Page 94 - AFL QUEENSLAND 2012 YEAR IN REVIEW

MACKAY
It was evident that AFL Mackay was going to continue its success following the AGM on December 14th 2011 which saw four of the five board members electing to continue in 2012.
First matter to deal with for the new season was to get the pre- season carnival under way. The event was played at Whitsunday on 31st March in ideal conditions with Mackay City taking out the day.
Bakers Creek didn’t finish off the 2011 season on a very good note and it was looking doubtful if they would be able to get a team together, but with hard work during the off-season the club was able to field a team.
The Northern Beaches Magpies, previously known as the Andergrove Kangaroos, made a very bold move and became a part of the Magpies sporting complex and took on the colours of “Magpies”. History showed that the Magpies colours were last seen in the Mackay league in 1987 when Walkerston proudly wore the black and white strip.
Eastern Swans, Mackay City, North Mackay, Moranbah and Whitsunday quietly went about their business recruiting and developing players in readiness for the season proper.
With rounds one and two out of the way it was time to start getting the City v Country challenge teams together for the ANZAC Day clash, an event that continues to grow each year.
In 2013, Anzac Day will become even bigger, with AFL Mackay set to host the Inaugural Gold Coast SUNS and Brisbane Lions Reserves NEAFL ANZAC Day clash at Harrup Park.
The City v Country Challenge is also the lead up game to the bi-annual game against Townsville and this year was played in Townsville with the ‘Northerners’ claiming the Muldoon Shield.
Finals time in the region saw back-to-back wins for Mackay City in both grades, accounting for Whitsunday in the seniors and North Mackay in the reserves.
AFL Mackay Juniors had another fantastic year, with the Under 9’s and Under 11’s playing at Harrup Park on Friday nights a big hit with clubs and volunteers.
This year saw 22 Mackay players make the Gold Coast SUNS Academy Program while nine players made the Queensland Country Kookaburras Under 14 and Under 16 representative teams.
Tyler Jones (Under 18’s), Jacob Lowe (Under 16’s), Jordan Harding (Under 15 Schoolboys) and Hannah Hillman (Under 18 Youth Girls) all gained state representative selection.
Grand final time for the juniors saw the Eastern Swans win the Under 13’s, North Mackay Saints the Under 15’s, while the Eastern Swans were Under 18 winners for the second year running.
A great year from all concerned.
DAVID HARDING
MACKAY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
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2012 Year in Review