Gold Coast mature-aged rookie Tyrone Downie has capped off an outstanding season in Carrara with a spot in the NEAFL team of the year on Sunday night. The 26-year-old played a big role in the remarkable transformation made by the reserves this season.
 
Josh Fraser’s side failed to win a game in 2014 and were routinely beaten. But this year, with Downie and a handful of other mature-aged recruits in the team, Gold Coast recorded eight wins and only narrowly missed out on a spot in the top-six on percentage.
 
Downie overcame an injury interrupted maiden pre season at Metricon Stadium to piece together a consistent campaign in the NEAFL. Despite his light frame, the Bendigo product was a force inside 50, plucking strong overhead marks and becoming a reliable goal kicker. And he didn’t just go to work up forward, with Downie called upon at different times throughout the year to play on the ball.
 
“Obviously I’m honoured to be named in the NEAFL team of the year. (There is) a lot of good players getting around in the competition so it’s good to be noticed,” Downie told SUNS TV on Tuesday morning.
 
“I started up forward and was going oaky at the time, and then obviously through injuries through the main list I got the opportunity to play through the midfield which my fitness improved as the season went so I really enjoyed that.
 
“And then as we got some players back I went back forward, which I really enjoyed, I probably looked forward getting back there and kicking a few snags.
 
Downie arrived at Metricon Stadium via a late pick in last December’s rookie draft and has set about growing his game during his time in Queensland.
 
By his own admission, the natural forward built his game around attack. But this year, during his time inside an elite tent, Downie has spent more time working on the defensive elements, the unrewarded areas of the game.
 
“My game last year was probably all round offence – mark/kick type player,” Downie said.
 
“This year, I’ve tried working on the defensive side of my game – my tackling, just defensive running, getting behind the ball. I think that’s really improved.
 
“Obviously trying to build on my speed, a lack of that still, but I’ve really improved in those other areas and then still keeping my marking and my kicking up to scratch.”
 
Mature-aged recruits are rare in football, especially ones in their mid-twenties. Whilst Downie hasn’t been able to earn a senior debut just yet, he has left a significant impact on the NEAFL program this season. His team of the year gong is a small reward for his decision to pack his life up at the end of last year and move from Bendigo to the Gold Coast.