Aussie Rules history made on Bribie Island By Chase Christensen

Image Credit: Logotyp.US 

Aussie Rules on Bribie Island has kicked its way to new and exciting heights as Bribie Island State High School (BISHS) has been selected as one of 13 state schools included in the 2025 AFL Queensland Schools of Excellence Program (AQSOEP). Along with BISHS, Banksia Beach State Primary School has historically been selected as the only primary school to be a part of the program.  

The AFL Queensland School of Excellence Program has been running since 2013 and the related Queensland Schools Cup Competition was founded in 2016. The new initiative is an AFL endured program- designed to enhance the development of talented Australian Rules footballers at the school-based level. It includes high level coaching, specialist training and professional player pathways. BISHS and Banksia Beach Primary School are two of just 14 participating schools in Queensland. Each school in the program was chosen based off standards that will maintain the programs high quality and consistency (Play AFL).  

The program considers the importance of a balanced sporting and academic school life, as it makes sure participants have an abundance of spare time for studying. This is key as too often; high level sporting programs take too much time out of teens lives, which leaves limited availability for education. This is why the program partnering with schools is key, as students will share an optimal amount of time between their sporting and school life.  

The AQSOEP leads to possible AFL and AFLW pathways, via direct scouting and recruitment exposure. The Bribie Island Bulldogs are a strong Aussie Rules club on the Island, which means this new initiative can grow the sport of Aussie Rules even further on the Island, as well as finding highly talented junior players amongst the two schools.  

Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan has been highly vocal about the new initiative and spoke further on the excitement and importance for the development of Aussie Rules on Bribie Island. Ms. Doolan said that the program was a “game changer,” as it would help nurture local talent and encourage participation.  

“It’s an exciting milestone for our community and I have no doubt we’ll see the impact of this initiative in years to come,” she said.  

Regarding further funding to the Aussie Rules grass roots level, Ms Doolan voiced the importance of children having quality sporting opportunities and ensured that she will continue to advocate for more investment in local sports across Pumicestone.  

“Whether it’s better facilities, coaching programs or equipment, I want to see our local clubs and schools given the resources they need to thrive,” Ms Doolan said. 

It's clear Ariana Doolan understands that the quality of support and resources at the junior level of sport is a highly important matter. 

Aussie Rules will strongly benefit from this new initiative and the future of the sports development locally is very exciting.