By AFLDD Media | 20th September
#AFLDDGF
Under 16 AFL Darling Downs Juniors Grand-Final
Coolaroo V Dalby Swans, 12:30pm at Rockville Oval, Tor Street Toowoomba
Listen to the Grand Final PodCast, click here
AFL Darling Downs Media preview the Under 16 McDonald's Cup Grand-Final, everything you need to know from players to watch, key statistics and the Macca's five key points.
Coolaroo upset the Dalby Swans in these two sides last encounter, as the Swans sixteen game winning streak came to an end. James Sprason was the hero two weeks ago, kicking the winning goal in the last 30seconds of the match. Coolaroo got up and advanced to today's decider, while the Swans had to go into battle against a dogged Warwick outfit.
Grand-Final day, where all other results are wiped, they don't matter and all that does is the four quarters ahead.
Dalby boast a number of superstar players and none more so than the trio of Dan Mauch, Harry Milford and Riley Easton. Mauch is quick, well balanced and silky skilled. Milford is the Swans X factor and has the ability to kick team lifting goals, while Easton is the quiet achiever, he is the poise Dalby require along with his ability to pin point team mates.
For Coolaroo, the young men in navy blue have a number of their own impressive players. None more so than Corey Bellert inside, outside, it doesn't matter his left boot is a weapon and can slice games right open. He also is well support by key defender and Captain Peter Rose, good skills, strong body and rarely gets beaten in a one on one contest. The other Roo is classy on baller Samuel Copland, agile, skilful beyond his years, oozes leadership and reads the play like no other.
Dalby coach Carl Doherty knows that this won't be easy and will need all Swannies on the day to step up.
"Coolaroo outplayed us, they outran us and were just too good, two weeks ago," Coach Doherty told AFLDD media.
"We have been focused all week and ready for the challenge, we will have to watch (Corey) Bellert and Sammy (Samuel Copland) but we will stick to our style of player," Doherty added.
This will be fourth encounter between the two Grand-Finalists for the season with Dalby taking the points in three of those by an average of 51points per game. Coolaroo won the last encounter by two points.
Key Players
Coolaroo - James Sprason
18 games in season 2013 kicked 34 goals for the season including a season best of 6 on two occasions. Sprason has been relatively quiet when playing against the Swans but popped up at the right time to kick the match winner two weeks ago. His best game of the season was in Round 16, in a best on ground performance, included two goals.
James goes unnoticed by opposition teams, very skilful and agile, small to medium type midfielder who would be leading the inside 50 count for the Roo’s. A key to the Roo’s success.
Dalby - Cormack Ebbage
17 games in season 2013 kicked 8 goals for the season, season high of 3 against University. Named best on ground for the Swans on 2 occasions during the season but always kept quiet against Coolaroo.
Cormack is a defensive midfielder, hard running and will get in and get the job done. He may not have the class of Mauch, Milford and Easton but he has guts and determination. A key to the Swans holding aloft the Premiership Cup.
McDonald's Cup Five Key Points
1. Dalby can't rely on the star trio and will need every player to be switched on and ready to contribute for the entire four quarters.
2. Same goes for Coolaroo, don't expect Bellert and Copland to do all the work. No doubt they will receive some attention so the boys in Navy will need to support the duo.
3. Grand-Finals are won at cross-roads, there is a point in the game that a player will need to step up, if this moment comes be the one to step up.
4. Calm not just from the players but coaching staff, both crews are going to get nervous and anxious at times, whichever box can keep their cool will have a big influence on the result.
5. Kick the first goal!
Unable to make it to the game, well we have the answer to follow the game live. McDonald's Cup Grand Final LIVE Match Centre. Click on that link to follow the game live.
Photo: left to right - Coolaroo player Corey Bellert.
Last Modified on 09/10/2013 17:38
