The Queensland State Men’s team are out reverse heartbreaking losses over the last two years as they head into their clash with Tasmania on Saturday afternoon.
In 2023 the Maroons went down narrowly by seven points at North Hobart Oval while last year on the Gold Coast, the home team never recovered after a goalless first quarter, eventually losing by 46 points. Eight players are returning from that team and are aiming to turn those fortunes around.
This year the 23-man side selected is stacked with AFL experienced players as well as bright, young stars of the TPIL Lawyers QAFL competition.
Former AFL players including Clay Cameron (Gold Coast SUNS), Kyle Dunkley (Melbourne), Jarrod Cameron (West Coast Eagles), Matt Hammelmann (Brisbane Lions) and Cam Ellis-Yolmen (Brisbane Lions and Adelaide Crows) will pull on the maroon jumper.
Former Southport Sharks coach Stephen Daniel stated after the team’s selection he was excited to lead the Queensland team for the first time in more than a decade.
“2025 brings an exciting new challenge against Tasmania who over the last two years have been too good for us, so with that comes optimism and excitement to try and turn the tables.” Daniel said.
“We have been able to establish a very combative team that is ready to put their best foot forward to contribute and help guide Queensland to victory.”
Tasmania named their side on Thursday afternoon and their coach Jeromey Webberley has already lit a spark for the contest reportedly saying, “We can’t wait to put on a ruthless Tasmanian performance in front of our North West football community.”
Both the men’s and women’s match at the Latrobe Recreation Ground (near Launceston) has already been gathering hype with Tasmania’s preparation towards having its own AFL side in the coming years and the recent speculation regarding the new stadium.
The men’s match against Tasmania will start at 2:15pm, following the women’s 12pm match with both games livestreamed on AFL Queensland’s YouTube channel.
A reminder that due to Cyclone Alfred at the start of the season there will be one TPIL Lawyers QAFL match played on Saturday with LABRADOR(9th) hosting BROADBEACH(10th) in a blockbuster at Cooke-Murphy Oval at 2pm.