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: Toowoomba AFC
2014 was the first year of the official merger of the Toowoomba Tigers and Toowoomba East Stingers as one official club, now known as Toowoomba AFC.
And it was a success.
Not only did the move to bring the two separate identities together create a clear pathway from juniors to senior footballers, it brought two strong cultured clubs together as one big family. Stingers were the junior component of the Rockville Oval based clubs and were struggling for overall players.
But in 2014 became the number one club for registered players across the Darling Downs, reaching over 100 players.
The end of the season Toowoomba took another step forward as the bench-mark junior club unleashing their very own club mascot, who is yet to be named.
2014 Club Best and Fairest Winners (actual winners)
U12's - Jack Briskey
U14's - Calan Wilson
U16's - Brock Turner
Div 1 - Luke Adams
The TIGERS Gun
Aiden Edwards - Averaging 3.5 goals per game, the agile key forward had a standout season for the Tigers after debuting in 2013. Edwards ability to change the momentum of a game in a blink of an eye sets him a-part and no doubt at just 14 years of age the Tigers are looking to Edwards as an important player in the future success at senior level.
Keep an eye on
Brock Turner - He is a hard running, defensive midfielder that doesn't mind pushing forward to snag a goal or two. Turner has played 66 games of footy in his young career thus far and reached his 50th career goal in round 17 against the Cougars. The former Bathurst Bushranger and Young AFC player has already had a taste of senior footy, keep an eye on the boy with the golden locks.
Under 12's Review
The young Tiger cubs just missed out on a finals appearance, finishing the home and away season in 5th position on the McDonald's Trophy ladder.
Toowoomba were fairly consistent throughout the season and had an entire list of stars. Jack Briskey was the standout but the likes of Gabe Stower, William Makejev, Lachlan Sheldrick, Ray Hamilton, Selina Herbert and co, the Tigers had some terrific consistent contributors.
They finished with a win loss record of 7w 8L and a percentage of 85%, the young Tigers can be proud of their efforts in 2014.
Under 14's Review
They were 1-game shy of claiming the McDonald's Shield minor premiership but secured the double chance for the final series. One of the most exciting teams to watch throughout the season and they proved that in the Preliminary Final when they came storming back towards the eventual premiers only to go down by a nail-biting 1-point.
Very well coached and with a 12-2 record for the season they were one of the standout junior sides of 2014.
Six players kicked goal tallies that reached the double figures, with Aiden Edwards claiming the competitions leading goal scorer award. Brenton Dierke was the highest finishing Tiger in the Col Wells Medal count outright 7th on 16 votes.
Under 16's Review
It wasn't an overall successful season for the yellow and black in the McDonald's Cup, finishing the season on 1 win and in 7th, percentage keeping them clear of the bottom of the ladder.
However, the next generation of Tigers seniors can hold their heads high as they were one of the most professional and hard-working teams of the competition. Turner was by far the standout Tiger of 2014 but not too far behind are a band of players ready to take the next step.
Jack Wilson took his footy to another level this season and Timothy Hall was fantastic in his debut season with the Tigers under 16's.
Toowoomba's season highlight however came in round 17, their final game of the year where they defeated the University Cougars by 57-points and finished the season with the famous yellow and black song.
Division 1 Review
2014 Toowoomba showed glimpses of the Tigers of old from the golden era of 2010 to 2012. Rookie Coach Nicholas Talbot did a terrific job and as the season went on he grew taller and taller.
What the Tigers did most impressively was play a band of younger players and exposed them to senior footy but they did it in the right manner and at the right times. Toowoomba will no doubt see the benefit of this in the long term.
The biggest question for the Tigers is will Nick Talbot continue to coach or will he return to play?
Luke Adams who had more of a on-field coaching role had a terrific season after returning from his stint with Burleigh and is an important cog in the development of the next generation of Tigers faithful. The 2 - 14 record won't go down as the best year in the Tigers history but one the Tigers know they took important steps forward, in the right direction.
Tiger Cubs making a Sting
Toowoomba's ability to tap into the ever popular NAB AFL Auskick has help their club flourish and they are seeing the benefits of this with strong junior numbers. With some very good operators in coaching positions, the Tigers nearly need more coaches for the abundance of juniors running around.
Watching the Under 8's and 10's for the yellow and black during the season, one key attribute shines brightly and that is, fun.
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 20/10/2014 11:46
