QAFLW Archives - Morningside News

Morningside Panthers Reach QAFLW Grand Final In Debut Season

Morningside secured a place in the 2025 QAFLW grand final after defeating Coorparoo in a preliminary final at Jack Esplen Oval.

Background And Context

Women’s football at Morningside first appeared in 2003 when the Morningside Wildcats entered competition and won the premiership in their debut season. The Wildcats went on to claim further premierships in 2005 and 2011 before disbanding.

In 2018 the program was reformed under the Morningside Panthers banner, winning the QFAW Division 2 premiership in their return year. Progress through the divisions followed, with finals appearances across Seniors and Reserves teams and premiership success in Reserves in 2022 and 2023. In 2024 the club was granted a licence to enter the QAFLW, leading to their debut at the highest level in 2025.

2025 Season Performance

Morningside’s inaugural QAFLW campaign began strongly, with wins in their opening nine matches including a 130-point victory over Yeronga South Brisbane in Round 7. Across the season, they recorded several dominant results, including a 123-point win over Maroochydore in Round 12 and a 100-point margin over Moreton Bay in Round 13.

Losses came late in the home-and-away rounds, including against Aspley in Round 10 and Southport in Round 16. Despite this, the Panthers finished high enough on the ladder to qualify for finals.

Preliminary Final In Morningside

On Saturday, 30 August 2025, Morningside hosted Coorparoo in the preliminary final at Jack Esplen Oval. The Panthers secured a 5.3 (33) to 1.5 (11) win, advancing to the grand final in their first QAFLW season.

Key performers included Laura Roy with 30 disposals, a goal and strong midfield impact, supported by Gracie Roy, Isabella Levine and Greta Liell-Cock. Young talents such as Annabel Peacock, who sealed the match with a late goal, Harlee McIlwain and Zoe Petrides also contributed.

Coorparoo’s best included Ayla Fetahagic with 19 disposals and eight tackles, and ruck Renee Teys with 23 hitouts and 12 tackles.

Grand Final Result

Morningside faced Southport in the 2025 QAFLW grand final on Sunday, 7 September at Brighton Homes Arena. Southport won the decider with a score of 15.9 (99) to 3.2 (20), with Morningside finishing runners-up in their debut season at state league level.

Outlook

Morningside’s debut QAFLW season marked a significant milestone for the club, advancing from past successes in community competitions to reaching the grand final in the state’s top women’s league. Their progression reflects the strength of their female pathway program and sets a foundation for future seasons.

Published 15-Sep-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 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