Morningside has won its 11th QAFL Premiership following a thrilling five-point victory over Redland Victoria Point in the 2024 QAFL Grand Final at Brighton Homes Arena.
It was a historic day for the Panthers, with teams vying for Premiership glory in all three games; colts, reserves and seniors.
Thousands piled into the Brisbane Lions’ world-class home in Springfield and were treated to three nail-biting games.
In the seniors grand final, Morningside took an early lead and kept Redland Victoria Point playing catch-up all day. Clay Cameron scored just before the halftime siren, keeping the Sharks in the hunt with a score of 8.8-56 to 4.12-36.
With goals from Matt Hammelmann and Joshua Brown and a surge of momentum for Redland Victoria Point, the margin was only six points with two and a half minutes remaining.
You couldn’t split who had louder supporters on the sidelines with the players giving the Panthers and Sharks armies plenty to cheer about as the game came down to the wire.
Gun midfielder Tommy Horne was awarded the Joe Grant Medal, presented to him by 2004 Joe Grant Medallist David Lillico, marking 20 years since Lillico’s win.
It’s Morningside’s 11th flag, adding to their previous QAFL Premierships in 1965, 1991, 1993, 1994, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2014, and 2020.
In the reserves grand final, Maroochydore narrowly defeated a fast-finishing Morningside by nine points.
Hunter Moore delivered a commanding performance, kicking two goals and earning the Bill Hardy Jnr Medal as best on ground.
Morningside started the day strong, clinching the colts premiership with two minutes remaining thanks to a goal by Oscar Tanks.
Fullback Cooper Joseph was named Best on Ground for his standout performance.
Trisha Squires, Head of AFL Queensland, congratulated Morningside for their achievements.
“Congratulations to Morningside for advancing to all three grand finals today—a testament to the talent within the Panthers’ ranks. And for winning the seniors and colts Premierships,” she said.
“I’d like to congratulate Maroochydore for their reserves Premiership and Redland Victoria Point, Morningside, and Wilston Grange for securing their places in the seniors, reserves, and colts games, respectively.
“Congratulations to everyone involved today, not just to our fantastic players but also to the coaches, umpires, club volunteers, administrators, officials, medical staff, and runners. You are the people who make our great game so great.
“Grand final days are a significant opportunity to showcase our competition and its talent, and I am thrilled that in 2024 this was done on the big stage at the home of the Brisbane Lions at Brighton Homes Arena. I thank the Lions for their support in making today such a success.”
QAFL Grand Final
Morningside 9.12-66 def. Redland Victoria Point 8.13-61
Best on Ground: Tommy Horne, Morningside
QAFL Reserves Grand Final
Maroochydore 10.6-66 def. Morningside 7.15-57
Best on Ground: Hunter Moore, Maroochydore
QAFL Colts Grand Final
Morningside 6.13-49 def. Wilston Grange 7.5-47
Best on Ground: Cooper Joseph, Morningside
