By Hannah Davies
After two tough seasons, the Yeronga Devils come into season 2024 of the Bond University QAFLW with an excited optimism best known to a former multi-championship-winning side.
The competition’s most successful current club went winless in 2024, but were by no means incapable of more. In fact, several of their losses occurred after being even, or ahead, in the early stages of the game.
Returning to Yeronga South Brisbane to help the side put out a full four-quarter effort is Stuart Mackay.
After being part of their 2020 premiership as assistant coach, and head coach in 2021, Mackay was drawn to return to the Devils as head coach to finish “unfinished business”.
“The relationships that I had developed with the existing Yeronga players for many years, and also my own personal motivation of providing a genuine player pathway for emerging female talent in the south western side of Brisbane, was why I came back,” Mackay said.
“I spoke with many of the 2023 players while spectating the QAFLW last year at Brighton Homes Arena and I couldn’t shake the feeling of unfinished business at Yeronga. The club’s motto, ‘always a devil’, rings true.”
The club has had over 25 players and four coaches join the club over the offseason. Elizabeth Hill is a premiership player with Ainslie Tricolours in the AFL Canberra First Grade Women, while Alana Lowery joins from the Tanunda Senior Women in South Australia’s Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association.
“We have had a huge surge of under-20 aged footballers this year, many of whom have grown up playing footy, and with our more experienced heads it’s a great combination and extremely exciting, not only for Yeronga South Brisbane this year but for the years to come,” Mackay said.
Retention has also been strong for the Devils, with only three of their regular group – Ebony Milne, Madi Twin, and Laura Wagner – leaving to pursue other opportunities or step away from the game. Lucy Bellinger, Camilla Burnett, Madi Goodwin, Jamie Howell, Jess Matthews, Courtney McDonnell, Chelsea Winn, and Peppa Poultney all return for another season, with Bellinger and Burnett to co-captain the club.
“It’s the entire list of players that I’m most excited about,” Mackay said. “They are really motivated, dedicated footballers that have already and will continue to make an impact around the club and on game day. It’s a privilege that I have the opportunity to be part of their football journey.”
Ultimately, a feeling of belief is what Mackay is instilling in his players ahead of what could be another challenging season; belief in their own decisions and knowing exactly where they can contribute.
“I’m confident that as a group we’ve provided the environment and training scenarios for the group to take ownership of their on-field decisions, and they’ve been highly dedicated to the program. The squad’s unity and understanding of how each individual benefits the team, and how they all can make an impact, has been great to watch throughout the preseason. We’re going to be spoilt for choice with regards to potential positions many of the players could line up in.”
Key recruits
Elizabeth Hill – 2023 Premiership player with Ainslie Tricolours in Canberra
Alana Lowery – Played with Tanunda in South Australia’s Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association
Key outs
Emily Bleney – Coorparoo
Madison Twin – year off
Ebony Milne – Southport
Laura Wagner – retired
Player to watch
Charlotte Millen – Millen has been dedicated in the preseason and will be pushing for midfield minutes this season. Millen has been encouraging her teammates, setting high standards and upholding the squad’s values on and off the field.
Expectations
“We’re going into the season knowing we are a competitive squad that will respect our opposition. With a team-first mentality, as a squad we’re going to continue to always improve,” Mackay said.
Prediction
Yeronga will come into 2024 with the desire to prove others wrong. They may have gone through last season winless, but knowing their history as a club and as a team should give spectators enough reasons to count this team in for the coming season. With strong leadership and a familiar head coach, expect a steady build from the Devils and, if nothing else, fight.
