Australian rules football Queensland country stars will have the opportunity to pull on the maroon jumper this July when they take on AFL Sydney-Canberra on the Gold Coast in the inaugural clash.
The representative match on Saturday July 11 will feature the best male and female players from regional Queensland senior competitions. This includes players competing in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Darling Downs. A limited number of players who now participate in South East Queensland competitions but started their Australian rules football journey in regional Queensland, will be available for selection.
The AFL Sydney-Canberra teams will be comprised of the best talent from the two senior competitions.
This will be the inaugural Queensland Country women’s team to play, while in the men’s, this is the first time the team has played since 2012.
Trisha Squires, Head of AFL Queensland and International, said the two matches will be an opportunity for regional players to showcase their skill and ability.
“Regional Queensland competitions have a large pool of talented players in both male and female competitions,” she said.
“Former AFL, AFLW, TPIL Lawyers QAFL and Bond University QAFLW players relocate for work or move back to their hometowns, so we are pleased to provide them with an opportunity to represent their community with pride.
“There is a strong talent pathway in regional Queensland with current AFL and AFLW players including Alex Davies, Jack Bowes, Lauren Bella, and Poppy Boltz all starting their Australian rules football journey there.
“We see this game as another opportunity for talented players in regional communities to showcase their skill and ability on a larger stage in South East Queensland.
“We are proud that for the first time women from regional Queensland will have the opportunity to pull on the maroon jumper.”
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said it will be a thrilling clash.
“Each year the Representative AFL season plays a crucial role in developing the future of Australian rules football in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory,” he said. “It’s where the next generation of burgeoning footy talent is formed and provides the best players across AFL Sydney and AFL Canberra with the chance to test themselves at the highest level.
“This season’s clash against Queensland Country will showcase the depth and quality of talent coming through our system and we look forward to watching their performance in July.”
Coaching appointments will be announced in the coming weeks.
About the Queensland Country Team:
The first Queensland Country team was formed in 1989, when they played against Queensland City in a friendly at Carrara in preparation for the inaugural Australian Country Football Championships in 1990.
The following year Queensland Country travelled to Shepparton to compete in the competition. The team then continued to participate in the biennial championships until 2012, when the last national competition was held.
This year's match between Queensland Country and AFL Sydney-Canberra will be the the first time the men’s team has played in more than 14 years and the introduction of a women’s team.