It has been 222 days since University lifted the Allied Pickford’s Cup after claiming an upset victory in last years decider against South Toowoomba.
Fast forward, a new season dawns with the Cougars now the premiership favourites and the hunted in the restructured AFL Darling Downs men’s competitions. University have been fairly quiet over the off-season, with captain Cory Balnaves speaking at the season launch rated the Cougars off-season program and impressed with how they are tracking towards defending their title.
University will start their 2017 campaign with the traditional grand final re-match, as they travel to play cross-town rivals South Toowoomba at Heritage Oval at 2:30pm.
The Cougars have recruited well over the off-season including last years Holman Medallist in Tyhe Clarkson from Warwick. The addition of Clarkson will boost the Cougars midfield who have lost now retired veterans after last years premiership. Add to this former Cairns Hawk junior, Luke Redenbach and from the Riverina Football League in the ACT, Danyan Evans, the Cougars have added some exciting youth. Add this youth along with Clarkson with the likes of Ashley Harley, Cory Balnaves, Rick Mackay and Mark Henning, the reigning premiers are sitting nicely heading into the new season.
For South Toowoomba from their Grand-Final side they have lost 8 players including club best and fairest Troy Rissman to Southport and key forward, Scott McLeod to the NT Thunder in the NEAFL, along with last years captain Danniel Lyon. However, it isn’t all bad for the Bombers gaining the experienced Jeff Neumann (captain) along with classy Mitchell Simpson and silky Coen Slatter.
The question will be raised, after an undefeated season and losing the grand-final can the Bombers back up this year and go one game further.
University are the hunted and their premiership defence starts Saturday against their arch rivals the Bombers. This is a game not to miss and first bounce is at 2:30pm, free entry to all AFL Darling Downs fixtures throughout season 2017.
Allied Pickford’s Cup – Round 1 Fixtures
Saturday 22nd April
South Toowoomba Vs. University Cougars Heritage Oval – 2:30pm
Coolaroo Vs. South Burnett Saints Gold Park – 3:20pm
Toowoomba Tigers Vs. Goondiwindi Hawks Rockville Oval – 3:20pm
Division 2 Men’s – Round 1 Fixtures
Saturday 22nd April
Lockyer Valley Vs. Chinchilla SUNS Cahill Park – 1:30pm
Dalby Swans Vs. Highfields Lions Dalby Oval – 3:45pm
Warwick Redbacks Bye
To see how your local team goes, head to our Facebook page @AFLDarlingDowns or our website, www.afldarlingdowns.sportingpulse.net.
Photo by Sophie Smith: Last time University and South Toowoomba met, was 222 days ago in the Allied Pickford's Cup Grand Final.
Last Modified on 16/05/2017 09:44