AFLDD Media review the season of each of the regions clubs, reviewing the season that was including the club highlights and key moments throughout 2013.
Warwick Redbacks AFC is fifth on the review system and with the construction of their clubhouse beginning in late 2012, the club set its sight on a huge 2013 season. The highlight for the club was certainly their new abode at Roddies Oval. Officially opened in April, Warwick welcomed dignitaries including AFLQ CEO Michael Conlan as well as Sport and Recreation Minister Steve Dickson to show off their new complex.
Another win for the club, and appropriate recognition for a faithful volunteer, was the awarding of Warwick’s 2013 Sports Administration Award to Vice President and Senior Player/Coach Jason Wright who was recognised for this role in co-founding the club and his willingness to promote the game in a rugby league fuelled region.
While Warwick struggled for numbers in the younger age groups, their competitive sides waved the Redback flag throughout the AFLDD season.
The ‘A’ Grade Reddies started the season with a bang and came away with some big wins in the first 5 rounds of competition. It wasn’t until Round 6 that they had their first lost, defeated by Toowoomba Tigers 13.9.87 to 3.10.28. The Warwick boys fought hard throughout the season to earn themselves with a finals berth, having missed out on a spot in 2012.
Hosting Goondiwindi in the elimination final, the Redbacks used their home advantage to take an eventually unreachable lead early in the game to defeat the Hawks and progress to the second round of finals. However, Toowoomba Tigers were too good again, ending the Redbacks’ hopes of Grand Final contention.
The senior side did however finish the season with some silverware in the cabinet, boasting their 8th consecutive ANZAC cup, dominating South Burnett with a 28.18.186 to 1.9.15 win.
The club’s Under 16 team opened the season with a great win over Highfields, defeating the Lions 11.9.75 to 9.6.60. They carried this supremacy throughout the season to finish 3rd at the end of the home and away season. The boys unfortunately missed out on a Grand Final appearance, going down to the Dalby team in the preliminary finals. Highlight of the year was Shane Iles finding himself in 3rd place on the goal kicking tally with 40 goals for the season.
The 12 team followed their elder’s footsteps, finishing a strong season with a 3rd place finish after home and away games. Youngster Jaiden Fidge shone throughout the season, aiding his team to this ranking with 65 goals for the season. They also missed out on ‘the big one’ going down to Highfields in the qualifying final. Unfortunately, the U14 team couldn’t carry on the 3rd place tradition in 2013, but held their heads high after an up and down season.
Warwick also boasted their involvement in the Inaugural AFLDD Women’s competition in 2013. With 24 players on the books, Warwick certainly had the numbers to show their opponents some serious competition. The competition was held at the home grounds of the 3 teams involved; Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba and Warwick which hosted Round 1. In the first ever AFLDD Women’s Game, Warwick found themselves making history with a win over Lockyer Valley, but were unable to back up this performance, going down to South Toowoomba.
The Redbacks would go on to run neck and neck with the Demons throughout the season, but weren’t able to tame competition giants, Bombers, finishing the season in third place.
No doubt the Warwick club will carry on their great performances and their hard-hitting footy into the 2014 season.
#WarwickRedbacks
Last Modified on 09/12/2013 10:12
