Morningside Panthers Archives

Queensland Prepares for Tasmania Clash with Morningside Panthers Talent

Photo Credit: Morningside Panthers/ Facebook

Two Morningside Panthers players, including a rising 18-year-old talent, have been named in the 31-woman Queensland squad preparing to hunt for a three-peat against Tasmania.

The highly anticipated clash is set for Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Latrobe. This Queensland squad is comprised of the best players from the 2025 Bond University QAFLW competition, featuring a strong mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting new prospects.

Squad Highlights

Morningside Panthers — Photo Credit: AFL Play

The team is spearheaded by reigning Emma Zielke Medallist and 2024 Queensland Captain, Steph O’Brien. She is joined by ten other players who represented Queensland last year.

Among those returning are her Southport teammates Tayla Gregory and Maddy Watt, Aspley’s Emma Pittman and Jessica Stallard, Coorparoo’s Lucy Schneider, Grace Roberts-White and Ayla Fetahagic, Bond University’s Jasmyn Davidson and Ella Calleja, and Moreton Bay’s Jessica Davy.

New faces making their debut in the squad include Shannon Nolan from the Bond University Bull Sharks, who is currently leading the competition in disposals. The selection also features two of the QAFLW’s promising young stars who have delivered dominant performances this year.

Morningside’s Rising Talents

Morningside’s Isabella Levine, an 18-year-old sensation, earned her spot after being recognised as a Bond University QAFLW Round 2 Rising Star in 2025. Her performance on the field has been consistently strong, with impressive disposal numbers, clearances, and tackles.

In one match, she recorded 29 disposals in wet conditions, and in another, she secured 22 disposals, 9 clearances, and 5 tackles, along with kicking a goal. She leads the competition in clearances and ranks second for contested possessions.

Another key Morningside Panther, Gracie Roy, has also been selected for the Queensland squad. Gracie boasts a notable football career, including being a Morningside senior Best and Fairest and a member of the 2024 QAFLW Team of the Season. She returned to Morningside for the 2025 season in the Bond University QAFLW, having previously played for the University of Queensland (UQ).

She plays alongside her sister, Laura Roy, and former UQ teammate Lucy McCormick at Morningside; the Roy sisters made history as the first sisters in over a decade to be named in the QAFLW team of the season. In a recent game, Gracie had 19 disposals in Morningside’s victory over Moreton Bay.

She has also played in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) for Nightcliff Tigers Women Premier, including finals matches, and stood out as a halfback for Morningside in a rain-soaked rivalry clash with eight contested possessions and two intercept marks.

Published Date 03-Jun-2025

Panthers Edge Kings in Rain-Soaked Rivalry Clash

In a gripping Round 5 encounter of the 2025 Bond University QAFLW, the Morningside Panthers secured a narrow, four-point victory over the Coorparoo Kings, marking a significant milestone in their inaugural season at the state league level.

Final Score:
Morningside: 3.1 (19)
Coorparoo: 2.3 (15)

Venue: Giffin Park, Coorparoo
Date: Saturday, 10 May 2025

The match, dubbed the ‘War of Wynnum Road,’ was contested under challenging wet and blustery conditions, which played a significant role in the low-scoring affair. Both teams struggled to maintain possession, resulting in a combined total of just 278 disposals—the lowest recorded in a Bond University QAFLW match to date.

Morningside’s forward Lucy Bellinger emerged as the hero, delivering two crucial set shots that ultimately decided the game’s outcome. Her first goal came from a free kick in the left pocket, navigating a 30-metre shot into the wind. The second, a remarkable 35-metre set shot from the right boundary, extended the Panthers’ lead in the third quarter.

Coorparoo’s Chelsea Chesterfield kept the Kings in contention, scoring two goals, including one early in the final quarter that narrowed the margin to five points. Despite a late surge, the Kings couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, with Jenae Govan’s challenging chip shot veering left of the goal.

Defensively, Morningside’s halfback Gracie Roy stood out with eight contested possessions and two intercept marks, effectively disrupting Coorparoo’s advances. Ruck Teresa Dixon was dominant in the air, recording 47 hit-outs—just four shy of the competition record.

The victory propels Morningside alongside Southport as the only teams to win their first five matches in the 2025 season. A win against Maroochydore in their next outing would set a new competition record. Additionally, Morningside’s Reserves team triumphed 5.3 (33) to 1.1 (7), marking a perfect ten wins across both grades to start the season.

Coorparoo, despite the loss, maintains the best defensive record in the league, having conceded only 65 points over five rounds. They will look to rebound in their upcoming match against reigning premiers Southport.

For fans who missed the live action, the full match replay is available below:

FULL MATCH | Coorparoo vs. Morningside – Round 5 QAFLW

This hard-fought victory not only cements Morningside’s strong start in the QAFLW but also adds a thrilling chapter to the burgeoning rivalry between these two clubs.

Published 14-May-2025

Morningside’s Colts Push Strong As Local Heroes Shape Early Season Dominance

Photo Credit: Morningside Panthers/Facebook

Morningside’s QAFL Colts are off to a flying start, with a string of standout performances cementing the club’s reputation as one of the strongest youth programs in Brisbane football. From midfield brilliance to sharp work in the forward and back lines, the Panthers’ young guns are setting the tone early in the 2025 season.

Midfield Leads With Grit And Chemistry

Morningside’s midfield has set the tone early in the season, driven by Xavier Veivers-Brown, Tyson Matthews and Ben Morison, all of whom played key roles in last year’s premiership win. The trio’s ability to control the ball, apply pressure and work together has made them central to the team’s strong start.

*Photo Credit: Morningside Panthers/Facebook*

Matthews, new to the Panthers this season, has quickly become a standout. He has featured in the best players list in each of his first three games, with club sources highlighting his work ethic and sharp decision-making as key strengths.

Forward Spark Returns With Confidence

Zac Joyce has returned to Morningside’s forward line with immediate impact, kicking four goals in a sharp display against Broadbeach. His presence brings structure and offers a key target for younger teammates in attack.

Coaches have noted that Joyce’s experience and composure are helping lift the group, especially in tight moments. His performance against Broadbeach was widely seen as a turning point that kept the side’s unbeaten start intact.

New Talent Shows Promise In Defence

Morningside rookie Ben Butko, fresh from Iona College and still under-17 eligible, has made a strong start in defence. Coaches point to his off-season effort, clean skills and positioning as early strengths.

Despite being new to Colts level, Butko’s transition has been smooth, showing that Morningside’s development system continues to build depth across every part of the ground.

Wings And Versatility Driving Play

Findlay Booker has been a steady contributor for Morningside, working across the wing and midfield. His clean disposals and link-up play have made him one of the team’s most consistent performers over the first three rounds.

With Morningside near the top of the Colts ladder, players like Booker are boosting team confidence. The squad’s depth and balance point to both current form and long-term potential.

Published 7-May-2025

Three Morningside Panthers Selected for Inaugural AFL Open

Michael Dobbie-Bridges, David McCormick, and Ash Holt will represent Queensland in the groundbreaking 2024 Toyota AFL Open, marking a significant milestone for the Morningside Panthers wheelchair program.

Read: Beefy’s Pies Make Triumphant Return to Cannon Hill

Morningside Panthers lead the way

The three Panthers players will don the state colours at the inaugural national event, scheduled for 21 to 26 November at South Pine Sports Complex in Brendale.

Dual All-Australian Dobbie-Bridges takes on the player-coach role for the Queensland wheelchair squad.

Holt has emerged as a defensive standout for Morningside in her rookie season, using her exceptional reading of the play and one-on-one skills to shut down opposition attacks.

In addition to their playing duties, the three Panthers representatives bring extensive experience, with McCormick also a multiple-time state representative.

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A post shared by AFL Queensland (@aflq)

All three maintain dual affiliations with AFL clubs, demonstrating strong pathways between local and elite levels of the sport. Dobbie-Bridges and McCormick are aligned with the Brisbane Lions, while Holt is partnered with the Gold Coast Suns.

About the 2024 Toyota AFL Open Tournament

The 2024 Toyota AFL Open represents a watershed moment in disability sport, combining wheelchair and intellectual disability competitions into a single premier event. More than 200 athletes from across Australia will compete in over 90 matches during the five-day tournament.

The landmark tournament combines the two national wheelchair and intellectual disability AFL competitions:

Toyota AFL Open – Inclusion. Sponsored by APM South East Queensland, the inclusion division is an annual representative competition for participants aged 16 and older with intellectual impairments.

Toyota AFL Open – Wheelchair. Sponsored by Pathways to Care, the wheelchair division features the best athletes from across the country representing their respective states and territories, including a team from the RSL.

Read: Morningside Pioneers New Wheelchair AFL League in Queensland

Panthers supporters can watch the final stages of competition live and free through the AFL Play YouTube channel and Kayo Freebies on 25 and 26 November.

Published 11-November-2024

Morningside Pioneers New Wheelchair AFL League in Queensland

Photo Credit: AFL Queensland/ Facebook

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.

AFL League — *Photo Credit: Morningside Panthers/ Facebook*

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.

Read: Brisbane’s New Farmers Market Hits Pause Button: Rivermakers to Return in 2025

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