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: South Toowoomba Bombers
Season 2014 for the Bombers was one that was bit of a roller-coaster ride both on and off-field. South Toowoomba secured a new home ground in the picturesque Heritage Oval in the north Toowoomba suburb of Mt Lofty.
The clubs women's side claimed their second consecutive minor premiership and appeared in the 2014 Grand-Final. South Toowoomba's Under 12's had a fantastic season making it through to week 3 of the finals, while coaches Craig Woodall and Sophie Smith were named coach of the year for AFL Darling Downs in their respective categories.
South Toowoomba also announced their partnership with the Starlight Foundation, raising $3,000 for the organisation.
The club was also able to secure funding through the State Government and was one of a handful of clubs to have sides in everything AFL Darling Downs competition, both senior and junior.
Best and Fairest Winners, PREDICTIONS
U12's - Jackson Montgomery
U14's - Tyler Gilmore
U16's - Ryan Neumann
Div 2 - Bradley Harrison
Women's - Isabelle Baldock
Div 1 - Mark Lorenzo
The BOMBERS Gun
Daniel Verrall - With 70 career games to his name and only 19 years of age, Verrall has already made a name for himself at the Bombers. The elusive half-forward/midfielder may have a light-frame but has proven he can turn a game in the blink of an eye. He is only going to get better and no doubt will start to receive close attention from rival clubs.
Keep an eye on
Chloe MacDonald - In just her first season of club footy MacDonald finished inside the league top 10 at the best and fairest vote count, represented Queensland at school-girls level and all this at the age of 15. She idolises Gary Ablett junior and she dominates like him as well. Keep an eye on this Bombers star.
Under 12's Review
Overall it was a very successful season for the red and black, finishing second for the regular season and making it to the Preliminary Final. Ranked second for both attack and defence the young Bombers were unlucky not to progress to the Grand-Final.
Jackson Montgomery and Nicholas Nugent were the two most prominent Bombers at the Peltz Medal vote count and key position player was the most active in front of the big sticks.
Madeline Woodall, Emma Holmes, Rowan Brady and Erin Kessells showed that the Bombers have the next generation of female football stars coming through with the quartet impressive throughout the season.
Under 14's Review
Twin towers Tom Reardon and Tyler Gilmore led the way for the Bombers in the McDonald's Shield, with Gilmore finishing fifth in the Col Wells Medal.
Tyler Debney and Shaun Farquharson also had very consistent seasons.
South Toowoomba finished in seventh at the seasons end with a 6 - 9 record, with the team’s biggest win in round 7 by a whopping 154-points. The one they would of savoured the most would of been the round 2, 26-point win over arch rivals Coolaroo.
Under 16's Review
Bottom age players Ryan Neumann and Callum Walters led the way for the Bombers 16's in the McDonald's Cup, with the duo ready for senior footy.
Unfortunately the Bombers didn't play finals in 2014 but can be proud of their efforts. They finished with a 5 - 9 record with quite a few close losses. Neumann along with Kahilam Brookes were the two highest vote getters at the league awards night and both will be fighting it out no doubt for the club award.
Coach Anthony Norley did a fantastic job coaching the group of young men.
Division 2 Review
Unfortunately it wasn't a very successful season for the clubs 2's, with the top side featuring numerous injuries the depth of the club was tested.
However, when they did have a full list at their disposal the Bombers 2's were hard to stop.
The Bombers finished just outside the finals and sat inside the top 4 for a majority of the season. Club veteran Bradley Harrison was the division 2's most consistent player, with the light-framed on-ball/defender the favourite for the clubs division 2 best and fairest.
With a 5 - 8 - 1 record for the year, it definitely wasn't a success but nor was it a disappointment either.
Women's Review
The reigning premiers had another fantastic season, claiming back to back minor premierships and appearing in their second consecutive grand-final. However, the script didn't go the Bombers way but what they did as team, was lift the profile of female footy.
Star player Isabelle Baldock claimed the competitions Heather Green Medal, to keep the award at the club after fellow team-mate Georgie Seaniger took the award out in 2013.
The Bombers winning streak went to a record 19-games up until round 18.
Coach Sophie Smith claimed the AFL Darling Downs female coach of the year, with numerous players in the Bombers side representing either the region or the State.
Division 1 Review
It was another season of what if for the Bombers top side, the men in red and black just didn't have any luck this season. The round 1 wash-out came back to haunt the Bombers, missing the finals by 2-points to make it 2 years in a row without a finals appearance.
On-field vice-captain Jeff Neumann stood out as the most consistent Bomber, finishing second in the Holman Medal count and should be a contender for the club award but has favourite Mark Lorenzo in his way.
Back to back victories over the eventual premiers Warwick would be highlight for the red and black, as the Bombers showed how to dismantle even the best.
What the Bombers did well was unveil the next generation of stars and no doubt this will set the club up for long term success.
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
