Whether it’s your city, state or country; being selected to represent your hometown is a proud moment for any athlete.
This Saturday onLyle Vidler Oval in Kingaroy, the very best of the Darling Downs Aussie rules players will compete against one another in the annual City versus Country match.
The clash will act as precursor for the selectors of the Darling Downs representative side and will be a showcase event for AFL in the region.
With the core Toowoomba clubs of University, Coolaroo, Toowoomba and South Toowoomba fielding the City team; Country will be made up of players from the regional Warwick, Goondiwindi, Highfields, Lockyer Valley, Dalby, South Burnett and Chinchilla organisations.
And despite losing in 2013, the past few seasons have seen City enter the rivalry game as the hot favourite.
This year however, the scales are far more balanced and may even tip slightly in Country’s favour.
Warwick are currently undefeated and sit atop of the Allied Pickford’s Cup, while Highfields and Goondiwindi have been formidable and are fifth and sixth on the ladder, respectively.
Country head coach Ben Adams said the team is as solid as ever and will push City to play at their absolute best to deserve a win.
"I think we’re looking player wise as strong as last year, if not better," Adams said.
"If you are purely looking at the (Allied Pickford’s Cup) competition ladder, Warwick has obviously been in great form and Goondiwindi has been in form as well. So the majority of the players will be taken from these clubs," he said.
"And with the match out at Kingaroy the country boys are looking forward to trying to get a win."
Adams added that a big advantage for Country will be the spread of talent across the entire team, with a couple of experienced players leading the way.
"Brendan Illes is in good form and I think relishes playing at the higher level, so he is definitely a key for us," he said.
"Miles Grice from Highfields is also a good inclusion playing full forward."
On the flip side, City will be looking for revenge after last year’s 13.11 (89) to 9.14 (68) loss at Toowoomba’s Rockville Oval.
University head coach Shane Melrose will take City’s reins this year and try to lead his squad to a victory against their rivals.
Melrose said he is excited about coaching the Toowoomba boys, but is weary of a strong Country side this year.
"The City versus Country game is a great concept and I’m happy to be a part of it," Melrose said.
"This will absolutely (be a tough match for us) with a number of key players being unavailable due to injuries and circumstances. But from a coaching standpoint I’ll take 22 players who are eager and committed to play," he said.
"I think we will put together a strong team and have as much a chance as Country at winning."
Melrose said that on match day he will be hoping to lean on the likes of Daniel McPhee (South Toowoomba), Jeff Neumann (South Toowoomba), Luke Adams (Toowoomba) and Heath Gniel (University).
"It is unfortunate and disappointing that we have so many players unavailable," Melrose said.
"Bu the players picked should take the match seriously because it gives them a chance to play with some of the best players in the region from other clubs."
Despite the slim pickings this year for City, Coach Adams does not feel his team should be counted as favourites.
While acknowledging Country has one of its strongest sides to date, Adams said his team can’t go into the game over confident.
"We won’t go into the game cocky. I don’t see us as favourites and I don’t think the boys see themselves as favourites," Adams said.
"I think we are just looking to prove that there is plenty of talent in the country."
The City vs. Country matchup will take place Saturday May 10 at 4pm on Lyle Vidler Oval in Kingaroy.
Country Final 23 - all players are expected to be at the ground by 2pm.
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Alex Cutmore
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Warwick
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Brendan Iles
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Warwick
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Kurt Millard
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Warwick
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Tim Tate
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Warwick
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Tye Clarkson
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Warwick
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Coen Slatter
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Warwick
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David O'Toole
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Goondiwindi
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Matthew Brown
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Goondiwindi
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Jeremy Leahy
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Goondiwindi
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Tyson Haigel
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Goondiwindi
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Miles Grice
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Highfields
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Mac Chimes
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Highfields
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Trent Masters
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Highfields
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Cory Radley
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Highfields
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Luke Bianchi
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Highfields
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Ty Snow
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Sth Burnett
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Brad Edwards
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Sth Burnett
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Adam Bowater
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Sth Burnett
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Kristian Muir
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Chinchilla
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Cameron Percevil
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Chinchilla
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Jack Rockliff
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Dalby
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Damien Morris
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Lockyer Valley
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Ayden Barnwell
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Lockyer Valley
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City team to be named tomorrow Friday 9th May
Last Modified on 15/05/2014 08:51
