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: Warwick Redback's
2014 will be remembered as the year of the Redback, as the red and blue faithful celebrated the clubs maiden AFL Darling Downs premiership flag and ended the town of Warwick's senior premiership drought of 26 years.
The date Saturday 20th September, will be forever a lucky day in the Warwick Redback's history.
Warwick continued to thrive off-field with their first class club house becoming a must hire venue for the community groups and other sporting organisations within the Southern Downs region. The Redback's were one of very few clubs to enter teams into every Darling Downs competition, from junior to senior.
Individual honours throughout the season went to Jaiden Fidge earning best on ground honours in the Under 14 Darling Downs versus Wide Bay representative match. While first year Redback Adam Stevenson claimed the Ellen McConochie Medal as best on ground in the Division 1 Grand-Final.
Best and Fairest Winners, PREDICTIONS
U12's - Dawson Wright
U14's - Jaiden Fidge
U16's - Shane Iles
Div 2 - Luke Dargan
Women's - Cassie Cullen
Div 1 - Brendan Iles
The REDDIES Gun
James McKendry - The former Croydon Junior from the EFL in Victoria has developed into one of the Reddies key senior players at just the age of 17. McKendry has played 147 games between Croydon AFC, Redland AFC and now Warwick. The speedy and agile half-back flanker destroyed opponents throughout the season and was a key cog behind the Redback's maiden premiership.
Keep an eye on
Joey Wagner - The rugby league convert has come forward in leaps and bounds in season 2014, playing 19 games and kicking 25 goals isn't a bad debut season. After his selection in the Under 12 DD school-boys side, Wagner grew in confidence and is one to watch as the young Redback continues his junior development.
Under 12's Review
Only 3 wins came from the Reddies season but the young red and blue boys and girls can be proud of their efforts. Wagner along with Dawson Wright and Kirby Morunga stood tall all season with consistent campaigns. Two players in Mac Cullen and Lachlan Phyland showed their durability playing every game of the season.
Wagner finished the season as the Redback's most prolific in front of the big sticks, finishing with 24 majors for the season.
Wagner's stellar season continued finishing equal fourth in the AFL Darling Downs Under 12 Peltz Medal count with 16 votes, with Wright the next best on 7 votes.
Under 14's Review
Similar to the Under 14's it wasn't a very successful season with only the 1 victory in the AFL Darling Downs McDonald's Shield. That win coming against Goondiwindi in Round 5 by 60-points.
Jaiden Fidge was by far the red and blues most consistent and also the Redback's most important in front of goals, finishing as the number goal scorer for his side for the season. Fidge also represented his club and the region in two representative matches.
Daniel Davies and female star Phoebe Mercieca also had fantastic consistent seasons.
Fidge capped off an impressive individual season finishing equal fifth in the AFLDD Col Wells Medal Count on 17 votes.
Under 16's Review
The Redback's 16's were the clubs best junior side all season, making their second consecutive finals appearance but unfortunately it was ended in week 1 by the Dalby Swans.
Jack Fletcher was dynamic all season, booting career high 53-goals taking his career tally to 93 goals from 75 games. However Patrick Gainey and William Kraak can lay claim to the most consistent Redback's of the 2014 season.
Numerous players, played representative footy and quite a few got a taste of senior footy this year. Warwick finished with an 8 - 6 record to finish the home and away season in fourth.
Division 2 Review
Unfortunately the Redback's claimed the division 2 wooden spoon but played a pivotal role in the club claiming their maiden premiership flag.
Premiership player Kurt Heier was the number one goal scorer for the two's with Luke Dargan the most consistent man in red and blue for the clubs two's. Max Greene-Galloway led the way at the Marj Shaw Medal count with a top 20 finish.
Women's Review
Similar to the club's two's it wasn't an overall successful season for one of the women's competitions foundation clubs but the club was able to get experience into the next generation of stars.
Cassie and Danielle Cullen, along with Vicki Kirkland were fantastic all season as was Caitlin Harrison.
Even though they missed out on finals in 2014, no doubt the Redback's will be back playing in September in no time.
Division 1 Review
What more can be said, they are the premiers and they no doubt lifted the roof off the clubhouse when they celebrated. It was a sweet, sweet victory for club legend, coach and player Jason Wright and one everyone saw that meant the world to the veteran in the post grand-final celebrations.
It was a season that saw the Redback's lose 3 games but look comfortable winners in the decider.
Club legend Brendan Iles was selected for representative honours with South Queensland, with Adam Stevenson and Tyhe Clarkson fifth and seventh respectively. Stevenson claimed the Ellen McConochie Medal for the ASN Toowoomba best on ground in the AFLDD Division 1 Grand-Final.
Last Modified on 21/10/2014 09:59
