Aspley Hornets Archives

Major Road Upgrade and Community Funding Boost for Aspley in 2025-26 Budget

Aspley residents will benefit from significant infrastructure and community investments following the 2025–26 Budget announcement, with nearly $2 million allocated for local sporting facilities and a major upgrade planned for one of the area’s busiest intersections.

Read: Zillmere Included in Plan to Expand Brisbane’s Housing Supply

The Aspley Hornets Football Club will receive $1.8 million under the Games On! program to upgrade its clubhouse facilities. The funding forms part of a broader commitment to grassroots sport across Queensland, with all Games On! commitments fully funded in the Budget.

Games On! for the Hornets

Photo credit: Facebook/Aspley Hornets Football Club

The $1.8 million investment will support clubhouse improvements at the Aspley Hornets Football Club. Member for Everton Tim Mander confirmed all Games On! commitments for the electorate are fully funded in the Budget, including support for the Aspley Hornets.

The Games On! program represents a $250 million investment in community sporting facilities across Queensland.

Supporting young people in Aspley

In addition to the sporting infrastructure investment, Aspley State High School will receive $27,000 to fund mentoring programs for students. The funding comes under the Supporting Our Local Communities initiative.

The $27,000 will support mentoring activities for students at the school.

Major intersection upgrade on the way

The 2025–26 Budget also delivers an upgrade for the Gympie Road and Beams Road intersection in Carseldine.

The intersection currently carries more than 80,000 vehicles daily. The upgrade aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Part of a bigger picture

These Aspley-focused investments form part of broader Budget commitments across Brisbane’s northern suburbs. The Budget includes $52 million for the Boondall police facility upgrade, $7 million for Ferny Grove police station improvements, and various school and community facility upgrades across the region.

The Hospital Rescue Plan will also benefit northern suburbs residents, with major expansions planned at Prince Charles Hospital including at least 93 new beds, a new emergency department, paediatrics and operating theatre.

Read: Bald Hills School Puts People First in New Junior School Blessing

For local residents, the Budget delivers tangible improvements to everyday life. The Hornets clubhouse upgrade will enhance local sporting facilities. The mentoring program investment supports young people at a crucial stage of their development. And the intersection upgrade addresses congestion affecting thousands of daily commuters.

As implementation plans are developed and construction timelines confirmed, Aspley residents can expect to see these Budget commitments take shape over the coming months and years, contributing to a stronger, more connected community.

Published 28-January-2026

Three Hornets in Maroon: Aspley Players Key to QLD’s Showdown with Tassie

Aspley footy fans have reason to cheer, with three local talents named in Queensland’s final men’s squad to face Tasmania in this weekend’s state clash at Latrobe.

Ryan Banks‑Smith, Jordon Arnold, and Coen Harker will all don the maroon jumper, representing not only the State but also the strength of the Hornets’ QAFL program.

Hornets in QAFL line-up vs TAS — Photo Credit: Supplied

Queensland coach Steve Daniel has confirmed the 23-man team that will take the field at 2:15 pm on Saturday 5 July, following the women’s match at 12 pm. Both games will be livestreamed on AFL Queensland’s YouTube channel.

This is Daniel’s first time back at the helm of the Queensland side in over a decade, and he’s determined to shift momentum after back-to-back losses to Tasmania.

“2025 brings an exciting new challenge against Tasmania who over the last two years have been too good for us,” Daniel said. “So with that comes optimism and excitement to try and turn the tables. We have been able to establish a very combative team that is ready to put their best foot forward to contribute and help guide Queensland to victory.”

Aspley’s representation in the final team is a point of pride for the northside club. Banks‑Smith, a Grogan Medal winner in 2022 and one of QAFL’s most reliable midfielders, returns to the state line-up after a strong 2024 season. Stackelberg, known for his goal-kicking prowess, adds serious firepower up front. Harker brings further depth to the forward line with his agility and attack.

Their inclusion underscores Aspley’s continuing influence in Queensland football. The Hornets were crowned back-to-back QAFL premiers in 2022 and 2023 and have consistently developed players who transition into state and higher-level roles.

The Queensland line-up also features high-profile AFL alumni: Clay Cameron (ex-Gold Coast SUNS), Kyle Dunkley (Melbourne), Jarrod Cameron (West Coast Eagles), Matt Hammelmann (Brisbane Lions), and Cam Ellis-Yolmen (Brisbane and Adelaide). Their experience is expected to steady the side and guide the younger talents through the high-stakes encounter.

Eight players from last year’s squad return for redemption after a tough loss to Tasmania on the Gold Coast in 2024.

The match is more than just a game; it’s a chance for Queensland to reassert its strength and showcase the best of local talent—including a strong Aspley core that continues to rise.

Match Info:
📍 Latrobe Recreation Ground, Tasmania
🕑 Saturday 5 July – Men’s match: 2:15 pm (Women’s match: 12 pm)
📺 Watch live on AFL Queensland’s YouTube channel

Published-July-2025

Six Aspley Hornets Players Named in 2025 Queensland Women’s Squad

Photo Credit: Aspley Hornets FC/Facebook

Aspley has stamped its mark on state footy, with six of its women’s players selected to represent Queensland in the upcoming match against Tasmania in Latrobe. The Hornets are one of the most heavily represented clubs in the 31-woman state squad, a strong showing that highlights the club’s rising presence in the QAFLW competition.

Aspley Strength Shines Through Selection

Queensland will face Tasmania on Saturday, 5 July, 2025, aiming for a third consecutive win in the annual state clash. The squad features standout performers from the 2025 Bond University QAFLW season, including both experienced and emerging players.

*Photo Credit: Aspley Hornets FC/Facebook*

Aspley’s Emma Pittman and Jessica Stallard return after representing Queensland last year, with Stallard having led the league in goals in 2024. They are joined by Holly O’Flaherty, Jasmine Kawa, Katie Day and Lucy Pengelly, whose strong seasons have earned them selection. The Hornets’ six-player contribution highlights the club’s growing reputation for developing high-level talent.

Building Through Local Clubs

Aspley’s strong presence in the Queensland squad highlights the vital role local clubs play in developing top-level talent. The Hornets’ focus on both performance and player growth is reflected in the mix of returning and first-time state selections.

Kawa and Day have been key in defence and midfield, while O’Flaherty’s impact around the contest stood out to selectors. Emerging talent Lucy Pengelly has impressed with her energy and sharp decision-making.

Community Pride and Support

The Aspley community is celebrating as six Hornets earn state-level honours, bringing pride to supporters and families alike. The club shared the news on social media, congratulating the players and urging fans to show support ahead of the July 5 match.

Queensland’s state clash offers more than individual recognition, it’s a chance for local communities to back their own. For Aspley, the selections reflect the effort and commitment happening behind the scenes.

Focus Turns to July

Training has begun for the Queensland squad, with six Aspley players preparing to face Tasmania. Their inclusion boosts Queensland’s depth as the team aims for a third straight win in the annual match.

The lead-up to 5 July is drawing close attention from Aspley’s players, coaches and supporters. Regardless of the result, the club has already made a strong impression beyond its home ground.

Published 3-June-2025

Player Spotlight: Aspley’s Rising Stars Shine in 2025 QAFL Colts

The 2025 QAFL Colts season is heating up, and the Aspley Hornets are quickly emerging as one of the best teams to watch. After a strong campaign last year, the Hornets have returned with renewed energy and an impressive blend of new talent and experienced heads.

Read: Hornets vs Sharks: Aspley Face Redland-Victoria Point with Historic Three-Peat on the Horizon

Their recent victory over Noosa, which was known for early upsets this season, was a clear signal that Aspley is serious about contending this year. A large part of Aspley’s early success has come from a well-rounded and dynamic playing group, with several individuals stepping up to shape the Hornets’ identity in the opening rounds:

Zody Bradshaw

He has been a standout across both midfield and forward roles. He consistently wins one-on-one contests and impacts the game in both attack and defence. His athleticism, including a strong vertical leap, allows him to play multiple roles, and his development mindset is evident in his consistent performances.

Tom Levi

A versatile utility, Levi has solidified his spot in the midfield thanks to improved fitness and game awareness. He brings pace and control to Aspley’s engine room and is equally effective drifting forward. His ball use on both sides and his adaptability give the Hornets an edge during high-pressure moments.

Blake Keating

He is anchoring Aspley’s backline with intelligence and timing. His ability to read the play and intercept consistently frustrates opposition attacks, while his clean foot skills help launch counterattacks. He provides a calm presence that gives structure to the defensive unit.

Marshall Harrop

Operating mainly in defence with the ability to roll up to the wing, Marshall Harrop has become one of the team’s key on-field organisers. He wins his contests and shows a high level of understanding of team structures, allowing him to guide teammates and maintain shape under pressure.

Brock O’Sullivan

He is in his first year within the Colts system and is still building confidence, but his natural forward instincts are evident. He creates strong leads and works hard to keep the ball locked inside the forward half. While he’s still developing his marking consistency, his effort and defensive pressure are already valuable assets.

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Emerging Contributors Step Up

In the Noosa match, Milo Presland drove momentum from midfield, showing strong leadership and excellent execution. Pat Dalton contributed significantly on the wing with his two-way running and ball use. At the back, Zac Brown and Tyler Fabian were instrumental.

The Hornets’ early form reflects a squad that’s not only talented but focused on growth and improvement. With a deep midfield, a reliable defence, and a forward line full of promise, Aspley is shaping up as a genuine threat in the 2025 QAFL Colts season. If their trajectory continues, they could be one of the teams to beat come finals time.

Published 9-May-2025

Hornets vs Sharks: Aspley Face Redland-Victoria Point with Historic Three-Peat on the Horizon

The Aspley Hornets are two wins away from a historic three-peat as they prepare for a high-stakes preliminary final against the Redland-Victoria Point Sharks this Saturday at the Zupps Aspley Oval.

Read: Brisbane Metro Expansion: New Stations Planned for Carseldine and Beyond

A season of dominance

Despite a recent setback in the qualifying final against Morningside, the Hornets enter this match as the top-ranked team from the regular season. Their impressive record has positioned them 12 points clear of the third-placed Sharks on the home-and-away ladder.

The club’s dominant performances extend to their youth program. Three Aspley youth teams have recently clinched premiership trophies—a testament to the club’s strength across all levels.

Now, the Hornets faithful eagerly await the senior team’s chance to bring home the most cherished prize of all.

Hornets vs Sharks

The Sharks have had a strong season, finishing third with a solid performance in their games leading up to the preliminary final. Their resilience and tactical gameplay make them a formidable opponent, adding an extra layer of challenge for the Hornets.

The Hornets have reason to be confident heading into this crucial match. They boast a perfect 2-0 record against the Sharks this season, demonstrating their ability to outperform their upcoming opponents.

On 13 April, Aspley secured a hard-fought 15.4 (94) to 12.16 (88) victory at home. A month later on 18 May, the Hornets dominated the Sharks with a 13.11 (89) to 9.15 (69) win away at Totally Workwear Park.

More notably, the Hornets defeated the Sharks in last year’s grand final to secure their second consecutive premiership trophy. Now, as they aim for another, they must face their familiar rivals once again on the path to glory.

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A victory in this preliminary final will book an Aspley-Morningside rematch in the grand final—an opportunity for Aspley to not only avenge their recent loss but also to pursue their third consecutive premiership title, setting a new standard in the league’s recent history.

Published 04-September-2024

Aspley Hornets Buzzing with Optimism Ahead of 2024 QAFLW Season

The Aspley Hornets are riding a wave of momentum as they prepare for the 2024 QAFLW season. The club’s remarkable transformation from winless in 2020 to grand finalists in 2023 has left the entire Aspley community buzzing with excitement and optimism.

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Raising the bar

Head coach Luke Glacken is not resting on the laurels of the team’s impressive 2023 campaign. “We’re not happy with just making it to the grand final,” Glacken states firmly. “It was a great achievement to look back on, but it’s definitely not where the story stops.”

The preseason has been intense, with Glacken and his staff setting higher standards for the playing group. The 65-strong squad, all hungry to make their mark on the competition, embraced the pressure to perform.

Squad revamp ahead of the 2024 QAFLW Season

While the Hornets have lost key players during the offseason, they have bolstered their ranks with an influx of 24 new faces.

Headlining the recruits is QFAW Div 1 superstar Jessica Davy, fresh off a premiership-winning campaign with Moreton Bay Lions. Former AFLW players Tiarna Ernst and Kitara Whap-Farrar add experience to the defensive and forward lines, respectively. Jasmine Kawa’s return to her former club provides maturity in the midfield, while Isabella McDonough is another exciting young talent expected to make an impact.

The Hornets have also undergone a change in leadership, with Courtney Daniec stepping into the Vice-Captain role and Emma Pittman taking over as Captain.

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While external noise surrounds the Hornets’ chances of making another grand final appearance, the team is focused on blocking out distractions and concentrating on continuous improvement throughout the program.

Published 23-March-2024

Aspley Hornets Seek the Three-peat as Excitement Builds for 2024 QAFL Season

The reigning premier Aspley Hornets will seek to claim their third consecutive flag as the 2024 Queensland Australian Football League (QAFL) season takes off. Aspley will open their title defence campaign by hosting Broadbeach in the opening round on April 6.

Aspley Hornets early title rematch against the Sharks

After the opening round, the Hornets will then face the Redland-Victoria Point Sharks at home ground on April 13 in a rematch of last year’s Grand Final.

Other key dates on Aspley’s calendar include the trip to the Powenyenna Oval to take on the Magpies on April 27 for the ANZAC Round, an early mid-season bye to accommodate Queensland’s state game against Tasmania on June 22, and the away leg against Broadbeach on July 13 for Pride Round celebrating LGBTQI+ inclusion.

Hornets seeking further glory

The Hornets will be hunting back-to-back-to-back premierships in 2024 on the back of an outstanding title defence last year.

According to QAFL Competition Manager Mitchell Simpson, the league is shaping up for an even more competitive year thanks to high-profile recruitment like ex-Brisbane Lions Rhys Mathieson (Wilston Grange) and Daniel Rich (Noosa), as well as former AFL talents Nakia Cockatoo, Aaron Hall and Tom Hickey also entering the competition.

While the QAFL’s offseason arms race has improved the competition across the board, the steady Aspley Hornets remain well poised to contend again in 2024 after finding the right balance to break through for their repeat last season. Between seasoned veterans and exciting youth, Aspley’s chemistry and cohesion make them the team to beat yet again.

Published 16-February-2024

Aspley Hornets and Redland-Victoria Point Sharks Set for QAFL Grand Final Showdown

An epic QAFL Grand Final between reigning premiers Aspley Hornets and Redland-Victoria Point Sharks will take place this Saturday at Coorparoo’s Giffin Park.

Aspley Hornets seeking back-to-back flags

Lions academy product Liam Dawson is one of the three Hornets named in the 2023 QAFL Team of the Year, together with Connor Stackelberg and Will Wolbers.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Aspley Hornets FC

The Aspley Hornets (15-2-1) claimed the minor premiership this season and have dominated the competition all year. They will be aiming for back-to-back finals after beating Broadbeach last season’s decider.

In the 2022 grand final, Aspley were underdogs against minor premiers and unbeaten Broadbeach, but came out on top in stunning fashion.

This time around, the Hornets will be favourites as minor premiers. Aspley co-captain Brandon Batchelor says reaching back-to-back grand finals is “a pretty surreal feeling” and the team is determined to get the job done on Saturday.

The Hornets had a week off after finishing top of the ladder. Batchelor said the team had used the time to prepare for the ultimate competition rather than rest.

“We’ve always been pretty tough on the boys in saying that it’s not a time to rest, it’s time to get us ready to play in a big game,” he stated.

Redland-Victoria Point Sharks hunting maiden flag

Matt Hamelmman made history as the thirteenth player in Queensland men’s football history to score more than a hundred goals in a season. *He was selected in the 2023 QAFL Team of the Year along with teammates Adrian Williams, Caleb Franks and Brock Aston.*
*Photo Credit: Facebook/*Redland-Victoria Point Sharks Football Club

Redland-Victoria Point Sharks (14-4) qualified for the QAFL Grand Final after defeating Wilston Grange in last weekend’s preliminary final.

Sharks co-captain Mitchell Stallard believes his side can cause an upset against the Hornets with a strong team performance. Redland-Victoria Point have not registered a win against Aspley in their three meetings this year. They also went out in last year’s preliminary final against the Hornets.

“Team footy is going to win it, and that’s probably why they’re the benchmark ,” Stallard said. “They all work together.”

Star forward Matt Hamelmman will be a key figure for the Sharks. Hamelmman booted 7 goals in the preliminary final win and has kicked 101 goals this season.

Don’t miss a minute of the QAFL Seniors Grand Final action between the Aspley Hornets and Redland-Victoria Point Sharks. Kick-off is at 2:30 p.m. at Giffin Park. Watch online for free via the official AFL Queensland YouTube channel or experience the atmosphere firsthand with tickets available at the gate.

Can the Hornets make it two in a row? Or will the Sharks stun them and claim their first flag? Tune in on Saturday to find out.

Published 13 September 2023

Terry Weller of the Aspley Hornets To Be Inducted Into the 2023 Queensland Football Hall of Fame

With a remarkable career spanning over two decades and almost 500 senior games, Terry Weller of the Aspley Hornets will soon be inducted into the Queensland Football Hall of Fame.

Recognised for his outstanding career in the senior game, Weller was one of three inaugural recipients of the club’s Football Life Members initiative of the Aspley Hornets. The initiative honoured players who have made 200 or more senior appearances at the highest level of the game.

Terry Weller, An Impressive Legacy

Weller began his football career in 1965 at the age of 12 with the now-defunct Zillmere Foxes. Over the course of his career, he played 249 senior QAFL games with Windsor-Zillmere from 1965 to 1977 and 222 senior games with Aspley in the SQAFA from 1978 to 1989.

In addition to club games, Weller’s tally includes numerous representative games for Queensland and the SQAFA. Though only 185cm tall, he played at 115kg-plus in later years, earning a reputation as the “big man with a big personality and a big heart.”

Weller’s honours and awards are testament to his talent and dedication to the game:
– Shared Grogan Medal (QAFL best player)
– Two Duncanson Medals (SQAFA best player)
– Two QAFL premierships
– Five SQAFA premierships

Weller completes a family double alongside his younger brother Neville, an inaugural inductee in the 2008 Hall of Fame. The Weller family’s passion for football extends across generations.

Lasting Contributions On and Off the Field

In addition to his illustrious playing career, Weller took on coaching roles as an active player. He appeared in seven SQAFA Grand Finals and won five consecutive premierships between 1985 and 1989.

Even after retiring as a player, Weller stayed involved with the clubs he loved. In 1997, he played a key role in rescuing the Zillmere Football Club from financial troubles, helping bring the club back as the Northern Eagles. He served as president of the Northern Eagles until 2006 when the club was rebranded as the Zillmere Eagles once again.

From left to right: Keith Hill, Michael Walters, Dale Sherwood (Club President) , Terry Weller and Luke Howarth (Federal Member for Petrie)
Photo Credit: Aspley Hornets

Decades of service and passion for football make Terry Weller a worthy inductee into the Queensland Football Hall of Fame, an honour he will receive in a ceremony to be held on 4 November 2023 alongside Keith Hill and Michael Walters.

Published 08 August 2023

You’re Invited! Sing-Along to Christmas Carols at Aspley Hornets FC

Photo credit: David Beale on Unsplash

As we usher into the festive season, the Aspley Hornets would like to invite the whole family to come and enjoy free Christmas Carols on the Field.

Sing and dance, as the Aspley Hornets bring you four hours of family entertainment this coming 3 December 2022 from 3 pm to 7 pm.

And to make the event even more special, Santa’s sleigh bells will be ringing and jing ting tingling too as he makes a stop off at the Hornets to join in the festivities and meet the kids and get a photo with him. Apart from meeting Santa Claus, kids will also get to enjoy free rides, face painting and jumping castles.

Don’t forget to bring your own camp chairs or picnic blankets whilst singing along to the greatest Christmas hits that we have all loved through the years as performed by the great New Black Band.

But if you need to be somewhere else in Brisbane this December, you may want to check out these other Community Carols happening across the city.

Centenary Community Carols – Middle Park: 4 December 2022 at Peter Lightfoot Park from 3.30 pm to 8 pm
Wakerley Carols – Wakerley: 3 December 2022 at Wakerley Park from 3 pm with fireworks at 8 pm
Multicap Christmas Carols – Eight Mile Plains: 3 December 2022 at Multicap HQ, 269 Padstow Road Eight Mile Plains from 3 pm to 7.30 pm
Christmas in the Park – Calamvale: 3 December 2022 at Calamvale District Park from 4 pm to 7 pm
Jingle all the Bay – Sandgate: 3 December 2022 at Sandgate Town Centre from 3 pm to 9 pm
Creekside Christmas Carols – Morayfield: 4 December 2022 at Creekside Community Church at 3.30 pm, carol sessions at 4.30 pm to 6 pm
North Lakes Christmas Carols – North Lakes: 4 December 2022 at Kinsellas Sports Complex from 4 pm to 8 pm
Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols – Brisbane: 10 December 2022 at Brisbane Riverstage from 6 pm to 9 pm, gates open from 4 pm.
Redcliffe Christmas Carols – Kippa-Ring: 11 December 2022 at Nathan Road Sports Ground from 4 pm to 8 pm
Bray Park Christmas Festival – Bray Park: 18 December 2022 at Oasis Church from 4 pm to 7 pm
Pine Rivers Christmas Carols – Strathpine: 18 December 2022 at Pine Rivers Park from 4 pm to 8 pm

Don’t forget! The Aspley Hornets Christmas Carols happen this 3 December 2023 from 5 pm to 9 pm at the Aspley Hornets FC.

Check their social media for more updates.

Aspley Hornets Football Club | 50 Graham Rd, Carseldine QLD 4034, Australia