Page 55 - AFL QUEENSLAND 2013 YEAR IN REVIEW

In its third season, the NEAFL competition continued to unearth some of our top local talents.
Three current NEAFL players, not involved in the state U18s program, were invited to the AFL National Draft Combine or state screening this season.
Labrador’s Fraser Thurlow was one of four Queenslanders invited to the national combine, recognised for a brilliant season at the Tigers.
Thurlow surely caught the eyes of recruiters with his best on ground performance in May’s state game, playing for the NEAFL Under-22s against the SANFL Under-20s.
Morningside’s Ryley Buntain and Ben McNiece were selected for the AFL state screenings, after exceptional performances for the Panthers in 2013.
Mackay saw its first live NEAFL action, with the Brisbane Lions Reserves and Gold Coast SUNS Reserves playing off at Harrup Park on ANZAC Day.
The match went in the Lions’ favour, and exposed the city’s appetite for footy with a number of events surrounding the historic game.
The ladder had a bit of a shake-up, with last year’s conference finalists, the NT Thunder, missing the finals for the first time.
The biggest transformation, however, was that of the Aspley Hornets who, under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach, John Blair, went from four wins to runners-up in the Northern Conference this season.
Aspley surprised plenty this season with their incredible turnaround, which also showed off some of the club’s rising stars like Michael Hutchinson, Isaac Conway and James Nelis.
The north side club went down to the Brisbane Lions Reserves in the Northern Conference final, with the Lions going back-to-back.
Southport equalled its 2012 performance, making a preliminary final for the second year in a row, under coach, Norm Dare.
The Sharks also qualified for the Foxtel Cup,
but unfortunately were knocked out in the first round by WAFL premiers, Claremont, in torrential conditions at Subiaco.
Redland also replicated last season’s performance, losing to Southport in the minor semi-final, after finishing fourth in the regular season.
Morningside bounced back from last year’s wooden spoon, finishing fifth and qualifying for the finals for the tenth time in 11 seasons.
It was their developing youngsters who took the lead for the side this season, with Josh Smith winning the NAB NEAFL Northern Conference Rising Star award.
The Gold Coast SUNS finished just outside
the finals, but had the chance to show fans the talents of underage draftee, Jack Martin, ineligible for AFL football until 2014.
NT finished seventh this season, but are still proving themselves to be a breeding ground for NT footballers.
Darren Ewing once again led the league goal kicking and is on the verge of an historic 100th game for the side in 2014, the first player to reach the milestone for the Thunder.
Broadbeach had a disappointing season, after looking threatening early, losing some tight games at critical junctures. The Cats’ mentor, Matt Angus, parted ways with the club at the end of the season, to take up the job as Southport’s head coach.
Mt Gravatt faced some challenges this season, with a number of changes on and off the field, finishing with one win for the season.
The Vultures lost some nail biters over the year, but managed to avoid the wooden spoon.
South Australian recruit, Adam Eckermann, was strong in the forward line in his first year at the club, while brothers Luke and Andrew Scott were typically consistent.
It was a difficult year for Labrador, ravaged by injuries throughout the season.
The performances of Thurlow provided a silver lining for the Tigers in 2013.
Southport’s Haydn Kiel took out the 2013 Grogan Medal, ahead of the Thunder’s Cameron Ilett and Sharks teammate, Jason Burge.
The NEAFL Northern Conference took part in two representative matches in Adelaide this season, with a Northern Conference (QLD/NT) side taking on the SANFL, while a combined NEAFL Under-22 defeated the SANFL Under-20 side.
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NEAFL REPORT