Darwin Carnival Review
This year’s carnival was held in the heat of Darwin where every day reached 34 degrees by 9.00am with 80% humidity. Despite that, everyone had a good time on and off the field, with plenty to do and see in Darwin.
We went away with a 35s team coached by Gavin Torso Kearney, a 45s team coached by Peter Foxy Johnson, a 50s team coached by Steven VP Burchill, and a 55s team coached by Robert Bobby Templeman. Quite a few players decided to also back up in a younger team to cover some injuries or shortages so there was plenty of football played during the week. These players were a great asset for the coaches and represented QLD with distinction. And with a smaller group than normal we all got the chance to mix and get to know each other socially.
Below is a brief summary from each of the coaches.
35s Darwin 2013 Carnival Summary (Torso)
To the fabulous 14 and all the blokes who helped out, most who doubled up every game thank you very much for a very enjoyable week and making my first coaching experience a very good one.
Despite being undermanned we put up a very solid effort over the three games, having a good win in the first game against The Presidents, a couple of guys got amongst the goals I can’t remember who kicked 8 but I hear he is a very nice bloke. In the second game the Vics jumped out to an early lead and we were never able to peg them back but a very determined effort and some tactical moves by the super coach kept the margin to just 28 points. In the final game, the heat and the very long week got to us, with the backline under constant pressure we finally succumb to a 46 point defeat, even after leading at quarter time after a Super Goal by Michael Kath the only bloke from the 50’s that didn’t run away when I ask for some players.
It is always dangerous to single certain players out, as you always forget someone, but to the two Airlie beach boys (you know who you are) who like dancing with each other you need to have a look at yourselves. I just want to let you all know that I was impressed with everyone’s endeavors during our 3 games and if we can take one lesson from Darwin when you are staying at the City Gardens it doesn’t mean all of the gardens in the city.
To our All Australian’s, Andy Pethybridge, John Ryan, David Scott, Darren Crossley & Gav Le Tor well done lads, well deserved.
Thanks for all the support and commitment. I look forward to seeing you all again next year in Adelaide.
50s Summary (Burchie)
Although the 50s were short in numbers they were certainly not short in heart or effort and once the QLD jersey was pulled on, aided by our brothers from the 45s and 55s each and every player rose to the challenge and did not give up until the final siren sounded. With the boys well led both on and off the field by Captain Caspa and VC Finney and battling mid 30 degree heat and oppressive humidity on game days you could not ask for anymore.
When you lose players, Pickles with a shoulder, Billy with a knee and ankle and Crawf with a broken ankle the head can drop but this group kept going .Huge thanks to Foxy, Niga and Sully from the 45s and to Bobby T plus Nugget, Dingo, Pete Phelan and Morrie from the 55s for continually backing up to help us out and then playing in their own matches. Thanks also to the ACT guys who played with us against Vic Metro. There is always a lotta love for Vic Metro!
With tireless efforts across the park Paul White and Derek were rewarded with All Aust honours. Congratulations. Success I’m sure would have seen that list added to.
So on to Adelaide next year. With some younger blokes heading north of 50 and the nucleus of the current squad already signed up we will be looking to add to all teams to make sure our next Carnival is successful.
Thanks to all who trekked up to Darwin and look forward to next season.
From Bob Templeman 55s Coach
First of all I would like to applaud our support staff in particular Denise & Maurie Soars for their tireless efforts in supplying all our match gear and organising officials. Our players especially those who doubled up to help out the 50's should be very proud of their efforts.
Even though we only had the one win, we were very competitive, especially with limited numbers.
Nev Growden & Pete Phelan were worthy All Australian winners and Kieren at age 65 was outstanding. Jack Lumby & Peter Young were both injured but helped me out immensely with bench coaching.
With the heat during the games and games at 1pm, at our age is something the league needs to look at.
One player in particular, big Roger has a heart as big as himself, although injured would not lie down!
Next year in Adelaide we need to entice more players from South East Qld as we only had three players, the bulk of players coming from Nth Qld and they were exceptional.
Good luck boys and see you next year.
Unfortunately the 45s review was unavailable in time but congratulations to Steven Jags Jaeger and Tony Burke for wining AA honours. In all age groups, we had AA winners from both NQ and SQ showing that no matter where you are from, we are all equally proud to pull the QLD jumper on.
As President, I would like to thank all the players and their families who went. Our on field and off field behaviour was exemplary and we really went away as one squad rather than four separate teams and I would like to thank the four coaches in particular for setting this culture. Also, the support from the NQ boys was outstanding and without them we would not have had a carnival.
Below is the link for all the carnival photos if you want to catch up with all the action. All photos are for sale as well.
http://www.pinecreekpictures.com.au/AFLMas2013.html
2013 Superman of the Year
It is with great pleasure that we were able to announce at the carnival that Paul Alf Magher was named the 2013 Superman of the Year. Alf has been a tireless coach for 4 years and club delegate for 8 years for the Bayside Bombers. He also led this year’s fundraising venture for Kim Walters Choices Cancer Foundation where $8000 was raised across the AFLMQ family. So when you see Alf on the field next year give him a congratulatory clip across the ear and ask him how he got his nickname. Well done big fella and well deserved.
2014 Carnival – Adelaide
Adelaide has been announced as the venue for the 2014 AFL Masters National carnival. The games will be held at Westminster College in Marion and the dates have been confirmed so you can start planning now. First game day is Sunday September 28, the day after the AFL GF, and the final game day and presentation night is Saturday October 4, the day before the SANFL GF. This carnival will be a lot bigger than Darwin and they may even have to limit the number of teams so we will need to get in early and confirm the QLD teams so we don’t miss out. Keep an eye out for cheap airfares throughout the year.
Enjoy your off season break and we look forward to a bigger and better 2014.
Derek Delany
President
AFLMQ
Last Modified on 29/10/2013 15:59