COUGARS ON THE PROWL
University returns to AFL Darling Downs in quest for more flags
AUSSIE RULES: The AFL Darling Downs was left without one of its most familiar faces in 2020.
That’s set to change this season, with the University Cougars making their comeback across senior and junior divisions.
Their absence last year was due to COVID regulations providing a roadblock in terms of personnel numbers.
That issue has been sorted, and president Tony Bullen said the club is ready to hit the ground running.
“We always knew that we’d be back,” Bullen said.
“The off-field side of things needed to tighten up a bit with a few more numbers. We’ve done that and things are travelling nicely.
“Thing are going well especially for our men. They’re having the best numbers I’ve seen at training for a few years. They’ve picked up a few new recruits and have a few premiership players returning as well.
“A few boys had some games at other clubs, and I spent part of the year as an assistant coach at South Bur
nett.
“We wanted to make sure that the club came back bigger and stronger, and that’s looking like the case now.”
When last seen, the Cougars women made back-toback grand finals, although were unable to take down the powerhouse that is the Toowoomba Tigers.
Bullen said they are on track to once again make their presence felt in the senior women’s competition.
“We’ll field a competitive squad once again,” he said.
“A lot of our women’s players are coming back with some new recruits as well. Some played in Brisbane last year, so they will have fitness on their side.
“Andrew Baird is coaching again. He has a good rapport with the players and they all love him.”
The AFL Darling Downs has confirmed that the new season for both seniors and juniors will start on April 24.