DarlingDowns.AFLQ.com.au takes a look at each of the regions clubs, in a season review. We take a look at each team’s season, best players, the clubs gun, star in the making and much more.
The Wash-Up: Highfields Lions
Season 2014 will be a year to remember for the Highfields Lions, as the club claimed its first ever premiership cup across all age groups and also appeared in senior finals for the first time.
This season was one that the Lions under 16's roared the loudest and defeated Coolaroo in the McDonald's Cup grand-final convincingly. The clubs division 2 men's played in their first final series and along with the clubs Under 12's made it through to the Preliminary Final of their respective competitions.
The Lions were also great supporters of the NAB AFL Auskick program and have built a strong off-field structure.
Best and Fairest Winners, Predictions
U12's - Riley Ernst
U14's - Brodie Ernst
U16's - Jacob Sheath
Div 2 - Jason Long
Div 1 - Nathan Rooney
The LIONS Gun
Thomas Clark - The goal-kicking machine, booted 81-goals this for the premiership Under 16's from just 13 games with a season high game of 13 goals. Clark's work-rate is what stands out most but is a good lead up target and plays as a traditional centre-half forward. At just 15-years of age the Lions would love to have him up forward for the 1's or 2's.
Keep an eye on
Jayden Lawson - The natural leader from the Lions under 12's had a terrific season which included 18 games and he was the clubs most consistent player in this age group. With 44 career games thus far, the young Lion cub is one to watch with his exciting pace and ability to change a game on his own boot.
Under 12's Review
Although the Lions stumbled at the final hurdle, overall it was a very successful season for the next generation at Highfields.
Finishing with a 10-5 record, the young Lion cubs grew taller as the season went on. After the home and away season the Lions placed third and had to make the Grand-Final the hard way and they did just that. Unfortunately the eventual premiers University were too classy the Lions can hold their heads high.
Highfields best result of the season came in the McDonald's Trophy Preliminary Final where they knocked off their much fancied opponents South Toowoomba by 22-points.
Riley Ernst finished equal fourth in the Peltz Medal count, with fellow team-mate Deklan Branson in equal 8th, 2 votes behind. Ernst was also 5th in the competitions leading goal scorer leader board with 35 majors for the season.
Under 14's Review
The Lions 14's fell an agonising 1-game shy of the 2014 finals series but can be happy with their season, finishing with 8 wins from 16 starts.
Brodie Ernst was the Lions most consistent but was well supported by Brody Kahler, Kai Johnston and Reagan Johnston in the consistency department. Joseph Head led the way for most goals and was an impressive target inside forward 50 all season.
Callum Jerevich and Kai Johnston were the most durable players for the season playing all 16 matches for the Lions.
Under 16's Review
What more can be said then, they are the Premiers!
The Lions had just about the perfect season, losing only the one match early in the season and winning the grand-final by an impressive 68-points over the reigning premiers. Highfields had an abundance of stars and none more so than the prolific goal-kicker Thomas Clark.
However, Nathan Cherry claimed the Michael Langfield Medal for best on ground in the clubs inaugural grand-final win.
Add to Cherry the likes of his brother Ryan, Josh Adams, Jacob Sheath, Will Grundon, the list goes on. Highfields were all class all season and have shown the Lions will be a force in senior footy in the very near future.
Division 2 Review
They were always in the mix and they didn't disappoint as the Highfields Lions stormed into their maiden finals appearance full of confidence.
However, their journey did end in the Preliminary Final to eventual premiers University but the Lions are a force to be watched. Jason Long was the standout player all season for the Lions; the Highfields skipper was courageous and led by example at all times.
Robert Baker proved to be a reliable target inside forward 50, kicking a team high season tally of 31 goals and was the spark the Lions needed at different stages.
The Lions come from behind victory against the Swans in the Elimination Final would have to be the clubs best win of the season and one they can be motivated from as the road to 2015 begins.
It was Lions veteran Mark Davies that stood out most to the umpires in the 2014 season, polling the most vote in the competitions Marj Shaw Medal at the AFL Darling Downs presentation night finishing 5th overall. Maybe 'Hammer' can go around one more time.
Division 1 Review
With a new coach and almost complete new playing list, 2014 was a season of high hopes. Overall the Lions finished with 5 wins from 17 games, however the win column could of been a lot better.
Of their 12 losses they could of taken home 4 more games of premiership points.
Nathan Rooney, the 2009 Coolaroo premiership player was the Lions standout, as the veteran turned back the clock to be dominate figure in the midfield for Highfields. Player-Coach Miels Grice finished 1-goal shy of taking out the John Green Trophy as the competitions leading goal-scorer.
The Lions used 63 players in the 1's this season, showing their depth and setting up a long term plan for success with a number of juniors playing senior footy for the first time.
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 21/10/2014 09:58