By Abby Collins
As the 2024 QAFL season draws to a close, significant changes are on the horizon for the league. A new coach is set to join the ranks for the 2025 season, while a familiar face returns with a rival team. Additionally, two coaches have re-signed with their current teams for another year.
Labrador welcomes Chris Rourke as Senior Coach
Labrador are delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Rourke as the club’s new senior coach for season 2025.
Rourke, who joined Labrador as Football Operations Manager this year, brings a wealth of experience and a remarkable record of achievements. His transition into the role of senior coach marks a new chapter for the club.
Rourke’s most recent coaching role was with QAFL rivals Noosa, where he led the Sunshine Coast squad to the finals in his first season with the club in 2022, a significant turnaround from a winless campaign the previous year.
Prior to that, Rourke had a 14-year run with the Ainslie Football Club, where he secured six premierships, including a standout 52-point win over the Sydney Swans in the 2011 NEAFL Eastern Conference title.
Rourke said that he was looking forward to being back in the coaches’ box.
“I am incredibly honoured that Labrador Football Club has given me this opportunity. I have loved my time at the Tigers, and the chance to coach this fantastic group of young men was too exciting to pass up,” he said.
“I see so much potential here – this is a great footy club, filled with hard-working and passionate people, all striving to make it the best it can be.”
Leigh Harding to lead Coorparoo in their QAFL return
Over in Brisbane’s East, Leigh Harding is set to become the inaugural Senior Coach for Coorparoo’s new chapter in the QAFL. With an impressive resume that includes playing 141 AFL games and coaching roles at various Queensland state teams, Harding is well-equipped to steer Coorparoo as they re-enter the league.
Harding has previously coached Redlands and the Brisbane Lions in the NEAFL and worked with Coorparoo’s QAFLW team this year, which has helped him integrate into the club’s community. His experience training elite players as Queensland Men’s Coach for this year’s State Representative Clash against Tasmania further underscores his readiness to lead the team.
Coorparoo’s decision to hire Harding reflects a strategic move to gain a competitive edge in their return to the QAFL, with Harding’s deep understanding of high-level football promising to benefit the club.
Hamish Mitchell and Danny Nolan Re-Sign
In other news, Mt Gravatt’s Hamish Mitchell and Broadbeach’s Danny Nolan have both re-signed for another year with their respective teams.
Mitchell, who took over the Vultures during a period of rebuilding, has embraced his role beyond coaching. He is actively involved in community and sponsorship events, often seen at women’s games and juniors’ matches.
“I am just the coach, but I believe if you are going to be the face of an organisation then you need to make sure you are representing all aspects of the footy club,” Mitchell said.
“That includes everything from the women’s program to the juniors. I’m committed to ensuring that our juniors receive high-level training and support as they progress to senior footy.”
Mitchell’s plans for next season include developing a junior pathway program and enhancing the club’s professionalism with new additions to the physiotherapy and medical teams. An Indigenous Affairs Officer will also be appointed to support mental health and community engagement for Indigenous players.
Meanwhile, Nolan returns to Broadbeach with a focus on continuing the progress made this season. Despite challenges, including missing key players due to VFL duties, Nolan’s leadership helped the Cats achieve several impressive wins. He aims to build on this foundation and drive further success in the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
With these coaching changes, the 2025 QAFL season is shaping up to be an exciting one. The new appointments and re-signings promise to bring fresh energy and strategic direction, setting the stage for an intriguing year of football.
