In 1971, Coolaroo AFC joined Signals and Aviation in the first season of the AFL Darling Downs competition. Coolaroo eventually went down by a mere 3 points in the ‘71 decider, however would continue on to be the only club 50 years later to have played in every season.
Over the past half a century, Coolaroo have gone on to play in 15 Senior Grand Finals, winning 9 premierships and boasting 16 League Best & Fairest recipients.
The Roos also hold the record for the most senior premierships in a row, winning 5 flags back to back from 2001 – 2005.
Some of the clubs most notable figures have not only been great servants at Coolaroo but have also been huge contributors to the game right across the Darling Downs. Some of these names are synonymous with footy in the region including Bill and Marj Shaw, two of the founding members of the league and Ellen McConochie who in 2010 received the AFL Queensland Female in Football Award.
Regarded as one of the competitions best key forwards, John Green won 3 League Best & Fairest Medals (Equal 1st by a single player) during the mid-80s, a period described as one of the strongest in the competition’s history. Eventually, the Senior Men’s leading goal kicker trophy was named in his honour, with current player Adam Green (554 Career goals) the last Coolaroo player to win the trophy in 2014.
After 2020 put a halt to a number of events, Coolaroo will this weekend celebrate their 50 year milestone with a full day of footy featuring a blockbuster top of the table Allied Cup clash against University, followed by their 50 year reunion dinner.
Current President Karen Claydon said the lead up to the event has put her in contact with club members from all decades.
“I’ve had contact from those involved in the inaugural administration of the club, and we’ve had club members across all eras from all over the country get in touch excited about being part of the reunion”
“We’re proud to be wearing a replica of our original 1971 jersey, which will be a special moment for many of our founding members but also for our current playing group too” Claydon added.
As part of the celebration, the club will also announce their 50-year team.
It’s a busy day of football at Rockville on Saturday with full fixtures below;
Round 8 – Saturday 12th June – Rockville Park
2pm – Senior Men – Coolaroo v University
12.15pm – Senior Women – South Toowoomba v University
10.45am – Under 14s – Coolaroo v University
9.30am – Under 8s/10s – Coolaroo v University
