| AFL Darling Downs | |
| Current Season: | 2023 |
| Formerly: | Darling Downs Australian Football League |
| Sport: | Australian rules football |
| Teams: | 8 |
| Countries: | --> |
| Continent: | or |
| Continents: | --> |
| Champion: | Coolaroo |
| Champ Season: | 2023 |
| Most Champs: | University Cougars (11) |
| Promotion: | (none) |
| Relegation: | (none) |
| Website: | aflq.com.au/darlingdowns |
AFL Darling Downs is an Australian rules football competition based in the Darling Downs region of Queensland including its major city of Toowoomba. The competition was formed as the Darling Downs Australian Football League in 1971. The senior representative team is known as the Demons and wear guernseys modelled on the Melbourne Demons guernseys. The competition has one senior grade.
The Warwick Football Club was formed in 1873 in Warwick to play under Australian rules, however lacking any nearby competitors for 3 years it played mostly intra-club scratch matches until Brisbane club Civil Service travelled to Toowoomba to play against a newly formed Toowoomba Football Club in 1876.[1] AFL Queensland cites the Toowoomba Football Club as forming in 1873, however few sources back this up. As the game spread further west of the Great Divide[2] clubs were split on whether to adopt rugby or Australian rules. Nevertheless, it is noted that clubs from the region in this era were able to hold their own against those from Brisbane.[3] A Toowoomba Football Association formed in 1876 teams were 16-a-side however the rules used were not fully documented and some suggest it could have been an early rugby association which would be contemporary with the code being introduced to Brisbane. The Light Infantry Corps formed to play against the Light Infantry Football Club. The Association disappeared a couple of years later. As Downs clubs lacked nearby opponents rugby was more suited to facilitating matches against New South Wales clubs, as a result local competition went into recess. An exception was an 1878 match between Old-Victorians and All Comers played in front of a large crowd.[4] The Queensland Football Association formed in 1880 and affiliated with the Victorian Football Association, however clubs outside of Brisbane were becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of representation for the whole colony. In 1881 matches were once again played in Toowoomba when the Toowoomba Grammar took up the sport.[5] By 1882, a Toowoomba Association (affiliated with the QFA) had re-formed including both clubs and schools in the region.[6] In 1883, a team of 12 travelled from Excelsior FC (Brisbane), noting a revival of the code in the region.[7] The inclusion of the Allora Football Club at Allora in 1883 provided more regular interaction between the clubs.[8] However the code suffered a major blow when, after the Brisbane private school association in 1887 voted to switch to rugby including Toowoomba Grammar. A senior Toowoomba Rugby Football Club formed in 1887and this was the last mention of the Toowoomba Football Club or any other Downs clubs playing Australian rules. After the collapse of the QFA in 1890 the Toowoomba Rugby Association and Toowoomba British Football Association were able to grow unopposed.
The Darling Downs Australian Football League was first played as an official organised competition in 1971. Signals, Coolaroo and Aviation were the three foundation clubs and were joined by a fourth club, South Toowoomba in 1972.
The League has had many changes to the number of clubs participating since then, with eight A Grade Senior Clubs currently competing, and now known as AFL Darling Downs. It is a regional league in Queensland. There are four Senior clubs based in Toowoomba, and the other senior clubs come from Dalby, Goondiwindi, and Warwick. New teams from Kingaroy, and Chinchilla participated in the 2013 revamped competition. Chinchilla folded in 2018.
University Cougars AFC is the most successful club with 13 premierships, 4 under the banner of "Institute Eagles" and 5 under the moniker of "University Eagles". Coolaroo Roos has 9 premierships and Goondiwindi Hawks has 8. South Toowoomba Bombers (formerly Longhorns) and Toowoomba Tigers (formerly Pinkies) have 6 premiership flags each.[9]
There have been many different towns in the Darling Downs of Queensland fielding Australian Rules Football teams over the forty plus years of Senior Competition. Coolaroo Roos have played every season from the inaugural year, and Toowoomba Tigers have played the second most seasons. Below is a full list of Current and Former Clubs in the region.
| Colours | Club | width=70px | Location | width=50px | Debut | width=50px | Premiers | width=150px | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolaroo Roos | Wilsonton Heights | 1971 | 10 | Rockville Park | |||||
| Dalby Swans | 1980 | 0 | Dalby AFL Oval | ||||||
| Goondiwindi Hawks | 1980 | 8 | Riddles Oval | ||||||
| South Burnett Saints | 1982 | 0 | Lyle Vidler Oval | ||||||
| South Toowoomba Bombers | 1972 | 8 | Heritage Oval | ||||||
| Toowoomba Tigers | 1974 | 6 | Rockville Park | ||||||
| University Cougars | 1976 | 13 | Baker St Oval | ||||||
| Warwick Redbacks | 1999 | 1 | Roddies Oval |
| Colours | Club | Years in Competition | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation | 1971-1977 | 2 | |
| Chinchilla Suns | 2013-18 | 0 | |
| Combined Services | 1973 | 0 | |
| Coolaroo Roos 2 | 2002 | 0 | |
| Goondiwindi-Moonie | 1987 | 0 | |
| Goondiwindi 2 | 2000 | 0 | |
| Highfields Lions | 2010-2022 | 0 | |
| Lockyer-Warwick | 1980 | 0 | |
| Lockyer Valley Demons (originally 'Pies) | 1981-2019 | 0 | |
| Moonie | 1985-1986 | 0 | |
| QAC Gatton | 1974, 1977 | 0 | |
| Signals | 1971-1972 | 1 | |
| Year | Premiers | Score | Runners Up | Score | Best On Ground | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Signals | 5.11 (41) | Coolaroo | 4.14 (38) | ||
| 1972 | South Toowoomba | 14.16 (100) | Aviation | 6.11 (47) | ||
| 1973 | Aviation | South Toowoomba | ||||
| 1974 | Aviation | 18.15 (123) | Toowoomba | 11.11 (77) | ||
| 1975 | Coolaroo | 9.14 (68) | South Toowoomba | 7.14 (56) | Glen Adamson (South Toowoomba) | |
| 1976 | South Toowoomba | 9.13 (67) | Toowoomba | 5.16 (46) | Steve Bensen (Toowoomba) | |
| 1977 | Toowoomba | 12.12 (84) | Coolaroo | 2.12 (24) | Trevor Curtis (Toowoomba) | |
| 1978 | Institute | 18.9 (117) | Toowoomba | 14.14 (98) | ||
| 1979 | Toowoomba | Institute | ||||
| 1980 | Goondiwindi | 26.18 (174) | Toowoomba | 15.15 (105) | Mark Holman (Goondiwindi) | |
| 1981 | South Toowoomba | 26.26 (182) | Goondiwindi | 19.16 (130) | ||
| 1982 | South Toowoomba | Goondiwindi | ||||
| 1983 | Goondiwindi | 19.15 (129) | South Toowoomba | 9.11 (65) | Peter Holman (Goondiwindi) | |
| 1984 | South Toowoomba | 17.10 (112) | Coolaroo | 13.14 (92) | Mick Barnes (South Toowoomba) | |
| 1985 | Lockyer Valley | 14.13 (97) | South Toowoomba | 10.11 (71) | ||
| 1986 | Institute | 25.14 (164) | Lockyer Valley | 11.6 (72) | Russell Mann (Institute) | |
| 1987 | Institute | 22.11 (143) | Goondiwindi/Moonie | 16.8 (104) | Martin Webber (Institute) | |
| 1988 | Toowoomba | 15.15 (105) | Dalby | 12.9 (81) | ||
| 1989 | Institute | 20.20 (140) | Goondiwindi | 7.7 (49) | Gary Brooks (Institute) | |
| 1990 | University | 18.13 (121) | Goondiwindi | 11.13 (79) | ||
| 1991 | Goondiwindi | 15.15 (105) | University | 9.9 (63) | Tony Doherty (Goondiwindi) | |
| 1992 | University | 18.13 (121) | Goondiwindi | 7.3 (45) | Chris Dwyer (University) | |
| 1993 | Lockyer Valley Magpies | 24.12 (156) | University Eagles | 15.14 (104) | Troy McElhinney (Lockyer Valley) | |
| 1994 | University Eagles | 14.3 (87) | Goondiwindi Hawks | 11.13 (79) | Sam Pellegrino (University) | |
| 1995 | Goondiwindi Hawks | 11.8 (74) | University Eagles | 10.8 (68) | ||
| 1996 | Goondiwindi Hawks | 12.20 (92) | University Eagles | 12.9 (81) | ||
| 1997 | University Eagles | 11.3 (69) | Goondiwindi Hawks | 8.13 (61) | ||
| 1998 | University Eagles | 22.8 (140) | Goondiwindi Hawks | 9.4 (58) | Manu Roberts (University) | |
| 1999 | Goondiwindi Hawks | 16.18 (114) | Toowoomba Tigers | 4.6 (30) | ||
| 2000 | Goondiwindi Hawks | 16 10 (106) | Coolaroo Roos | 13.12 (90) | ||
| 2001 | Coolaroo Roos | 14.17 (101) | Warwick Redbacks | 2.6 (18) | ||
| 2002 | Coolaroo Roos | 21.7 (133) | Warwick Redbacks | 8.9 (57) | ||
| 2003 | Coolaroo Roos | 23.13 (151) | Goondiwindi Hawks | 8.7 (55) | Clinton Wright (Coolaroo) | |
| 2004[11] | Coolaroo Roos | 10.8 (68) | Toowoomba Tigers | 6.9 (45) | Damian Cooper (Coolaroo) | |
| 2005 | Coolaroo Roos | 16.11 (107) | Central Bombers | 5.8 (38) | Phil Dreise (Coolaroo) | |
| 2006 | University Cougars | 16.12 (108) | Toowoomba Tigers | 6.7 (43) | Glenn Treacy (University) | |
| 2007 | University Cougars | 14.9 (93) | Coolaroo Roos | 13.6 (84) | Des Anthony (University) | |
| 2008 | South Toowoomba Bombers | 11.14 (80) | Coolaroo Roos | 11.7 (73) | ||
| 2009 | Coolaroo Roos | 10.13 (73) | South Toowoomba Bombers | 5.9 (39) | Jeremy Wilson (Coolaroo) | |
| 2010 | Toowoomba Tigers | 10.17 (77) | South Toowoomba Bombers | 10.14 (74) | Nicholas Upton (Toowoomba) | |
| 2011 | Toowoomba Tigers | 10.10 (70) | Warwick Redbacks | 7.7 (49) | ||
| 2012 | Toowoomba Tigers | 11.15 (81) | South Toowoomba Bombers | 7.10 (52) | Hugh Priest (Toowoomba) | |
| 2013 | Coolaroo Roos | 14.8 (92) | University Cougars | 13.11 (89) | Thomas Rudolph (Coolaroo) | |
| 2014 | Warwick Redbacks | 10.18 (78) | University Cougars | 9.7 (61) | Adam Stevenson (Warwick) | |
| 2015 | Coolaroo Roos | 15.15 (105) | Goondiwindi Hawks | 8.12 (60) | Michael Langton (Coolaroo) | |
| 2016 | University Cougars | 11.10 (76) | South Toowoomba Bombers | 6.11 (47) | Benjamin Holmes (University) | |
| 2017 | University Cougars | 12.11 (83) | Goondiwindi Hawks | 6.3 (39) | Rick Mackay (University) | |
| 2018 | University Cougars | 11.9 (75) | Goondiwindi Hawks | 7.9 (51) | Joshua White (University) | |
| 2019 | Goondiwindi Hawks | 7.9 (51) | Coolaroo Roos | 5.17 (47) | Jermery Leahy (Goondiwindi) | |
| 2020 | South Toowoomba Bombers | 11.9 (75) | Goondiwindi Hawks | 9.2 (56) | Darby Edgeworth (Souths) | |
| 2021 | South Toowoomba Bombers | 10.5 (65) | University Cougars | 7.5 (47) | Johnathan Leidig (Souths) | |
| 2022 | Coolaroo Roos | 10.11 (71) | South Toowoomba Bombers | 9.7 (61) | ||
| 2023 | Coolaroo Roos | 13.15 (93) | Goondiwindi Hawks | 7.5 (47) |
Below is a summary of AFL Darling Downs A Grade Ladders at the end of the home and away fixtures, and the Finals Results for the major rounds:
| AFL Darling Downs | Wins | Byes | Losses | Draws | For | Against | % | Pts | Final | Team | G | B | Pts | Team | G | B | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University | 12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1419 | 697 | 203.59% | 48 | 1st Semi | Toowoomba | 15 | 18 | 108 | Centrals | 8 | 7 | 55 | |
| Coolaroo | 11 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1748 | 712 | 245.51% | 44 | 2nd Semi | University | 16 | 12 | 108 | Coolaroo | 6 | 9 | 45 | |
| Toowoomba | 9 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1360 | 937 | 145.14% | 36 | Preliminary | Toowoomba | 14 | 6 | 90 | Coolaroo | 11 | 13 | 79 | |
| Centrals | 7 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1259 | 997 | 126.28% | 28 | Grand | University | 16 | 12 | 108 | Toowoomba | 6 | 7 | 43 | |
| Goondiwindi | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1134 | 1233 | 91.97% | 28 | ||||||||||
| Warwick | 4 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 1057 | 1211 | 87.28% | 16 | ||||||||||
| Dalby | 2 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 646 | 1577 | 40.96% | 8 | ||||||||||
| Kingaroy | 2 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 626 | 1885 | 33.21% | 8 | ||||||||||
| AFL Darling Downs | Wins | Byes | Losses | Draws | For | Against | % | Pts | Final | Team | G | B | Pts | Team | G | B | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolaroo | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1261 | 698 | 180.66% | 56 | 1st Semi | Toowoomba | 15 | 14 | 104 | South Toowoomba | 15 | 10 | 100 | |
| University | 10 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 1445 | 757 | 190.89% | 40 | 2nd Semi | University | 16 | 16 | 112 | Coolaroo | 11 | 4 | 70 | |
| South Toowoomba | 9 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 1393 | 1054 | 132.16% | 36 | Preliminary | Coolaroo | 13 | 19 | 97 | Toowoomba | 11 | 9 | 75 | |
| Toowoomba | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 1165 | 1151 | 101.22% | 28 | Grand | University | 14 | 9 | 93 | Toowoomba | 13 | 6 | 84 | |
| Warwick | 5 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 997 | 1254 | 79.51% | 20 | ||||||||||
| Goondiwindi | 2 | 5 | 10 | 0 | 828 | 1200 | 69.00% | 8 | ||||||||||
| Dalby | 1 | 3 | 13 | 0 | 683 | 1658 | 41.19% | 4 | ||||||||||
| AFL Darling Downs | Wins | Byes | Losses | Draws | For | Against | % | Pts | Final | Team | G | B | Pts | Team | G | B | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Toowoomba | 15 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1917 | 1069 | 179.33% | 60 | 1st Semi | Coolaroo | 14 | 13 | 97 | University | 9 | 19 | 73 | |
| Warwick | 13 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1553 | 1436 | 108.15% | 52 | 2nd Semi | South Toowoomba | 18 | 19 | 127 | Warwick | 7 | 6 | 48 | |
| Coolaroo | 10 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 1663 | 1191 | 139.63% | 42 | Preliminary | Coolaroo | 14 | 10 | 94 | Warwick | 5 | 7 | 37 | |
| University | 10 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1717 | 1069 | 160.62% | 40 | Grand | South Toowoomba | 11 | 14 | 80 | Coolaroo | 11 | 7 | 73 | |
| Toowoomba | 5 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 1320 | 1518 | 86.96% | 22 | ||||||||||
| Goondiwindi | 0 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 713 | 2504 | 28.47% | 0 | ||||||||||
| Dalby | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 48 | 144 | 33.33% | 0 | ||||||||||
| AFL Darling Downs | Wins | Byes | Losses | Draws | For | Against | % | Pts | Final | Team | G | B | Pts | Team | G | B | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolaroo | 16 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1860 | 1087 | 171.11% | 64 | 1st Semi | Toowoomba | 19 | 10 | 124 | Warwick | 8 | 9 | 57 | |
| South Toowoomba | 15 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1874 | 1132 | 165.55% | 60 | 2nd Semi | South Toowoomba | 13 | 12 | 90 | Coolaroo | 11 | 9 | 75 | |
| Warwick | 7 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 1468 | 1535 | 95.64% | 28 | Preliminary | Coolaroo | 17 | 9 | 111 | Toowoomba | 11 | 9 | 75 | |
| Toowoomba | 7 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 1361 | 1641 | 82.94% | 28 | Grand | Coolaroo | 10 | 13 | 73 | South Toowoomba | 5 | 9 | 39 | |
| University | 6 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 1291 | 1609 | 80.24% | 24 | ||||||||||
| Goondiwindi | 3 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 1255 | 2105 | 59.62% | 12 | ||||||||||
| AFL Darling Downs | Wins | Byes | Losses | Draws | For | Against | % | Pts | Final | Team | G | B | Pts | Team | G | B | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toowoomba | 13 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1980 | 948 | 208.86% | 52 | 1st Semi | South Toowoomba | 17 | 14 | 116 | Coolaroo | 7 | 7 | 49 | |
| University | 13 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1917 | 1052 | 182.22% | 52 | 2nd Semi | Toowoomba | 14 | 13 | 97 | University | 9 | 15 | 69 | |
| Coolaroo | 11 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1955 | 959 | 203.86% | 44 | Preliminary | South Toowoomba | 13 | 18 | 96 | University | 12 | 17 | 89 | |
| South Toowoomba | 11 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1901 | 1029 | 184.74% | 44 | Grand | Toowoomba | 10 | 17 | 77 | South Toowoomba | 10 | 14 | 74 | |
| Warwick | 11 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1925 | 1088 | 176.93% | 44 | ||||||||||
| Goondiwindi | 6 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 1576 | 1575 | 100.06% | 24 | ||||||||||
| Highfields | 5 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 1166 | 1832 | 63.65% | 20 | ||||||||||
| Dalby | 2 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 1034 | 2065 | 50.07% | 8 | ||||||||||
| Lockyer Valley | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 368 | 3274 | 11.24% | 0 | ||||||||||
| AFL Darling Downs | Wins | Byes | Losses | Draws | For | Against | % | Pts | Final | Team | G | B | Pts | Team | G | B | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toowoomba | 13 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1698 | 877 | 193.61% | 54 | 1st Semi | University | 19 | 9 | 123 | South Toowoomba | 14 | 9 | 93 | |
| Warwick | 12 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1876 | 867 | 216.38% | 50 | 2nd Semi | Warwick | 10 | 10 | 70 | Toowoomba | 5 | 3 | 33 | |
| South Toowoomba | 12 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1853 | 968 | 191.43% | 50 | Preliminary | Toowoomba | 9 | 16 | 70 | University | 10 | 7 | 67 | |
| University | 11 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 1560 | 941 | 165.78% | 46 | Grand | Toowoomba | 10 | 10 | 70 | Warwick | 7 | 7 | 49 | |
| Coolaroo | 10 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1642 | 1128 | 145.57% | 40 | ||||||||||
| Highfields | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 1262 | 1247 | 101.20% | 32 | ||||||||||
| Dalby | 4 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 1033 | 1778 | 58.10% | 16 | ||||||||||
| Goondiwindi | 2 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 1078 | 1735 | 62.13% | 8 | ||||||||||
| Lockyer Valley | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 323 | 2784 | 11.60% | 0 | ||||||||||
| AFL Darling Downs | Wins | Byes | Losses | Draws | For | Against | % | Pts | Final | Team | G | B | Pts | Team | G | B | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Toowoomba | 14 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2036 | 731 | 278.52% | 58 | 1st Semi | Toowoomba | 11 | 13 | 79 | University | 9 | 9 | 63 | |
| Coolaroo | 13 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1856 | 954 | 194.55% | 52 | 2nd Semi | South Toowoomba | 18 | 9 | 117 | Coolaroo | 13 | 9 | 87 | |
| Toowoomba | 12 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1861 | 819 | 227.23% | 50 | Preliminary | Toowoomba | 14 | 12 | 96 | Coolaroo | 12 | 13 | 85 | |
| University | 10 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1840 | 864 | 212.96% | 40 | Grand | Toowoomba | 11 | 15 | 81 | South Toowoomba | 7 | 10 | 52 | |
| Warwick | 7 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 1268 | 1110 | 114.23% | 30 | ||||||||||
| Highfields | 6 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 1127 | 1162 | 96.99% | 26 | ||||||||||
| Dalby | 4 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 1056 | 2046 | 51.61% | 16 | ||||||||||
| Lockyer Valley | 2 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 473 | 2361 | 20.03% | 8 | ||||||||||
| Goondiwindi | 1 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 786 | 2256 | 34.84% | 4 | ||||||||||
| AFL Darling Downs | Wins | Byes | Losses | Draws | For | Against | % | Pts | Final | Team | G | B | Pts | Team | G | B | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University | 15 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2145 | 706 | 303.82% | 60 | Elimination | Warwick | 15 | 7 | 97 | Goondiwindi | 11 | 6 | 72 | |
| Coolaroo | 15 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2226 | 815 | 273.13% | 60 | Qualifying | Toowoomba | 10 | 15 | 75 | Toowoomba | 10 | 15 | 75 | |
| Toowoomba | 12 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1566 | 913 | 171.52% | 48 | 1st Semi | Toowoomba | 20 | 10 | 130 | Warwick | 9 | 2 | 56 | |
| Warwick | 9 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1525 | 1150 | 132.61% | 36 | 2nd Semi | University | 10 | 15 | 75 | Coolaroo | 10 | 9 | 69 | |
| Goondiwindi | 9 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1675 | 1293 | 129.54% | 36 | Preliminary | Coolaroo | 15 | 13 | 103 | Toowoomba | 5 | 6 | 36 | |
| South Toowoomba | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 1500 | 1177 | 127.44% | 32 | Grand | Coolaroo | 14 | 8 | 92 | University | 13 | 11 | 89 | |
| Dalby | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 1573 | 1298 | 121.19% | 32 | ||||||||||
| Highfields | 5 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 1203 | 1786 | 67.36% | 20 | ||||||||||
| South Burnett | 4 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 1140 | 2070 | 55.07% | 16 | ||||||||||
| Lockyer Valley | 2 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 762 | 2294 | 33.22% | 8 | ||||||||||
| Chinchilla | 1 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 687 | 2500 | 27.48% | 4 |
| Season | Holman Medalist | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Terry Osborne | Signals |
| 1972 | Ray Smith | Coolaroo Roos |
| 1973 | Terry Lee | Aviation |
| 1974 | John Grinham | Toowoomba Pinkies |
| 1975 | Harold Simpson | Coolaroo Roos |
| 1976 | John Loxton | Institute Eagles |
| 1977 | Phil Pohlner | QAC Gatton |
| 1978 | Trevor Curtis | Toowoomba Pinkies |
| 1979 | Phil Heron | Institute Eagles |
| 1980 | Ian Janetzki | Coolaroo Roos |
| 1981 | Mark Freidrichs | South Toowoomba Longhorns |
| 1982 | Mark Holman | Goondiwindi Hawks |
| 1983 | Peter Scott | Lockyer Valley Magpies |
| 1984 | John Green | Coolaroo Roos |
| 1985 | John Green | Coolaroo Roos |
| 1986 | John Green | Coolaroo Roos |
| 1987 | Peter Holman | Goondiwindi-Moonie |
| 1988 | Peter Holman | Goodiwindi Hawks |
| 1989 | Greg Peltz | Dalby Swans |
| 1990 | Michael Millar | South Toowoomba Longhorns |
| 1991 | Jason Dennis | Coolaroo Roos |
| 1992 | Andrew Fellenberg | South Toowoomba Longhorns |
| 1993 | Shane McGregor | Goondiwindi Hawks |
| 1994 | Shane Taggart | Toowoomba Tigers |
| 1995 | Mark Andrews | Toowoomba Tigers |
| 1996 | Brendan Sergeant | Coolaroo Roos |
| 1997 | Craig Jervies | Lockyer Valley Magpies |
| 1998 | Craig Jervies | Lockyer Valley Magpies |
| 1999 | Luke Bolden | Coolaroo Roos |
| 2000 | Greg Peltz | Dalby Swans |
| 2001 | Darren Hunter | Coolaroo Roos |
| 2002 | Bernie Mullins (TIED) | Coolaroo Roos |
| 2002 | Tony O'Connell (TIED) | Kingaroy Bulldogs |
| 2003 | Geoffrey Smith | Warwick Redbacks |
| 2004 | Matthew Samin | Coolaroo Roos |
| 2005 | Keith Webb | Central Bombers |
| 2006 | Steve Collet (TIED) | Goondiwind Hawks |
| 2006 | Angus Hill (TIED) | Coolaroo Roos |
| 2007 | Phillip Driese | Coolaroo Roos |
| 2008 | Paul Kupke | University Cougars |
| 2009 | Jeff Neumann (TIED) | Coolaroo Roos |
| 2009 | Brendan Iles (TIED) | Warwick Redbacks |
| 2010 | Brendan Iles | Warwick Redbacks |
| 2011 | Brendan Iles | Warwick Redbacks |
| 2012 | Trent Saxelby | South Toowoomba Bombers |
| 2013 | Kurt Millard | Warwick Redbacks |
| 2014 | Jeremy Leahy | Goondiwindi Hawks |
| 2015 | Jeremy Leahy | Goondiwindi Hawks |
| 2016 | Tyhe Clarkson | Warwick Redbacks |
| 2017 | David O'Toole | Goondiwindi Hawks |
| 2018 | Nathan Trace | South Burnett Saints |
| 2019 | Michael Langton (TIED) | Coolaroo Roos |
| 2019 | Charles Youngman (TIED) | Goondiwindi Hawks |
| 2020 | Nathan Trace | South Burnett Saints |
| 2021 | Jayden Smith | Coolaroo Roos |
The Reserve Grade competition ran from 1975 to 1999, and 2001, before player numbers for some clubs became a problem and therefore the "Adrian Jericho Trophy" had not been contested for a full decade.
In 2012, the Reserves competition returned with a three team competition involving University, Coolaroo, and Souths. It was the first time the competition has been staged since Kingaroy defeated Coolaroo in the 2001 Grand Final.[13]
South Toowoomba Longhorns are the most successful team in Reserve Grade with 10 Premierships from 14 Grand Finals.University (Institute) are the next best with 8 flags from 11 Grand Finals.
| Year | Premiers | Score | Runners Up | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Coolaroo Roos | 8.6 (54) | Q.A.C. Gatton | 7.4 (46) | |
| 1976 | Coolaroo Roos | 4.17 (41) | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 4.7 (31) | |
| 1977 | Toowoomba Pinkies | 4.6 (30) | Coolaroo Roos | 3.4 (22) | |
| 1978 | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 7.9 (51) | Institute Eagles | 3.2 (20) | |
| 1979 | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 6.11 (47) | Toowoomba Pinkies | 2.8 (20) | |
| 1980 | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 7.8 (50) | Institute Eagles | 6.8 (44) | |
| 1981 | South Burnett | 12.13 (85) | Toowoomba Tigers | 10.5 (65) | |
| 1982 | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 14.15 (99) | Coolaroo Roos | 3.7 (25) | |
| 1983 | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 16.16 (112) | Warwick | 8.6 (54) | |
| 1984 | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 16.10 (106) | Moonie | 9.9 (63) | |
| 1985 | South Burnett | 12.13 (85) | Toowoomba Tigers | 5.8 (38) | |
| 1986 | Toowoomba Tigers | 16.17 (113) | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 4.10 (34) | |
| 1987 | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 14.16 (100) | Dalby Swans | 12.10 (82) | |
| 1988 | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 12.12 (84) | Goondiwindi-Moonie | 5.13 (43) | |
| 1989 | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 8.7 (55) | Coolaroo Roos | 6.9 (45) | |
| 1990 | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 8.10 (58) | Lockyer Valley Magpies | 6.15 (51) | |
| 1991 | University Eagles | 7.11 (53) | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 5.14 (44) | |
| 1992 | University Eagles | 11.19 (85) | Lockyer Valley Magpies | 8.6 (54) | |
| 1993 | University Eagles | 8.6 (54) | South Toowoomba Longhorns | 6.15 (51) | |
| 1994 | University Eagles | 13.16 (94) | Toowoomba Tigers | 6.5 (41) | |
| 1995 | Dalby Swans | 12.11 (83) | Goondiwindi Hawks | 8.8 (56) | |
| 1996 | University Eagles | 8.15 (63) | Dalby Swans | 6.5 (41) | |
| 1997 | University Eagles | 6.4 (40) | Kingaroy Bulldogs | 5.4 (34) | |
| 1998 | Warwick Redbacks | 13.9 (87) | Kingaroy Bulldogs | 12.4 (76) | |
| 1999 | Lockyer Valley Magpies | 10.11 (71) | Dalby Swans | 9.12 (66) | |
| 2000 | COMPETITION SUSPENDED | ||||
| 2001 | Kingaroy Bulldogs | 5.8 (38) | Coolaroo Roos | 5.1 (31) | |
| 2002-2011 | COMPETITION SUSPENDED | ||||
| 2012 | University Cougars | 11.10 (76) | Coolaroo Roos | 5.4 (34) | |
| 2013 | Coolaroo Roos | 7.9 (51) | University Cougars | 6.8 (44) | |
| 2014 | University Cougars | 11.14 (80) | South Burnett Saints | 4.7 (31) | |
| 2015 | South Burnett Saints | 10.9 (69) | Dalby Swans | 6.11 (47) | |
| 2016 | COMPETITION SUSPENDED | ||||
| 2017 | Dalby Swans | 8.12 (60) | Warwick Redbacks | 6.6 (42) | |
| 2018-2021 | COMPETITION SUSPENDED |
The Reserve Grade or a Division 2 Competition will resume as soon as the competition can gain enough interest once again.
The League has the potential to expand to 12 Senior Clubs if these areas can field enough players, and with Junior competitions also expanding. In recent seasons, the League has fielded up to 11 sides in Division One already.
League president Andrew Foley said splitting the 11-team competition into two divisions for 2014, including the three current reserve grade sides, would help the newer clubs to be more competitive. The senior competition grew last season with the formation of Chinchilla and South Burnett but those clubs struggled on-field .[14] First division has Coolaroo, Goondiwidi, Highfields, Lockyer Valley, South Toowoomba, Toowoomba, University and Warwick.Second division has Chinchilla, Dalby, South Burnett as well as clubs seconds from Coolaroo, Highfields, South Toowoomba, University and Warwick.
| AFL Darling Downs Div 1 | Wins | Byes | Losses | Draws | For | Against | % | Pts | Final | Team | G | B | Pts | Team | G | B | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick | 14 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1962 | 962 | 203.95% | 56 | 1st Semi | Coolaroo | 17 | 11 | 113 | Goondiwindi | 12 | 5 | 77 | |
| University | 13 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1925 | 729 | 264.06% | 54 | 2nd Semi | Warwick | 13 | 16 | 94 | University | 7 | 14 | 56 | |
| Coolaroo | 13 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2061 | 857 | 240.49% | 54 | Preliminary | University | 12 | 12 | 84 | Coolaroo | 10 | 11 | 71 | |
| Goondiwindi | 10 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1763 | 1324 | 133.16% | 40 | Grand | Warwick | 10 | 18 | 78 | University | 9 | 7 | 61 | |
| South Toowoomba | 9 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 1559 | 1103 | 141.34% | 38 | ||||||||||
| Highfields | 5 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 1330 | 1616 | 82.30% | 20 | ||||||||||
| Toowoomba | 2 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 795 | 2025 | 39.26% | 10 | ||||||||||
| Lockyer Valley | 0 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 317 | 3096 | 10.24% | 0 | ||||||||||
| AFL Darling Downs Div 2 | Wins | Byes | Losses | Draws | For | Against | % | Pts | Final | Team | G | B | Pts | Team | G | B | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Burnett | 12 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1634 | 633 | 258.14% | 50 | 1st Semi | Dalby | 12 | 12 | 84 | Highfields | 11 | 9 | 75 | |
| University | 11 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1118 | 385 | 290.39% | 48 | 2nd Semi | South Burnett | 13 | 14 | 92 | University | 9 | 6 | 60 | |
| Dalby | 9 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1312 | 852 | 153.99% | 36 | Preliminary | University | 12 | 12 | 84 | Highfields | 3 | 1 | 19 | |
| Highfields | 8 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1194 | 785 | 152.10% | 32 | Grand | University | 11 | 14 | 80 | South Burnett | 4 | 7 | 31 | |
| Chinchilla | 7 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 1135 | 1193 | 95.14% | 28 | ||||||||||
| South Toowoomba | 5 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 763 | 1452 | 52.55% | 22 | ||||||||||
| Coolaroo | 3 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 685 | 973 | 70.40% | 16 | ||||||||||
| Warwick | 2 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 454 | 2022 | 22.45% | 8 | ||||||||||