AFL Queensland mourns the loss of icon and inaugural AFLQ Woman of the Year Heather Green

Tributes flow as the Aussie rules community mourns the death of an icon – inaugural AFL Queensland Woman of the Year recipient Heather Green. Here’s how you can pay your respects to a woman who shaped the future of football on the Darling Downs

Heather Green was named as an AFL Darling Downs Life Member in 2012. Picture: Bev Lacey

Keith Webb is looking back at the 2024 AFLQ Darling Downs grand final day in a totally different light now.

He didn’t know it at the time but that day at Toowoomba’s Rockville Park would be the last time he spoke to good friend and Aussie rules icon Heather Green.

The AFL Queensland community is in mourning following the sudden death of Green – a woman many described as passionate, caring and dedicated while some called her their ‘second mum’.

“I’m thinking about that grand day a lot differently now,” Webb said.

“It was the first time I had been back in Toowoomba for some time and I had the pleasure of chatting to Heather who I consider a good friend.

“Heather was one of the driving forces as we lobbied Toowoomba Regional Council for probably 10 years to have a space Aussie rules could call home.

“Looking around Rockville Park on grand final day, the first time I have seen the new facilities, it is a great indication, a great indication of who Heather was and the influence she had on the game.”

Webb made the move to Toowoomba in the early 2000s after accepting the AFL Queensland – Darling Downs development manager position.

He remembers Green as a passionate, positive and friendly woman who always had time for everyone.

Webb also remembers a dedicated and determined volunteer.

Heather Green (left) presents the Best and Fairest women’s medal named in her honour to 2024 winner Tiarna Jericho.

“Heather instantly welcomed me and my family with open arms,” he said.

“It came as a real shock to me when I found out she was a volunteer – I actually thought for a while that she was employed by AFLQ because of the work and time she committed to the game.”

The sudden death of Green was a massive shock for another long time AFL Darling Downs administrator Jeff Neumann.

‘Mother H’, or ‘H’ as Neumman liked to call her, was a great friend.

“It’s devastating, absolutely devastating,” Neumann said.

“Heather would hate me saying this but she was second to none – an outstanding volunteer, a true icon of Aussie rules and a friend.

“She was like a second mum.

“We used to catch up for coffee all the time and we always scheduled that time to talk about footy but we talked about everything else.”

Neumann and Green ‘worked’ together for more than 20 years and he is happy her legacy will live on with the AFL Darling Downs Best and Fairest women’s medal named in her honour several years ago.

“There is no more fitting to have that medal named after,” Neumann said.

“If there wasn’t an honour named after H you would have to find something.

“I’m glad I was part of the team that made that decision – it means her legacy and influence will talked about forever.”

Green life will be celebrated at Rockville Park Friday, November 8 at 11am.

All are welcome and encouraged to pay their respects to a true icon of AFL Darling Downs.

In honour of Heather’s vibrant spirit, attendees are asked to wear bright and colourful attire.

Originally published as AFL Queensland mourns the loss of icon and inaugural AFLQ Woman of the Year Heather Green