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.
Goondiwindi Hawks AFC is eighth on the review system and after some serious changes to training and game approach; the Hawks were recognised as the major improvers this year.
The club fielded teams in the U12, U14 and Senior competition this year, and despite not always coming away with the win, the sides showed the league just what they’re capable of. The U12 Hawks opened the season with a thrilling draw at home to the University side. The boys and girls were then subjected to two forfeits in a row, which didn’t help their game structure, going on to lose 6 games in a row, the last of which was to Toowoomba East Stingers in an exhilarating 1 point game, 5.9.39 to 5.8.38.
Connor Bate started for the young Hawks, playing a great season and being rewarded for his efforts, recognised as the U12 Runner Up B&F on Holman Medal Night. Bate aided his side in an up and down finale to their season, finishing in 8th position.
While the U14 side struggled to string together the ever-desired ‘W’s this season, the wins they did come away with demonstrated that these Hawkies aren’t far from the competition leaders. With two wins over University and Lockyer Valley, and a thrashing of Warwick 22.12.144 – 14.4.88, spectators and officials alike recognised how powerful these young superstars are on a good day.
The Senior A Grade Hawks side had an exciting home and away season in 2013.
A consecutive loss and bye in the opening rounds didn’t deter these boys’ spirit, as they put together 4 wins in a row over South Burnett, Lockyer Valley, Highfields and Dalby. Highlight of these wins was the latter as it would be the Swans who were hot on the Hawks feathers entering into the finals series.
The Senior brought the season home with just 3 losses of their last 8 games, one of which was the historical game against Coolaroo. In the first senior game ever held at Bridgman Oval, Pittsworth, the boys in green and gold went down by 91 points.
In the final tallies the Hawkies managed to pip South Toowoomba and Dalby by 4 points and glide into 5th position, just 3% behind the 4th placed Warwick – their up and coming opponents in the first elimination final. Having beaten Warwick on both occasions in regular fixtures, one of which was by 83 points, Hawkies travelled to the Redbacks’ nest, ready for battle. However the home-side rallied, finishing Goondiwindi’s season 11.6.72-15.7.97.
Jeremy Leahy, Brenton Jardine and David O’Toole had stellar seasons for the Hawks with all three finishing in the Top 7 Best and Fairest on Holman Medal Night. Leahy finished on 15 points to take 3 position, while Jardine and O’Toole shared 4 position with Bradon Behan (South Toowoomba) and Christopher Davis (University) on 14 points.
If you want to join, Goondiwindi love to have you a part of their growing club. After such improvements in 2013, many are excited to see just how high the Hawks can fly in 2014.
Last Modified on 16/12/2013 10:11
