Well, here we are again, ready for another season!! The participants in the comp, well at least for the first 4 rounds, have been finalised and the first games scheduled. From the 13A1 comp last year Wynnum and Aspley have disappeared - Wynnum were always going to struggle fielding a competitive team after their winless 2001 and in the end Aspley met the same fate, losing players to Redcliffe, Arana and Holy Spirit. The new teams are the A2 Grand Finalists from last year, Easts and Slacks Creek (Easts won the Grand Final 30-28 incidentally), and the BN and BS premiers, Brighton and Centenary respectively.
Below is a summary of each team, which I have put together by "asking around" - please excuse me if there are some errors, and please let me know using the email button on the site.
ARANA: Finished 3rd in home and away in A1's last year, before losing semi-finals to Redcliffe and Logan Brothers in disappointing performances. Have strengthened considerably this year, with the addition of 4 players from Aspley, including Brisbane U13 and Qld Primary Schoolboy 2nd rower Rocky Ahern, 2 from Albany Creek, plus Josey Wilson, Met North Schoolboy rep from Mitchelton, while holding all their players from last season. Have been given extra impetus for the season with a narrow trial win over Redcliffe. May take a little while to get the new players integrated into the side. Have one of the fastest backlines in the comp including Alex Tallon (Qld primary school and U13 rep), and Brisbane U13 reps, Mitchell Carr and Alex Fresta - will be looking for more "go-forward" from the pack this year.
BRIGHTON: Last year's U13B Northside Premiers, winning their Grand Final 45-8 over Norths. Also have a number of players who had success in school football last year. Big question mark over whether they will be able to handle the step up 2 grades this year - suffered a big defeat in trial match to Redcliffe, which did not auger well for the season. Will be keen to get an early win under their belt to lift confidence.
CENTENARY: Like Brighton, they are moving up 2 grades, having won last year's U13B Southside Premiership, defeating Capalaba 44-12 in the decider. Have been considerably strengthened by the addition of a number of players formerly in the Ipswich comp, including U13 State centre Lachlan Witt and prop Lagi Setu plus state primary schoolboy representatives Beau Batley. Will be hoping for an injury free season for Qld Primary school 5/8 Tim McIlwain, whose 2001 season was ruined by a severe knee injury. Seem likely to have the players to compete at the top level and will be a team to watch this season - ex Australian winger Kerry Boustead, whose son plays halfback, is coaching the side.
EASTS: Last year's A2 premiers, Easts have regained a couple of players who sat out last year and also gained the services of Brisbane U13 winger David Tyrell who has moved from Wynnum. Will be looking for a big year from Brisbane rep Corey Payne, whose father, former Easts player and Premier League Coach Gavin Payne, coaches the side. A well drilled outfit, it will be interesting to see how they cope with the step up - could be a danger side.
HOLY SPIRIT: Were very much a "hot and cold" side last year, who, when on their game, could beat anyone in the comp. Unfortunately they lacked consistency which is something they will be looking for this year. Have picked up a few new players, including some from Aspley and St.Josephs, who should strengthen the side. Will suffer a little with the loss of Prop Reece Mitchell to Redcliffe. May struggle to reach the semis, but shouldn't be taken lightly on any given day.
LOGAN BROTHERS: Finished 3rd in last year's A1 comp and will be looking to improve on that this year. Play a very physical game based around a big forward pack. Possess one of the most damaging runners in the comp in Brisbane U13 Prop Matt Sepelini, who is at home in either the forwards or backs. Looks as though they will have few changes in player lineup this year so will be looking to start the comp solidly.
REDCLIFFE: Last year's runners up will be looking to have another good year. Have picked up some new players including Aspley and State Primary school halfback Angus Cameron and Reece Mitchell, Met North Representative Prop from Holy Spirit. Well-drilled, physical side with Brisbane U13 props Chris Johnson and Adam Marr leading the way up front. State U13 custodian Jed Fuller is solid in defence and very dangerous in loose play. Will be one of the teams to beat.
REDLANDS: Last year's 13A premiers have been further strengthened by the addition of a couple of Stradbroke Island's top players. Team will be built around last year's 4 state representatives - Matt Smith, Brian (Gordie) Paterson, Nathan Strudwick and Jay Aston - plus Brisbane halfback Ben Edwards. No doubt coach Ross Strudwick will have plenty of tricks up his sleeve as well. Will be keen to hold on to the crown and have plenty of finals experience to fall back on.
SLACKS CREEK: Lost narrowly to Easts in last year's A2 Grand Final and will be looking out for them during the year!! Have performed solidly over the years but a bit of an unknown quantity at this level - may benefit from this surprise element. Have performed solidly in trials and, like Brighton, will be looking for an early win to build confidence.
SOUTHS: Will be looking to erase the disappointment of their extra-time elimination final loss to Logan Brothers after seemingly having the game well and truly "in the bag" - ironically they get their opportunity to do this in their first fixture match. Possess one of the most dangerous players in the comp in state rep Mase Laulu, and have gained the services of state primary schoolboy centre Junior Seumanatafa, last year's Southern Division's 5/8, who will give them more options in attack. Had a dreadful start to last year's comp, winning only 1 game in the first round, before coming home with a wet sail to make the semis - will be looking to start much better this year .
It should be a great season - I hope everyone remains injury free and enjoys their footy!! See you around the grounds!
The Webmaster
14/3/2002
