AFL Queensland have today announced that the Maroochydore Football Club will be joining the QAFL competition in 2020.
With a team already competing in the state’s premier women’s competition, the QAFLW, the move into the men’s premier competition solidifies the Roos as a genuine high performance football club.
With a strong junior base and a first class facility, Maroochydore are well placed to make the transition up to the QAFL. In addition, the club’s senior men’s program has enjoyed success in recent years, winning back to back premierships in the highly competitive QFA Division 1 Hart Sport Cup and are well positioned to have the opportunity to make it a three peat this season.
AFL Queensland CEO, Dean Warren, said the timing was perfect for Maroochydore to step up into the QAFL.
“Maroochydore have been working diligently for a period of time now to put the club in a position that would allow them the choice as to whether they wished to come up or not,” Mr Warren said.
“AFL Queensland are delighted to now have both a QAFL and QAFLW presence on the Sunshine Coast, as it provides a fantastic talent pathway for male and female athletes living in the region.”
Maroochydore President Matt Bury is excited at the opportunity to be part of the QAFL, not only for his club but also for football on the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s an exciting time for our footy club”, Mr Bury said.
“We have worked hard for a long period to put the club in the position it’s in, as we were never going to come into the QAFL until we knew we had everything right.
“It’s not just great for our club but great for footy on the coast, we can now provide an opportunity for young men and women to play at the next level in their home region.”
Maroochydore’s entry into the competition brings the QAFL back to ten teams, whilst their elevation will potentially present an opportunity for a current QFA Division 2 club to move up into Division 1.
The QFA Division 1-3 competition model is currently under review, with an announcement as to the review committee’s findings and recommendations due in July.
