Queensland have claimed a silver and a bronze medal at the 2024 Toyota Open, as the national championships came to a close at the South Pine Sports Complex in Brisbane yesterday.
It was a hard-fought contest for hometown heroes Queensland as they faced VIC Country in the Division 1 third vs. fourth playoff.
Queensland struck first, taking an early lead and managed to hold on throughout the match. However, it wasn’t easy, with the Victorians consistently applying pressure and staying right on their heels. Queensland coming away with a 25 point win; 13.5-83 def. 9.4-58.
Captain and Coach Michael Dobbie-Bridges led from the front, while Josh Boyle, Zach Carlson and Daniel van den Hoek all slotted four majors each.
In the Division 2 Inclusion Grand Final, the Queenslanders put up a tough fight under humid conditions and searing sun when they too faced off against VIC Country.
Despite their best efforts, the southerners proved too strong, winning by 49 points; 9.8-62 def. 2.1-13. However, the Queensland inclusion team's trademark spirit and energy were on full display, earning them the respect and admiration they've become known for.
Tasmania and VIC Metro were crowned the 2024 national champions across the inclusion and wheelchair divisions; Tasmania won the Toyota AFL Open – Inclusion title and VIC Metro claimed the silverware for the Toyota AFL Open – Wheelchair.
While national championships have been running for elite AFL inclusion and wheelchair players for a decade, this is the first year both events have come together under the new Toyota AFL Open format.
Ahead of the 2024 AFL Open – Wheelchair Grand Final, a host of familiar faces took to the show court in an ‘All Stars’ Wheelchair AFL Match. ‘Team Greene’ and ‘Team Hodge’ – captained by GIANTS skipper Toby Greene and Brisbane Lions and Hawthorn legend and Channel Seven AFL Commentator, Luke Hodge – provided plenty of entertainment for the crowd while they put their skills to the test.
Brisbane Lions Premiership players Harris Andrews, Hugh McCluggage and Will Ashcroft were part of the All Stars match, as was Gold Coast SUNS AFLW player Taya Oliver.
A women's inclusion exhibition match before the Toyota AFL Open – Inclusion grand final kicked off provided an opportunity to showcase the game and pathways for women and girls to be involved and connect with footy.
Following the grand finals, an awards ceremony took place at South Pine Sports Complex where the All Australian teams were announced along with every team's Most Valuable Player. Receiving an All Australian guernsey is the highest honour available in the AFL Disability Inclusion pathways.
Michael Dobbie-Bridges was named Queensland’s Wheelchair Best and Fairest and earned a spot in the All-Australian team. In the Inclusion Division, Grayen Poulsen was awarded Queensland’s Best and Fairest, while John Lawrence and Brad Lawrence received All-Australian honours.
See below for full list of award winners.
2024 Toyota AFL Open Award Winners
ADF Spirit of the Open
Mellissa Dunn (NT – Wheelchair)
Spirit of the Open
Bailey Menzies (TAS – Inclusion)
State and territory best and fairest winners for Toyota AFL Open – Wheelchair
Michael Dobbie-Bridges (QLD)
Bradley Burns (NSW/ACT)
James Chapman (NT)
Tim O’Connor (RSL Active)
Trevor Jarrett (SA)
Josh Christian (TAS)
Ben Noble (VIC Country)
Sebastian Welsh (VIC Metro)
Robert Peterson (WA)
State and territory best and fairest winners for Toyota AFL Open – Inclusion
Grayden Poulsen (QLD)
Jackson Loy (NSW/ACT)
Hayden Hill (TAS)
Aaron Nielson (NT)
Anthony Kalimeris (WA)
Harry Philp (SA)
Jarrod Redcliffe (VIC Country)
Kaleb Watson (VIC Metro)
Toyota AFL Open – Wheelchair All Australian Team
Bradley Burns (NSW/ACT)
Ben Green (WA)
Michael Dobbie-Bridges (QLD)
Mellissa Dunn (NT)
Ben Noble (VIC Country)
Martyn Ford (TAS)
Sam Maraldo (RSL Active)
James Weinert (VIC Metro)
Jess Cronje (NSW/ACT)
Trevor Jarrett (SA)
Josh Christian – Coach (TAS)
Toyota AFL Open – Inclusion All Australian Team
Lyndsy Ashworth (WA)
Kaleb Watson (VIC Metro)
Jarrod Redcliffe (VIC Country)
Craig Blaschke (TAS)
Harry Philp (SA)
Brad Lawrence (QLD)
Jackson Loy (NSW/ACT)
Brandon Redpath (NT)
Troy Gibbs (VIC Metro)
Jesse Goodman (SA)
George Maillis (NT)
Alex Moshovis (WA)
Mitchell Hardman (VIC Country)
Brayden Cowell (TAS)
John Lawrence (QLD)
Damon Rowett (NSW/ACT)
Tom Medhat – Coach (WA)
For all the results from across the five day of the inaugural Toyota AFL Open or to find out how you can get involved head to play.afl