DarlingDowns.AFLQ.com.au take a look at each of the regions clubs, in a season review. We take a look at each teams season, best players, the clubs gun, star in the making and much more.
The Wash-Up: Dalby Swans
In a year that saw the senior premiership draught end, finals appearances, best and fairest winners and numerous other accolades it was a massive year from the Dalby based Swans.
Season 2014, was the 35th year for Dalby AFC, a year the club was crowned the AFL Darling Downs club of the year for their outstanding efforts both on and off-field. Closing in on the triple figures for junior players, along with one of the regions largest Auskick programs and teams in both the men's and women's competitions, Dalby has become a breeding ground for Australian Rules.
The club also had numerous players collect some of the highest individual accolades available within the region.
Club Best and Fairest Predictions
U12's - Zimmorlei Farquharson
U14's - Tom Matthews
U16's - Sean Melbin
Div 2 - Mike Gaur & Brendon Peltz
Women's - Danielle Wall
The Swannies Gun
Tom Matthews - At only 14 years of age, Matthews has a big future and with Under 16 games already under his belt 2015 could see Matthews don his first senior jersey. A natural goal-kicker that has added the defensive string to his bow in 2014, quickly becoming the ultimate all-round player.
Keep an eye on
Zimmorlei Farquharson - She may only be 12 years of age but this female footballer has the potential to go as far as she likes, the sky is the limit. Expect to her a lot about this junior rising star.
Under 12's Review
It was a season that saw 7 wins, 8 losses and a draw for the Swannies who finished 6th for the home and away season.
Dalby's biggest win of the season came in round 6, where they defeated the Warwick Redback's by 55-points at home. Harry Coman booted 5-majors and collected the 3 votes from the Umpires in a best on ground performance.
However the Swannies 9-point thrilling victory over eventual Preliminary Finalists South Toowoomba in round 8 may just be Dalby's best team performance of the season.
Individually, star player Zimmorlei Farquharson was announced as the joint-winner of the Peltz Medal as the fairest and best player in the McDonald's Trophy competition. Farquharsons win saw her the first female footballer in the region to win the best and fairest award.
Under 14's Review
After collecting the McDonald's Shield minor premiership, the Swans faced a dogged Cougars outfit in the Grand-Final and unfortunately went down to University by 43-points in the decider.
However it was a terrific season for the red and white, a season that saw 14 wins 1 loss and 1 draw to finish the home and away season on an impressive 58 points. Every player on the Swans playing list kicked a goal this season with an incredible 10-players recording goal kicking tallies in the double figures.
Individually, the talented Tom Matthews took out numerous awards including the AFL Darling Downs Under 14 Representative player of the year, Under 14 DD Crows Best and Fairest, shared winner of the U14 Col Wells Medal as the fairest and best player but Tom's most impressive individual accolade was the scholarship he received.
Matthews was announced as the inaugural recipient of the Troy Clarke Scholarship by Sydney Swans star Kurt Tippett. Adding to his already impressive list of awards, Matthews also booted 51-goals for the 2014 home and away season.
Under 16's Review
The boys in red and white made it through to their third consecutive Preliminary Final but were unable to make it their third consecutive Grand-Final after Coolaroo ended their season with 5-seconds to go in the Preliminary Final.
Dalby finished third for the home and away season with 10 wins, 3 losses but they could of earnt the double chance with their percentage their biggest enemy.
The Swannies most impressive and largest victory for the season was by an amazing 239 points but their hardest fought win came in round 11 against Lockyer Valley. Sean Melbin, Riley Easton and Joseph McVeigh were among the most consistent performers for the year.
Easton capped off another great year with both the Under 16 representative player of the year and Jack Barry Medal, winning the best and fairest vote count by a slender 1-point.
Division 2 Men's Review
It was a first week exit of the finals for the Swans men, though a disappointing loss the season in general was an overall success.
The Swans played finals footy for the first time in umpteen years and proved they have talent to take the next step in 2015. The likes of young stars in Brendon Peltz, Brock Dignan, Lachlan Thomas, Riley Easton and co will send shivers down the opposition backs for years to come.
With a 9 - 6 record, the Swans finished third after 19 rounds and unearthed new talent. Mdifielder Mike Gaur was crowned the joint Marj Medalist after a fantastic season, sharing the top division 2 award with Adam Bowater from South Burnett.
Women's Review The head-line from three weeks ago sums up the 2014 season for the newly crowned premiers, 'Rookie Swans ground Bombers'. Dalby did the unthinkable, they went against all scripts and in their first season they took home the premiership cup from the reigning champs.
Dalby completed the ultimate fairytale.
It was a fantastic home and away season, that saw Dalby defeat the then undefeated South Toowoomba Bombers to claim the finals double chance and second place on the ladder behind the red and black. Season 2014 was an even contribution across their playing list and they were coached superbly.
Forward Alison Gaur took home the competitions leading goal-kicker award, with captain Danielle Wall runner-up in the Heather Green Medal vote count.
Junior Stars
Dalby ran Under 6's as one of only 5 clubs across the 2014 season and have been able to capture some stars of the future. With the clubs term 1 NAB AFL Auskick program one of the largest in the region the Swans will no doubt continue to be a force to be watched well into the future.
The views in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of AFL Darling Downs, the club or players mentioned in the above.
Last Modified on 09/10/2014 15:14