Both are the form teams of the competition and boast star studded line ups. Coolaroo have the Under 14 Brisbane Juniors Div 1 Best and Fairest winner in Brendan Shelton along with stars such as Brock Aston, Ben Southey, Kale Ross and co. While the Lions talent goes in deep with Mitchell Wren, the Cherry brothers, Sam Baldock, Finn Collison and Tom Clark.
With both sides having numerous stars, this game will come down to whichever side can have an strong team performance over individual performances, which will decide this game. There will be a number of mouth watering matchups all over the paddock with Southey Vs. Clark, Shelton Vs. Wren, Aston Vs. (either) Cherry, one not to miss as the winner will progress to the biggest day of all, Grand-Final day.
Knockout Semi-Final - Dalby V South Toowoomba @ Rockville Oval 11:00am
Another interesting game that could go either way, with both sides relying heavily on key duos to lead from the front. For the Bombers Ryan Neumann and Callum Walters are the king pairing, both key position players and can slot in anywhere on the field. Both played important roles in the Bombers stirring come from behind win against the Cougars at Roddies last week.
For Dalby it is Tom Matthews and Samuel Daff who are the go-to-players. Matthews is a key and similar to Walters/Neumann can play anywhere but is their goal-kicking machine. Daff is the Swannie most likely to take the club Best and Fairest, as he has proven a handful for opposition teams with his run and carry along with his in and under work. Another game that will come down to an even team performance but a game that both sides demand respect, lose this and that is it for 2013.
Under 12's McDonald's Trophy
Qualifying Final - Coolaroo V Highfields @ USQ Baker Street 9:45am
These fierce rivals will face off once again with the ledger at one-win each in 2013 but this time it isn't premiership points up for grabs, it is a spot in the premiership decider. Highfields hold the advantage after taking out the previous encounter in a gutsy 16-point victory. Lions captain Lachlan Davies is the player to stop for the Roos with the young skipper the form player of the McDonald's Trophy season, he would also be a hot favourite for the League Best and Fairest.
For Coolaroo Judah Jackson is the consistent performer, the young Roo is a natural ball winner but his ability to push forward and kick goals has made him more of a complete player. Jackson and Davies will be a mouth watering match up and one the coaches of both sides may put head to head. Anything could happen but the result that is a sure bet is that one of these powerhouse sides will advance to the 2013 decider.
Knockout Semi-Final - Warwick V Dalby @ Rockville Oval 9:45am
A country derby is the first game of the day at Rockville as two of the leagues powerhouse clubs fight it out to stay alive in the 2013 McDonald's Trophy. Reigning under 12 premiers Dalby have hit form and powered to an impressive 5-goal win last week, while Warwick faced defeat at the hands of the raging Lions.
Jaiden Fidge is the Reddies 'X' factor and if Warwick are to win he will no doubt play an important role but will require support from the other young Redbacks. The Dalby coaching staff will be looking for another even team performance and contribution to continue, but will rely on their talented onball brigade led by Vincent Melbin to set the standard at the opening bounce.
Last Modified on 12/09/2013 16:32
