Pine Rivers AFC and Zillmere AFC have been elevated to QFA Division 2 North Alpha Sport Premiership for the 2024 season.
Both teams have earned their promotion from the QFA Division 3 North competition after applying to be elevated to the QFA Division 2 competition under AFL Queensland’s Aspirational Competition Pathway Model.
For both clubs, this will not be their first time playing in the Division 2 North competition. Pine Rivers returns for the first time in three years after exiting the competition at the end of the 2021 season.
Pine Rivers Coach Will Cates said the club had worked hard the past three years to earn their spot back in Division 2 North.
“This elevation is a testament to the hard work of the committee and playing group over the last two years,” he said.
“After a successful recruiting drive, the playing group are ready to rise to the challenge of Division 2 North.”
Pine Rivers President Rob Anderson attributed this promotion to the hard work of the coaching staff.
“Full credit goes to our coach and his assistants for the retention and recruitment of enough players to go back to Division 2 North,” he said.
“The Swans have a long history playing in this division and look forward to renewing old rivalries.”
For Zillmere, a previous powerhouse of Queensland footy, this elevation sees the club playing Saturday football for the first time in 16 years, after their departure from the QAFL competition.
Zillmere President Matthew Smith said the club’s elevation was testament to their investment in their junior football program.
“The Zillmere Eagles are excited to be returning to Saturday footy in 2024 for the first time since 2008, our final season in the top-flight QAFL,” he said.
“As a proud club with a rich history, we look forward to seeing the continued development of our new generation of Eagles, many of whom have come through the ranks as Zillmere Juniors.
“We have no doubt they will do us proud as we grow the club and reconnect with past players and supporters”.
AFL Queensland Competitions Manager Mitchell Simpson commended both clubs on their return.
“The elevations are a great reward for effort for both clubs, as they have rebuilt their senior men’s programs in order to re-establish themselves in the QFA Division 2 North Alpha Sport Premiership,” he said.
“The elevation of Pine Rivers and Zillmere has drawn new players to the clubs, so we look forward to what the teams will bring to the competition this season and in the coming years.”
In 2024 the QFA Division 2 North Alpha Sport Premiership will Div 2 North will increase to 12 sides, up from 10 the previous season.
