Queensland men’s state squad announced

With the long-awaited return of Queensland representative football just under two months away, the state’s initial 42-player men’s squad has been selected.
 
Both Queensland teams are set to take on Tasmania on the famous North Hobart Oval on Saturday 1 July for a men’s and women’s representative football double header.
 
The initial men’s squad boasts a balance of youth and experience, with an average age of 25 across the group, and features players from all 12 QAFL clubs. The final team of 22 will field at least six players aged 23 or under.
 
Of the group, 25 men played their junior football in Queensland, including a number who came through junior pathways from regions such as Capricornia, Darling Downs, Wide Bay, and Southeast Queensland.
 
This announcement follows the appointment of the men’s and women’s coaching structures, with Leigh Harding leading the men’s side and assisted by Brad Moore, Adrian Pilgrim, Paul Grentell and Jarrod Keogh.
 
Former North Melbourne footballer turned coach, Leigh Harding, said the selection of the squad was no easy decision.
 
“The depth of talent in Queensland, and in particular the QAFL at the moment is outstanding, and it’s been a difficult task to get the wider list cut to just 42 players in the initial squad,” he said.
 
“Across the board we’ve got some extremely experienced and talented footballers, mixed with the next generation of Queensland talent.
 
“I’m really excited to be leading this group”.
 
Training will kick off May 24 with the final team to be selected the week leading into the match.
 
The Queensland women’s squad will be announced next week.
 
Initial Queensland men’s squad:

*Denotes U23