Half a century of footy on the Downs celebrated with naming of Best 50 of 50

AFL Queensland has announced the best 50 players of the last 50 years of senior footy on the Darling Downs.

After scaling through the history books and liaising with representatives from Darling Downs football from across the five decades, the ‘Best 50 from the 50’ was carefully chosen by an independent selection panel, chaired by Chris Guice.

Guice said with thousands having played senior footy on the Downs since 1971, narrowing it down to the best 50 players was a challenging task.

“I feel very privileged to have chaired the selection panel, the panel has taken it very seriously and we’ve left no stone unturned in checking through all of the five decades from that first original game,” he said.

“The initial list of players in consideration was quite extensive, and without acknowledging them all there are many exceptional footballers who just missed out on selection.

“I’m thrilled we’re now in a position to name who we believe are the best 50 of 50.”

The panel used specific selection criteria in selecting the squad which was based on more than just on-field performance.

“Part of that criteria was to have played a minimum of three seasons, and that they upheld the AFL Queensland and AFL Darling Downs Code of Conduct and always played with integrity,” said Guice.

“It’s purely based too, on who we believe were the best 50 players of the last 50 years. It is not based on any club quota, who they played for, the era they played in or the position they played, we are of the opinion that the best players can play in any position.”

And as it eventuated, the squad is a fantastic reflection of the Darling Downs as a region; from southern Warwick, west to Goondiwindi and north to Kingaroy with the Lockyer Valley to the east.

“Once we worked through the thousands of players and started to formulate the squad, it was only then that I looked at the clubs represented as well as the decades,” he said.

“The list reflects how strong the competition has, and continues, to be.

“AFL Darling Downs has a proud and successful history over the last 50 years and being selected in the initial 50 player squad is an achievement in itself and one to be very proud of.”

“Chris and the panel have been working tirelessly and diligently behind the scenes to develop the list of the region’s best players spanning five decades,” said AFL Darling Downs Competition Manager, Mitchell Simpson.

“Whilst projects like this will always spark debate, their dedication in putting this list together is second to none.

“The squad combines for 33 Holman Medals, 16 John Green Trophy’s, eight Ellen McConochie Medals among a number of AFL Darling Downs Premierships and other accolades.”

The panel will now deliberate to select a final 22 players and coach, which will be announced on the AFL Darling Downs Senior Awards night, on August 21st, 2021.

Best 50 of 50 Squad (In alphabetical order)