Author // Shannon Edwards, Place Bulimba
The lush green fields lined with a white picket fence, Hawthorne’s Jack Esplen Oval is home to one of Brisbane’s oldest AFL clubs.
Morningside AFL Panthers is one of the most iconic football clubs in Queensland where “every heart beats true for red white and black”.
What makes the club so special? We spoke with committee member, David Diamond, about the strong community of Morningside AFL.
Tell us about the club?
Morningside AFL Club is more than just footy club - it’s a hub within the inner-east community.
Locals use the club for a variety of different purposes.
We have schools using the ovals every day, there’s community groups who hold regular meetings and on Friday nights local families come down to the club to play on the jumping castles provided.
Over the years we have really broadened our community base.
On top of that, we have an enormous number of members who’ve been with the club for over 20 years.
We have players that started here in their early years and followed the sport through.
We also have club members who brought their children down at eight years of age and even when the players moved on, they’ve remained part of the club.
Photo Credit: Morningside Panthers
What’s important about the club’s community?
We wanted for Morningside AFL club to be a place where people could come together and unwind.
Our aim is to provide a culture in the community, a friendly atmosphere where people can relax, participate in activities and feel like they’re part of a community.
It has been the club’s focus for the past 10 years to promote the community culture.
I think we’re doing well as Morningside AFL is a haven for many locals.
Photo Credit: Morningside Panthers
Why do you think so many people love the club?
If you’ve got a young family, then it’s a great place to walk down of an evening, catch up with the local neighbours and let the kids run amuck on the fields.
In terms of our AFL programs, we’re highly dedicated to our players of all ages and have strong training and development strategies.
You could be the club’s best footballer, but you have no more authority than our eight-year-old players.
It’s equally everyone’s club and we see excellence in all our players.
How long have you been with the club for, David?
My AFL background started in Victoria, I’ve always loved the sport.
My family moved up to Brisbane with our three young boys and our daughter and from that moment we were a part of the club.
Morningside AFL has very much been a part of our family’s lives and it’s how we met many of our great friends.
It’s coming on 20 years for us as Morningside Panthers.