Morningside Panthers Archives

Morningside Pioneers New Wheelchair AFL League in Queensland

In a move that underscores the boundless spirit of sport, Paralympian Michael Dobbie-Bridges has switched his tennis racket for a football, spearheading the launch of Queensland’s first wheelchair AFL league, the Morningside Panthers.

This transition marks a new chapter for the accomplished athlete, who represented Australia in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and six World Cups in wheelchair tennis.

Despite reaching world rankings of 29 in singles and 27 in doubles, Dobbie-Bridges’ passion for football has led him to captain and coach the Morningside Panthers, a local team. The wheelchair AFL league is based in Brisbane’s southside. He notes that while the sports differ, the wheelchair movement skills are transferrable, making the switch smoother than expected.

Dobbie-Bridges, a Victorian native and ardent football enthusiast, was inspired to introduce wheelchair AFL to Queensland after moving there over seven years ago. Witnessing the thriving wheelchair AFL scene in his home state, he contacted the football league about bringing the sport to the Sunshine State.

Trisha Squires, the head of AFL Queensland, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity in sports, stating that adding a wheelchair division was a natural progression. Initial “come-and-try” events piqued significant interest, leading to the league’s establishment in 2023 with four foundation clubs across south-east Queensland.

Since its expansion, the wheelchair division has allowed players to participate in a format similar to the AFL, where two teams of five play on a netball court under the game’s rules. The game’s rules are similar to AFL, but it’s played on a netball court with two teams of five.

Dobbie-Bridges expressed pride in the “phenomenal” growth of wheelchair AFL in Queensland, highlighting the sense of community it has fostered. Paul Mazoletti, the chairman of the Morningside club, echoed this sentiment, stating that welcoming a wheelchair division was a “no-brainer.”

Dobbie-Bridges envisions a future where wheelchair AFL boasts a full-fledged 18-team national competition, mirroring the AFL and AFLW leagues. While acknowledging that this goal is still in progress, he remains optimistic about the sport’s trajectory.

Published Date 26-September-2024

Morningside Panthers to Join QAFLW in 2025

AFL Queensland has announced that the Morningside Panthers will join the Bond University QAFLW in 2025 alongside Moreton Bay, expanding the competition to ten teams and reinforcing their commitment to growing women’s football in Southeast Queensland.

Read: Panthers vs Sharks: Morningside Face Redland-Victoria Point in Season Decider

Morningside Panthers elite performance and pathways

The Panthers entry into the QAFLW follows their impressive recent form, including a grand final appearance in 2023 and a reserves premiership in QFAW Division 1. These achievements are complemented by the pathways the club has established to support women’s football in the region.

Morningside AFC Seniors Vice President – Women Janet Martin views the move to QAFLW as “a natural and very exciting next step in the journey for female football at the Morningside Panthers.”

The Panthers now offer a complete pathway for female footballers, from under 8s through to senior women. With the launch of their female football excellence program, the club is bolstering development opportunities for athletes.

“Since 2018, Morningside has progressed from just one senior women’s team in the QFAW Division 2 competition to the largest female participation club in Queensland.”

Opportunities and challenges ahead

Competing in the QAFLW will expose the Panthers to tougher opponents, requiring them to elevate their training and performance standards. However, it also presents invaluable exposure and a closer opportunity for their top players to progress to the AFLW.

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As they gear up for the 2025 season, fans can expect thrilling performances from a team eager to prove themselves at the highest level of women’s football in Queensland.

Published 13-September-2024

Panthers vs Magpies: Morningside Dominates Reunion Round

The Morningside Panthers enjoyed a hugely successful day out against the Sherwood Magpies in the Downtown Toyota Premiership Reunion Round. In the marquee QAFL senior match, Morningside defeated Sherwood convincingly by 107 points. Panthers vs Magpies finished 24.12 (156) to 7.7 (49) at the Jack Esplen Oval.

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Across the other grades, Morningside won 4 out of the 5 matches against the Magpies. The only loss came in the QFAW Division 1 Seniors contest where Sherwood edged out Morningside.

Panthers vs Magpies in QAFL

In the QAFL Seniors competition, Cockatoo and Downie led the way with five goals each, with Dadds also contributing four. Other goal kickers for the Panthers included Egan (2), Waters (2), Castle, Hodge, Horne, Lloyd, Lohmann, and Pinchen.

For the Magpies, Austin, Fletcher, and Hude kicked two goals each with a single to Gillett.

The big win sees Morningside’s senior QAFL team maintain their undefeated record after 9 rounds. They sit atop their respective tables with an impressive percentage of 181.48%.

Read: Murarrie-based Axiom Holographics Wins Gold at Prestigious Edison Awards

Morningside fans will have to wait until July 13th for the club’s next home QAFL match. However, the QFAW Division 1 team will play at home against Coorparoo on June 15, Saturday.

Published 07-June-2024

Morningside Panthers’ Resilience Shines Through Despite Narrow Defeat

Photo Credit: CC HappyWaldo, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Morningside Panthers Football Club is emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the QAFL Colts competition, as their rising stars shine brightly amidst their determined efforts on the field.

In an action-packed clash during round 8 of the QAFL colts competition, the Morningside Panthers displayed their resilience and determination, even in the face of a narrow defeat. Led by standout performers Bryce Longland, Tom Southon, and Tanner Griffiths, the Panthers are making their mark and leaving opponents in awe with their unwavering spirit and commitment to success.

The Cats found themselves trailing as they entered the final term against the stubborn Morningside Panthers Football Club. However, with an impressive display of resilience and skill, the Cats rallied and finished the game victorious.

Bryce Longland and Jack Jovanovic played crucial roles, contributing three goals each to lead their respective team. Broadbeach coach Lewis Chiodo praised his players for their team effort and their fearless performance, especially with the inclusion of numerous new faces.

Panthers coach Ross Anderson, recognised his players’ outstanding individual efforts despite their setback. As he continuously engaged in forward line competition, Bryce Longland’s skill was clear. Tom Southon shown his versatility by making a huge impact at the back and midfield. Tanner Griffiths dazzled with his defensive prowess on the backline, and Joey Wilson and Harry Taylor put out constant effort and fierce competition throughout the game.

Meanwhile, in another exciting showdown, the Labrador Tigers secured their first win of the season against Noosa, following the exceptional contributions of 15-year-olds Mick Marimowa, Zody Bradshaw, and Jayden De Simone. Other stand-outs were the midfield dominance of Cody Davis and the impactful performances of Mason Field, Jack Turner, and Zach De Simone in defence.

And then there’s Palm Beach Currumbin who dominated early in their match against Surfers Paradise, showcasing the talents of 17-year-olds Ryan Davis, Thomas Grimster, and Beau Lester-Sutherland.

Jack Frewster of Wilston Grange proved instrumental with three goals in their thrilling victory against the Roos. Despite missing eight regular players, Wilston Grange coach Darren Fazldeen commended the team for their outstanding collective effort. He expressed immense pride in their performance, acknowledging the challenging nature of playing against the formidable Maroochydore team.

The Sharks and Hornets engaged in a thrilling battle, culminating in a one-point victory for the Redland-Victoria Point Sharks, thanks to standout performances from Sam Catlow-Elliott, Harrison Sala, and Raph Geesu.

Lastly, Sherwood staged an impressive comeback against Mt Gravatt, highlighted by a dominant third quarter, where Zack Bidgood’s three goals played a vital role.

Round 8 of the QAFL Colts competition showcased exhilarating matches and emerging talents, underscoring the bright future of Australian football. As the season progresses, anticipation builds for more thrilling clashes, where these teams will continue to demonstrate their skills, determination, and passion for the game.

View QAFL Colts Ladder here.

Published 23-May-2023