QAFL Archives - Aspley News

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

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.

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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 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