Panthers Make QAFLW Grand Final in Debut Season
Posted in Community News
The Morningside Panthers, supported by Downtown Toyota, have made history by reaching the QAFLW Grand Final in their debut season, a milestone for women’s AFL in Queensland that has ignited enthusiasm across the club.
Club Manager David Diamond said the achievement has become “an incredible source of pride across the whole club, especially for our youth and junior girls. It shows them what’s possible and inspires the next generation coming through.”
A Historic Turning Point for Women’s AFL
What began as a modest program in 2018 has become the largest women’s AFL program in Queensland. Sunday’s Grand Final represents “the reward for years of hard work by countless volunteers, on and off the field. To now see our senior team competing in the QAFLW Grand Final is something truly special for everyone involved,” Diamond said.
Forward Gracie Roy said she is “super stoked to be playing this weekend. A word to describe this season would be unexpected. We’re going to really bring it to Southport.”
Teammate Ally Blyton said it has “been a really amazing season so far and I’m so proud of how much these girls have gelled throughout the year. We’re so pumped for Saturday. It’s going to be a challenge but we’re really looking forward to it.”
Culture, Confidence, and Community
Since its launch last year, the AFL Women’s Excellence Program has raised coaching standards, improved facilities, and united the senior and youth ranks. The initiative has “embedded a strong, united culture that connects our senior and youth programs and ensures players are supported to develop and thrive,” Diamond said.
Coach Damien Richards said he is “super proud of the girls this year and how they’re really embracing the hard work beats talent attitude.”
Team captain Courtney McDonnell said it has “definitely been an incredible year and one of the funnest that I’ve ever been a part of. This group is just so amazing, they push each other to work hard, to improve every single session. We just have so much fun together.
“We have sort of been underdogs all year, I think, and we kind of thrive with that mentality. We know this weekend is going to be tough, but we are definitely up for the challenge. We are going to push each other, have fun and give it our best shot. I’m really excited for what we can do, what we have done already this season and I’m just super proud of the girls.”
Downtown Toyota’s Impact and a Sustainable Vision
Integral to this success has been the Panthers’ 38-year partnership with Downtown Toyota, which Diamond said has been “critical in providing professional coaching, quality training, and the equipment needed to fast-track development, particularly for players who are relatively new to AFL compared with their male counterparts.”
Looking ahead, while the Grand Final at Brighton Homes Arena this Sunday remains the immediate focus, the club’s ambition is long-term. Diamond said, “Our focus has always been on long-term sustainability. We want every female footballer at our club, no matter their level, to love the game, grow their skills, be the best they can be, and enjoy the journey with their teammates.”
The QAFLW Grand Final kicks off on Sunday at 2:30 pm at Brighton Homes Arena, where the Morningside Panthers will meet Southport in their debut season finale.
