New teams stake early claim for Toowoomba title

Toowoomba football officials welcome the rise of new teams

CLOSE ATTENTION: Willowburn White's Matthew Donovan moves to shut down his Willowburn FC opponent during a match earlier this season. New to the TFL Premier Men division's Willowburn White have shown solid early season form - running third. Picture: Kevin Farmer

FOOTBALL: Having enjoyed a brief Easter break, Toowoomba Football League teams will be back in action this weekend.

The 2019 season is still in its infancy but already there are plenty of positive signs pointing to what could one of the best competitions to date.

In recent years the senior women's competition has been dominated by two powerhouse squads - Rockville Rovers and Willowburn Magpies.

Last season's unbeaten premiers Willowburn are leading the competition again but are looking over their shoulders at "unfamiliar foes”.

A new look Highfields and West Wanderers Black have shown plenty of early season form with Rockville in fourth and only four points separating the top four teams.

There is also a familiar look to the Premier Men's competition, with last year's grand finalists Willowburn and USQ leading the charge.

However, like the women's competition, they have been joined by two "newcomers” - Willowburn White and Rockville.

"I think it's great for the game, the supporters and the clubs,” TFL competition administrator Kelli Matthews said.

"The closeness of the competition is a credit to the clubs and the work they've been doing.

"There was a fair bit of change in the off-season with lots of player movement and some clubs leaving the competition.

"All of the clubs worked hard on recruiting and retaining players. Dalby did not enter a women's team this season but a lot of their players are now signed with Toowoomba teams.

"There have been some great games so far in both the men's and women's competitions - some really close results and a few upsets - and that's good for the game.”

LADDER LEADERS Premier Men: USQ 13, Willowburn FC 12, Willowburn White 10, Rockville 9. Senior Women: Willowburn 16, Highfields 14, West Wanderers Black 13, Rockville 12.

Originally published as New teams stake early claim for Toowoomba title