AFL Darling Downs media have a look at each division across the competition and break down who is leading the goal-kicking and the best players across the region, so far.
Statistics as per club enter results on FOX SPORTS PULSE, as of the end of round 5.
Under 12 McDonald's Trophy
Callum Banim (University) and Seth Hamm (South Toowoomba) currently sit a-top the goal-kicking list with 11-goals each. Banim booted a season high haul of 5-goals against Coolaroo in round 5, with Hamm also booting his season high haul against Coolaroo but 1 goal more than Banim with 6-goals.
Both weren't known for their goal kicking ability last season but have stepped up to the plate inside the forward 50 for their respective clubs, as the go to players. Averaging just over 2 goals a game both players should finish with a tally around 40 for the season.
With Banim a smart midfielder who pushes forward and Hamm a key position ruck who changes forward, both will continue to play important roles for their sides.
Going by the AFLDD media best and fairest predictor, Banim should also be towards the top of the vote count come the end of round 5 fixtures.
Fellow Cougar Deng Makuach should be around the mark as well, with the duo likely to be taking the votes off each other. South Toowoomba player Jackson Montgomery has been the most consistent Bomber and with the red and black sitting 5 - 0 to start the season he is a good chance to feature early in voting.
Under 14 McDonald's Shield
University's Evan Cooper is currently the leading goal-kicker with an impressive 17 goals so far in season 2014 and Cooper started the season with an impressive bag of 10 in round 1 against the Hawks.
However rising star Ashley Britton of the Lockyer Valley Demons is only 2 goals off the lead and has starred in 2014 so far. Britton booted 9-goals in round 3 against the Reddies and always looks dangerous when going forward.
With both players average 3 goals or more per game, no doubt they will finish above the magical 50 mark but can they keep up the pace?
The AFLDD BnF predictor has Tigers Eric Rattray and Dalby's Cameron Ferguson featuring early in the McDonald's Trophy voting.
Ferguson's influence on the Swannies 4 1/2 wins from 5 games start and the fact he is not only a superb stoppage ruckman but his ability to move around the ground stands out. Cameron has been superb defensively but his ability to push forward and kick goals will no doubt see him register votes.
Rattray is the ideal midfielders, his work rate is fantastic and his ability to work both ways has played a pivotal role in the Tigers 4 1/2 wins start to the year. He isn't quite as attacking as Ferguson but his ability to set up play from the behind the footy is first class.
Under 16 McDonald's Cup
Redback's gun forward Jack Fletcher has jumped out to an early 7-goal lead in the McDonald's Cup goal-kicking tally. Fletcher booted an incredible and AFLDD junior season high 14-goals in his last outing against University.
He is Warwick's key target inside forward 50 and so far has been the ideal target.
Fletcher however has one of, if not the hardest work centre half forwards chasing him on the leader board. Highfields gun Thomas Clark in just three games has booted 17 majors, averaging just under an amazing 6 goals per game.
Clark is the Nick Riewoldt of the Under 16 competition and hard to match up on and if the Lions forward can play more games he will get close to the very magical 100 goals.
South Toowoomba Bomber players Ryan Neumann and Kahilam Brookes are predicted to be towards the top of Under 16 vote count after the first five rounds but it is a risky prediction as both players are likely to share majority of the votes.
Though Bombers are 2 - 2 start to the year isn't ideal. Dalby's Lachlan Town and classy Highfields leader Jacob Sheath have also been standouts for their respective clubs. Both accumulate alot of footy each week and standout among their peers.
With Highfields on top after the first 5 rounds, expect Sheath to feature heavily.
Please remember these are just predictions and are the writer's thoughts/views and don't necessarily represent AFL Darling Downs, the actual votes or the individual clubs.
Last Modified on 23/05/2014 14:52
