Clubs pushing for five
Teams bolster ranks ahead of start of AFL Darling Downs season
AUSSIE RULES: The start of the AFL Darling Downs season is just three sleeps away, and anticipation is at a high among the nine competing clubs.
After the tight nature of the race for spots in the final four last season, the league opted to implement a top-five for the finals in 2019.
Competition and club development manager Mitch Simpson said he expected a number of teams to be pushing for a place in the post-season.
“It’s going to create a bit more of an incentive for some of those clubs in line for a finals spot and it will change the appetite quite a bit,” he said.
“Some clubs have promoted the fact they are quite strong heading into the season, while others have kept their cards close to their chest, so it’s difficult to gauge at the moment until teams get out there and play.
“That’s the beauty of community football. Every year teams have a clean slate and a new sense of passion. It will be interesting come round one with clubs poised, and there is certainly a lot of enthusiasm around.”
Simpson hopes this will lead to a renewed intensity as clubs prepare to return to the field on Saturday.
“On-field, first and foremost we want a competitive competition with those big games,” he said.
“On the sidelines, we hope it is well supported with crowd attendances and we get the chance to profile the great game we have.
“We have every confidence 2019 will be a great year.”
The start of the season comes a week after the AFL commenced, which Simpson said had only helped to drive interest in the local product.
“I think that helps. There’s a real sense that footy has arrived,” he said.
“Obviously the Lions had a bit of success at the weekend, and there’s plenty of people talking about footy at the moment which is good leading into round one.”
‘‘ IT’S GOING TO CREATE A BIT MORE OF AN INCENTIVE FOR SOME OF THOSE CLUBS IN LINE FOR A FINALS SPOT. MITCH SIMPSON
On Saturday, The Chronicle will preview each team ahead of the AFLDD season.