Rivals prepare for grand final battle
AUSTRALIAN RULES:
University is one win away from back-to-back AFL Darling Downs flags while Goondiwindi hunts for its first premiership success in nearly 20 years.
They are the key story lines heading into today’s AFL Darling Downs division one grand final at Rockville Park.
University had a strong season in its title defence having won the minor premiership on the way to making it through to a second-straight decider.
The Cougars also know they are the hunted rather than the hunter this time around.
“We spoke about that at the start of the year ... we were now going to be the hunted this year. So we had to lift our standard,” Uni coach Tony Bullen said.
Uni is fresh after earning the week off before the grand final and the Cougars are at full-strength.
They come up against a Goondiwindi side going into the decider on the back of a tough but momentous run.
The Hawks were in great form in the back end of the regular season and posted two outstanding finals wins over South Burnett and Coolaroo.
That gave them plenty of belief as the Hawks strive for their first premiership since 2000, especially after the preliminary final victory over Coolaroo.
“It was the best win I’ve ever had at the club and it’s possibly up there with one of the best the club has had in the past 15 years,” Goondiwindi player-coach and Holman Medal winner David O’Toole said.
“We feel like we’re on a bit of a roll now.”
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We feel like we’re on a bit of a roll now.
— David O’Toole