The Hawks have enjoyed dominant success in the QFA Division 2 competition in recent years, with standout performances that saw them finish as Preliminary Finalists in 2022, Grand Finalists in 2023, and ultimately claiming the Premiership in 2024.
The club’s impressive run extends beyond the senior team—Sandgate's Reserves secured the Premiership in 2023 and finished as Grand Finalists again in 2024, showcasing the depth of their playing squad.
Boasting over 900 registered participants from NAB AFL Auskick through to Masters, Sandgate is one of the largest and most successful clubs in the state.
AFL Competitions Manager – QLD, Mitchell Simpson, said Sandgate had proven itself it be successful across a range of sectors throughout the club.
“Sandgate has proven itself not just on the field but across the entire club, with a remarkable 9% growth in junior football participation, a grand final appearance by their QFAW Division 1 team just a year after their elevation from Division 2, and the recent premiership win for their Division 2 men's team,” he said.
“The club’s success is a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved.”
Sandgate’s Football Director, George Massa echoed the excitement surrounding the club’s elevation.
“We’re really excited about being elevated to the QFA Division 1 HART Sport Cup and being highly competitive in this space next season,” he said.
“This was an important step for us to not only return our club to where we belong but to also build stronger pathways for our youth into the future.
“Our member base is thrilled and our playing group is looking forward to putting the hard work in over the summer and preparing for a big year ahead!”
Sandgate’s Head Coach, Trent Fuller, reflected on the journey that brought the club to this point.
“We are really excited to be going into division one. The decision to go up has been largely driven by the players and is very much aligned to the clubs strategic plan,” he said.
“The club has a proud 80 + year history in Queensland football, and after not fielding a senior men’s team in 2019, there has been a tremendous amount of work by a lot of people to get the club back into this position.
“Sandgate has always had a strong junior program, and we are thrilled to be able to provide our juniors a pathway once again into division one footy.”
Sandgate is steeped in history, having been part of the AFL Queensland community since 1943.
Sangate will follow a similar path to that of Hinterland, who were elevated following their QFA Division 2 North premiership in 2022, and Moreton Bay who entered the Division 1 competition on the back of their QFA Division 2 North Premiership in 2021.
Sandgate’s entry will see the QFA Division 1 HART Sport Cup maintain an eight-team competition in 2025, with Coorparoo departing after being elevated to the QAFL.