Following a stunning Grand Final victory for its U13 girls’ team, the Bribie Island Junior AFL Club is now celebrating a new $1.8 million facility built to support the next generation of female footy stars.
A League of Their Own
The Bribie Island Bulldogs are experiencing a remarkable surge in participation, completely reshaping the face of local sport. The club has become a powerhouse for developing female talent, a fact cemented by the U13 Girls Division 2 team’s spectacular Grand Final win in Brisbane just last weekend.
This on-field success reflects a wider trend, with the club reporting a 25 per cent jump in female registrations this year alone. The growth starts right from the grassroots, with the NAB AFL Auskick program swelling by 156 per cent and junior footy numbers climbing by 33 per cent since last year.
According to Bribie Island Junior AFL club president Dannielle McGrath, the new building arrives at a critical moment. She explained that the facility has been specifically designed to champion the growth of girls and women in sport. It sends a powerful message to every young girl on the island that they belong in the game and that the club is ready for their future.
Building for the Future
To cater for this boom, a modern amenities block now stands at the Bribie Island Sports Complex, officially handed over by the City of Moreton Bay on September 2. The project replaces an outdated 1989 building, providing two fit-for-purpose unisex change rooms, cubicle showers for privacy, and public amenities for game days.
Inclusivity was a major focus of the new design. Head of AFL Queensland and International, Trisha Squires, noted that such upgrades are significant in ensuring club facilities are safe and equitable for everyone. Ms. McGrath added that the inclusion of ambulant-compliant toilets and showers is a massive step forward. She said it provides a comfortable and dignified space for players with diverse needs who may have previously felt awkward, ensuring they receive the same level of support as everyone else.
A Community Partnership Kicks Goals
The major project was funded primarily by the City of Moreton Bay, with AFL Queensland also contributing $50,000 through its Grand Final Facilities Fund. Mayor Peter Flannery stated that there is increasing demand for quality sporting facilities to support women, and this investment positions the Bribie Island Bulldogs to capitalise on the sport’s continued growth.
Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige said the facility is a welcome boost for the whole community. Beyond improving the game-day experience for female players, she believes the modern building opens up possibilities for additional revenue through future venue hire for non-football events and activities. It’s an investment that supports not only the players of today but the long-term sustainability of the club and the broader Bribie community.
Published Date 08-September-2025
Photo Credit: SEQ Juniors/ Facebook
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