Magnetic Island has produced an incredible showcase of Australian rules football over the weekend with over 300 footballers getting the chance to showcase their skills.
The Magnetic Island Magpies, a club situated on the small island just off the coast of Townsville, held the annual SeaLink AFL Carnival last Saturday which featured games from Under 9s all the way through to the Masters division.
The carnival saw all eight junior clubs from the AFL Townsville competition make the eight kilometre trip across Cleveland Bay to the island to take part in the event, which features games all throughout a jam-packed weekend.
While live music from over 30 bands and musicians, including Tiny Giants and the Arcadia Stage Band set the scene for the day’s festivities, the regions junior footballers competed in a traditional round robin event.
All players from the Under 9s and Under 11 divisions received a medal for their efforts throughout the carnival, presented by SeaLink General Manager Chris Briggs.
Charters Towers and the Northers Beaches SUNS were on next, and with the SeaLink Queensland Shield on the line, it was the SUNS who prevailed when the final siren sounded.
In a show of unity, all AFL Townsville clubs came together for a Youth Girls Under 16 exhibition game, where the 41 footballers from the various clubs were split into two teams to showcase the talent of female football in the region.
Bryher Forster earned best on ground honours in the Youth Girls game and was awarded the Breanna L. Koenen Medal – duly named after former Magnetic Island resident and current Brisbane Lion Bree Koenen.
The day’s final contest pitted the Townsville Sharks against the Charters Towers SUNS to see the busy afternoon draw to a conclusion.
Off the field, the Horseshoe Bay Rural Fire Service was also on hand with a few of their own fire trucks for a community open day where they conducted activities with the kids.
AFL Townsville Director of Facilities Kane Logan was pleased with the results of the day and thanked all parties for their cooperation and support.
“Thank you to all of the players, coaches and parents for being apart of the day. To the Magpies’ committee for their ongoing support of our island club, we appreciate the continual support throughout the year,” Logan said.
“I would also like to extend thanks to Chris Briggs, Katie Lord and the team from SeaLink Queensland or their support of the carnival and for bringing all AFL Townsville clubs together to showcase the sport on Magnetic Island.
The Magnetic Island Magpies’ next home game is on June 8.
