AFL Queensland wish to congratulate the following people on receiving nominations ahead of the 2025 Queensland Sport Awards:
Griffith University 2025 Queensland Athlete of the Year
Matt Rowell – Gold Coast SUNS
In September the Gold Coast SUNS’ Matt Rowell claimed the highest individual honour in the Australian Football League, winning the 2025 Brownlow Medal as the league’s Best and Fairest player.
Matt became only the second player in the SUNS history to win a Brownlow, after Gary Ablett Jr claimed their inaugural medal in 2013.
He became the first player in Brownlow Medal history to poll three votes in each of his first four games, going on to secure eight best-on-grounds and polling in 16 games for a total of 39 votes.
Only weeks earlier, Matt had received his first All Australian blazer at the AFL Awards, named on the interchange in a career-best season playing in the SUNS midfield.
Over the course of the regular season, Matt averaged 25.9 disposals, 8.5 clearances, and sat among the league’s elite in contested possessions and tackles per game.
His consistent performances also led to Matt winning his first Gold Coast SUNS Club Champion award along with the David Swallow Award as the player's player.
In July Matt also won his maiden Marcus Ashcroft Medal as the Best on Ground in a QClash.
These remarkable individual achievements followed a defining season for the Gold Coast SUNS who reached their first Toyota AFL Finals Series since the club entered the AFL in 2011.
Harris Andrews – Brisbane Lions
In 2025 Harris Andrews became a back-to-back Premiership Co-Captain, received his third All Australian blazer and was recognised with the prestigious 2025 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award on Brownlow Medal Night.
On the last Saturday in September, Harris led his Brisbane Lions team in a third-straight Toyota AFL Grand Final and claimed their second premiership in a row.
Not only was Harris instrumental as a leader, he produced a brilliant individual performance, claiming six votes for the Norm Smith Medal, for the player adjudged the Best on Ground in an AFL Grand Final. Only coming second to Will Ashcroft who had 13 votes.
Earlier in the season, Harris was awarded his third All Australian blazer, after receiving two previously in 2019 and 2020, named at half back.
Throughout the regular 2025 season, Harris averaged 13.5 disposals per game, 81.1 per cent disposal efficiency, 7.7 marks, 3 intercept marks, 7.3 spoils and 2.5 rebound 50s, making him one of leading defenders in the competition.
On Brownlow Medal Night Harris was honoured with the 2025 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for his community work to help create safer and more respectful communities. Since 2018, Harris has been an ambassador for Beyond DV, engaging directly with vulnerable young people and volunteering to support people impacted by domestic and family violence.
Harris has always understood the power and influence his role as a professional AFL player can have on boys and young men and strives to lead by example and treat everyone with respect.
Will Ashcroft - Brisbane Lions
In 2025 not only did Will Ashcroft become a dual premiership player, he became a dual Norm Smith medallist, the highest individual honour for a player in a Toyota AFL Grand Final. He is the youngest player in AFL history to achieve this feat. Only five players in the history of the game have won multiple Norm Smith medals, and he became one of three players to win it two years in a row.
In QClash28 in May this year, Will was awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal, named after his father, as the best player on ground in a QClash.
In 2025 he received his second 22under22 selection and was awarded the AFL Coaches’ Association’s 2025 Gary Ayres Award as the best player across the finals series.
Rising star Liam Blandthorn is fast establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in Aussie Rules. In 2025 Liam was named in the open men's Queensland team after an outstanding season in the AFL SEQ Inclusion League competition for Redcliffe.
Channel 9 Australia 2025 Queensland Junior Para-Athlete of the Year
Liam Blandthorn - Redcliffe Tigers
Liam's impact in the AMP South East Queensland Inclusion League was undeniable. He delivered a best-on-ground performance in the Bronze Medal final, proving his ability to rise to the big moments. His consistent excellence across the season has been recognised as the joint best and fairest player in the SEQ Inclusion League - men's competition.
Liam is not just a junior player to watch; he is already making his mark as a role model and competitor of the highest calibre. He recently went to the AFL Open in Melbourne and proudly represented his state, playing for Queensland.
2025 Queensland Sport Team of the Year
Brisbane Lions
For the second year in a row, the Brisbane Lions claimed the AFL Premiership defeating the Geelong Cats in the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final. This was the third consecutive Grand Final the Lions played and once they claimed victory, they were also the first team to win five flags in the 2000s.
The Lions were well represented in the All-Australian team with Hugh McCluggage, Harris Andrews and Zac Bailey making the team. Dayne Zorko and Josh Dunkley were recognised in the initial squad of 44 players.
It was a stellar end to the Lion’s 2025 season, especially because they turned the tables on the Cats after being defeated by them only weeks earlier in the qualifying final.
It truly was a season to remember for the Brisbane Lions.
2025 Queensland Junior Sport Team of the Year
Queensland Under 18 Girls
The Queensland Under 18 Girls' performance at the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships put the country on notice that Queensland girls are a powerhouse in the AFL.
The team won three of a possible four games, defeating the traditional AFL states in South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria Country in close matches. Their only loss was to the Allies and as a result they just missed out on claiming the overall title due to percentage.
Their efforts at this competition were recognised with five players and their coach Emma Zielke being named in the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships - U18 Girls All Australian Team. Georja Davies and Rhianna Ingram were named in the defensive line, Mikayla Nurse and Sunny Lappin in the midfield and Alannah Welsh in the forward line.
This is the best performance ever by a Queensland U18 Girls team with up to ten girls now looking to be drafted in the upcoming NAB AFLW draft in December.
2025 Queensland Sport Coach of the Year
Chris Fagan
For the second year in a row, Chris Fagan led the Brisbane Lions to their second consecutive Toyota AFL Premiership. This was the third consecutive Grand Final the Lions played and once they claimed victory, they were also the first team to win five flags in the 2000s.
The Lions showcased the determination and skill all year that has become a signature of Fagan’s coaching career.
Fagan was also recognised this year with a third 2025 Monjon Allan Jeans Senior Coach of the Year Award, as voted by his AFL coaching peers. He was also recognised with the AFL Coaches Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
At 63, Fagan became the oldest AFL premiership coach, as well as the first to not have played at AFL level.
2025 Queensland Sport Coach of the Year
Damian Hardwick
This year, Damian Hardwick led the Gold Coast SUNS to their very best season since entering the league in 2011.
In 2025, the SUNS played in their first finals campaign in their 15-year history.
Across they 2025 season, the SUNS won 15 games and achieved a ladder high of second place after Round 5.
Hardwick’s star midfielder Matt Rowell won the SUNS’ second Brownlow Medal as the league’s best and fairest player and he had two players, Rowell and Noah Anderson, earn All Australian blazers.
Damien is highly respected by all at the SUNS and strives for excellence at the club both on and off the field.
2025 Queensland Sport Administrator of the Year
Danny Daly
Danny Daly has had a long and distinguished career in Australian rules football, having performed virtually every role within the sport. After six years with the Brisbane Lions coaching team, four of which he served as Chris Fagan’s Head of Strategy, Danny was appointed General Manager of Football in 2020.
In this role, he oversees both the AFL and AFLW programs and has been instrumental in all aspects of the club’s operations to help build a strong club culture and success on field.
During his tenure as General Manager, the club has experienced signifcant success including the Lions AFLW team participating in four NAB AFLW Grand Finals, winning two. While the AFL team have played in the last three Toyota AFL Grand Finals and have won back-to-back premierships in 2024 and 2025.
2025 Queensland Sport Event of the Year
2024 AFL Pacific Cup
The AFL’s 2024 Pacific Cup held on the Sunshine Coast in November was 10 days of vibrant colour, rich culture and thrilling competition, showcasing some of the best international Australian rules football.
More than 500 participants, including players, coaches and umpires from six Pacific nations: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Tonga, New Zealand and South Africa played in the first Pacific Cup in seven years.
The tournament also included a Pasifika Day celebration which showcased and celebrated the Pasifika community by people engaging in dancing, singing and enjoying food.
Not only is the tournament a wonderful display of talent and shared love of Australian rules football, it is a vehicle for sports diplomacy.
Australian rules football continues to grow in the region, with more than 100,000 people from the Pacific participating in organised programs within their own countries.
The AFL Pacific Cup was supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Major Event Program. 
2025 Queensland Sport Volunteer of the Year
Cara Baulch
