North and South Queensland squads named

North Queensland has named an initial 45-man squad to play South Queensland on Sunday June 8.

The South Queensland vs. North Queensland match is part of a revamped state representative program that will see a triple header played at Brisbane’s new $14 million Moreton Bay Regional Sports Complex – AFL Precinct. 

The South Queensland team – comprising of players from the QFA, QAFA, Darling Downs and Wide Bay leagues – will take on the best North Queensland players from Cairns, Capricornia, Mackay, Mount Isa and Townsville.

A Queensland Australian Football League (QAFL) representative squad will meet the Victorian Amateurs Football Association (VAFA), while a women’s All-Star game will see the state’s best 44 players vying for a spot in the Queensland state squad.

North Queensland Coach Barry Gibson said selectors had left no stone unturned in choosing the initial squad.

“While the demographics of our area made the selection process quite challenging in terms of getting to see all players, we have undertaken a high degree of due diligence in formulating the squad and are extremely confident it depicts the depth of talent we have in North Queensland,” said Gibson.

“All our markets are well represented and it’s great to see a lot of new faces to NQ footy getting the opportunity to be considered to represent the region.

“Our selectors and coaches will be closely monitoring those in the squad over the next few weeks and we are looking forward to picking a well-balanced and in-form team that will be capable of playing the game style that we will put in place.”

South Queensland coach, Mitch Ferguson said getting the right player mix was the priority for selectors.

“The squad has a terrific balance of youth and experience with depth across all playing positions,” said Ferguson

“We have provided the opportunity for those players that are in good form and committed to the representative program, regardless of their age or experience at this level. 

“We are also fortunate to have well-credentialed players in Grogan Medallist Danny Wise, ex-Collingwood and Brisbane Lions player Anthony Corrie, ex-state players Caleb Brown and Luke Faulkner, and up-and-coming star Ryley Buntain.”

NORTH QUEENSLAND SQUAD

Coach                         
Barry Gibson

North Queensland Ambassador        
John Durkin

SOUTH QUEENSLAND SQUAD

Coach: Mitch Ferguson

State Triple Header Match Program
Sunday June 8
Moreton Bay Regional Sports Complex – AFL Precinct

Game 1
11:30am  South Queensland vs. North Queensland

Game 2
2:00pm  QAFL v VAFA

Game 3
4:45pm Women’s All-Star match