The 2019 Australian Indigenous Football Championships (AIFC) were held over the last two days at the Moreton Bay Sports Complex, with players travelling from around the state and country to compete.
2019 Australian Indigenous Football Championships
"Even though we're all spread out all over the place, when we come together on a representative team we all understand the importance of representing our communities."This year's Australian Indigenous Football Championships brought together communities from across the state and country for the two-day event ⚽🖤💛❤️⚽
Posted by Football Queensland on Monday, November 11, 2019
The second edition of the tournament provided an opportunity for even more Indigenous players to showcase their talent in 2019 with the addition of a youth competition in which eight teams competed, with the Platypus side defeating the Koalas in the youth Grand Final.
After yesterday’s men’s Grand Final resulted in a 1-1 draw at full time, Brisbane Warrigals defeated Northern NSW side Maliyans United in a thrilling penalty shootout to claim the men’s AIFC title.
Maliyans United also featured in the women’s Grand Final, with the side securing the women’s AIFC title after recording a 6-0 win against NQ Brolgas.
In addition to the competitive matches, the tournament featured a showcase match between an Indigenous All Stars team and a Queensland Police Service side.
The 2019 AIFC saw Indigenous communities from across the country come together not only to participate in the tournament, but also to celebrate Indigenous culture and make connections with other players and communities.
All Semi Finals and Finals were also livestreamed by SBS for the first time this year, with Craig Foster in attendance on Saturday to commentate the streamed matches and meet with those at the tournament.
Congratulations to all who participated in the AIFC and to those who worked to put the event together.
Images: MMM Sport Photography