AFL Mackay: Rich History and Exciting Matches

AFL Mackay is an amateur Australian rules football competition formed in 1970, originally known as the Mackay Australian Football League. Headquartered in the city of Mackay, the league also features clubs in Airlie Beach and Bakers Creek. The representative team is called the Crows, and the Premier division is sponsored by Allied Pickfords Australia, now known as the Allied Pickfords Cup.

Early History

The roots of Australian rules football in Mackay date back to 1885, when the first matches were played. However, most clubs in the region later switched to rugby rules. It wasn't until 1970 that regular competition resumed with the formation of the Mackay Australian Football League.

Formation and Development

• 1970: The league started with East Mackay Demons, West Mackay Magpies (later Walkerston), and North Mackay Colts.
• 1971: Bakers Creek joined.
• 1975: Moranbah joined but left in 1982 due to work commitments, returning briefly in 1989 and leaving again in 1993.
• 1977: Mackay City joined.
• 1980: Dysart joined.
• 1982: Middlemount joined but left with Dysart and Moranbah in 1982.
• 1983: A breakaway from North Mackay formed Trend United.
• 1985: Airlie Beach joined, renamed Whitsunday in 1990.
• 1987: East Mackay and Trend United merged to form Eastern Swans.
• 1990: Mackay City briefly renamed to Northern Beaches before reverting.
• 2011: Andergrove Kangaroos joined, later becoming Northern Beaches Magpies (2012) and Mackay Magpies (2015).

The Prestigious MJ Miller Medal

While the history and development of AFL Mackay is undeniably captivating, another aspect that adds to the league’s prestige is the MJ Miller Medal, an accolade annually awarded to the best and fairest player in the senior men’s competition. This award is not just a reflection of a player’s performance, but also of their sportsmanship and fairness on the field, making it a highly coveted honor.

• The MJ Miller Medal is named after Mick Miller, who played a pivotal role in introducing AFL to Mackay.
• The award is determined by the umpires’ votes, ensuring a just and impartial selection.
• Detailed statistics and past winners of the medal are carefully recorded and preserved.
• The recipients represent different teams each year, showcasing the diverse talent in the AFL Mackay league.

Key Clubs and Their Achievements

• Bakers Creek Tigers: 9 premierships. Home Ground: Etwell Park.
• Eastern Swans: 7 premierships. Home Ground: Rogers Oval.
• Mackay Magpies: No premierships. Home Ground: Magpies Sports Park.
• Mackay City Hawks: 8 premierships. Home Ground: Harrup Park.
• North Mackay Saints: 14 premierships. Home Ground: Zeolla Park.
• Whitsunday Sea Eagles: 10 premierships. Home Ground: Whitsundays Sports Park.
• Moranbah Bulldogs: Junior only, 3 premierships. Home Ground: Stevenson Sports Park.

AFL Mackay's rich history, dynamic club contributions, and prestigious awards like the MJ Miller Medal reflect the league's enduring popularity and adaptability. With a strong foundation and a vibrant community, AFL Mackay continues to thrive, promoting Australian rules football in the Mackay region.