AFL Queensland has confirmed key updates to the 2025 QFA Division 1 HART Sport Cup season and a new fixture has been released.
Beenleigh AFC sought a release from their QFA Division 1 License, which was granted by AFL Queensland and has subsequently seen them move into the QFA Division 2 South competition.
As part of the aspirational structure across SEQ senior football, clubs have the ability to apply for elevation through the competition pathway but can also seek to move to a lower division if the circumstances warrant.
2025 asee’s Sandgate make the leap to Division 1 following their triumph in the 2024 QFA Division 2 North Alpha Sport Premiership, with Coorparoo no longer in HART Sport Cup contention following their elevation into the QAFL.
Themed marquee rounds will be celebrated throughout the season with ANZAC Round to be played on Saturday April 26, Sir Doug Nicholls Round across Saturday May 17 and 24 and Pride Round over Saturday July 19 and 26.
AFL Competition Lead ‑ QFA & QFAW, Travis Bell, said 2025 promises to be a wide-open race for the Premiership, with reigning premiers, Mayne Tigers, once again expected to lead the pack.
“The Tigers will be hard to beat but they will be hunted fiercely by the surprise packet of 2024; the University of Queensland Red Lions,” he said.
“Expect a big match in Round 5 with Mayne taking on UQ. The Red Lions narrowly missed a spot in the Grand Final against Mayne and with Coorparoo heading to the QAFL, UQ become the second ranked team.
“Hinterland announced a string of signings pre-Christmas, including ex-QAFL ruckman Jacob Simpson, and will again be a handful for all teams especially at home.
“You can also never write off the 2023 premiers in Springwood. They had a challenging 2024 with some injuries and will be looking to bounce back this year.
“The competition is excited with the inclusion of Sandgate to Division 1 after concurring Division 2 North last year. The club is in a great position with a fantastic football program and supporters who will give this competition a shake up.”
With Beenleigh no longer playing in Division 1, the finals series will now become a three-week, top four finals series, beginning with the elimination/qualifying finals on the 23rd August, with the Grand Final to be played on Saturday, September 13.
HART Sport, a longtime supporter of AFL Queensland, will again serve as the major sponsor for the 2025 HART Sport Cup.
The partnership, which has now spanned nearly a decade, is integral to the continued success and growth of the competition.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 2025 FIXTURE
