Recent History
In 2006 a large increase in player numbers resulted in the formation of a third adult side for the first time since the 1970s. The Thirds team, which also included players from the Griffith University Gladiators, played in the reserves competition of Division 2 of the AFLQ State Association competition. 2006 also saw a significant improvement in performance with the Senior side finishing third overall, and the Reserves side winning the premiership.
The club continued to perform well in 2007 under new Senior Coach Travis Warren with both the senior and Reserves side reaching the preliminary final. In 2008, performances across all grades continued to improve, with the Reserves winning the Premiership, the Thirds making the Grand Final for the first time and the Seniors again narrowing missing the Grand Final to finish third. 2009 represented another year of growth for the club, with unprecedented player numbers allowing the creation of a fourth adult side for the first time. The Thirds and Fourths played as senior and reserve teams of Division 2 of the AFLQ State Association competition.
Ian Carter was appointed as Senior Coach for 2010 season. The Division 2 Reserves played finals for the first time since stepping up from Division 3, and the club continued to grow in numbers to accommodate their four adult mens sides
The Senior Coaching role was taken over by Tim MacKinley prior to the start of the 2011 season. Both Division 1 sides finished on top of their respective ladders to take out the minor premiership, with the Reserve side capping the season with a premiership and the Seniors reaching the Grand Final. The Thirds continued their improvement to record 4 victories, the most in one season since their promotion to Division 2. In 2012 the club had 3 teams make the Grand Final, with the Seconds and Fourths ultimately claiming premierships. At the completion of the 2012 season AFL Queensland offered University a promotion which, after the league re-branding that occurred in 2011, would see the Red Lions competing in Divisions 1 and 3 in 2013. The club will also be looking for a replacement for Tim MacKinley, and due to expanding player numbers may also introduce a Fifths into the Division 4 competition.
Read more about this topic: University Of Queensland Australian Football Club
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