Iles named captain of anniversary side on bumper night for AFL Darling Downs
Check out our gallery and who made the AFL Darling Downs’ team of the half century as the league celebrated its night of nights.
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AUSSIE RULES: The AFL Darling Downs night of nights has celebrated a half century of football in the region.
The AFLDD hosted its annual awards night and 50 years celebrations at the Burke and Wills Hotel, recognising the games greatest achievers.
A centrepiece of the night was the announcement of the AFLDD’s best team of the 50 years, with a mix of legendary and modern greats.
Warwick and University player Brendan Iles was named as captain, with Coolaroo’s John Green as vice.
Chairman of selectors Chris Guice said it was a privilege to be a part of the panel to bring the team to life.
“Everyone was really excited about it. Because of travel restrictions a few couldn’t make it,” Guice said.
“It was fantastic to see their faces when their names were read out, and hopefully this is the springboard for the coming seasons.
“It reflects the strong periods we had on the Downs. There was a golden period through the 80s which is shown in the team.
“There’s representation from every era. Brendan Iles was named as captain which is a great honour for him and for Warwick.
The balance worked out perfectly. The criteria was all about selecting the best players.”
The night also saw this season’s high achievers named with the best and fairest gongs.
Jayden Smith from University was named as the Holman Medal winner, going one better than last year when runner up.
Goondiwindi’s Shaye Easton claimed the Heather Green Medal, giving her a place in history as the first dual winner of the medal.
AFLDD 50 YEAR TEAM
FB: Pat Gipps, Murray Collett, Doug Lowe
HB: Jim Urquhart, Lindsay Collison, Ray Maynard
C: Jeremy Leahy, Mark Holman, Phil Dreise
HF: Tom Rudolph, John Green (vc), David O’Toole
FF: Shane McGregor, Kevin Cropper, Heath Gneil
FOLL: Greg Peltz, Peter Holman, Brendan Iles (c)
INT: Mark Andrews, Jeff Neumann, Phil Pholner, Nathan Trace
COACH: Robin Hyde
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