All the action from the Darling Downs football grand final games
The Darling Downs best footballers wrote their names into premiership history at the weekend. Check out our massive junior and senior grand final photo gallery here.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
For 34 consecutive seasons, Adam Halstead has bled red (and black) for the Gatton football club.
Starting out as a junior he progressed through the ranks into the senior team and the now 39-year-old is the current Redbacks club president.
A few years ago, after a number of heartbreaking grand final defeats, Halstead had all but accepted ‘it (a premiership) was never going to happen’ but all that changed last Saturday.
With five minutes left in the FQPL 3 Darling Downs Men’s final and his side leading 4-1, Halstead accepted his fate.
“The last grand final I remember playing in was 2016 and we lost that with a pretty good team,” Halstead said.
“I had basically talked myself into thinking it (a premiership) was never going to happen a few years ago.
“With about five minutes to go (in Saturday’s grand final) I think the whole team was overcome with all the emotion of the season and the game, you could see it on just about everyone’s face, it was pretty surreal.
“At that point we had just gone up 4-1 and I think everyone knew we were not going to give it away.
“It (the title win) is unreal to be honest, I really can’t describe how it feels and what it means to me, the players, the whole club really.”
Gatton’s start to the 2024 season was rocky with a number of early losses before the team settled into their rhythm.
They finished the regular in third and as the best attacking team in the competition before going on to win the title.
“We didn’t have the best first round,” Halstead said.
“We only had a few training sessions before the start of the year because we were still trying to bring players in and get John (Edwards) on as coach.
“John was a big part of the team’s success. He’s coached us before and he always has the respect of his players and his (football) style and philosophy is great.
“On top of that I think we had a really well rounded, one of best sides in a while, we knew we’d be able to score goals and once our defence settled we improved out of sight as the season went on.
“The support from everyone associated with the club was amazing too.
“Every president we tell you they have the best fans, volunteers, club and I’m no different.
“But honestly they were all a massive part – this win is as much for them and about them as it is the players.”
More Coverage
UNVEILED: Toowoomba’s next generation of tennis stars
We shine a light on the future stars of tennis in the Garden City. Check out which young guns have been making their mark here.
Read more
Father-daughter duo ready to lift game at premier strongman comp
Meatstock is set to return to the Garden City in less than a month. Meet the father who will compete in the prestigious strongman event alongside his daughter next month.
Read more
Club rivals: The stars to watch in Clydesdales City vs Country clash
Clubmates will become rivals this weekend when the Western Clydesdales City and Country squads go head-to-head. Here’s our look at the stars players to watch.
Read more
Teen star reveals secret to 35+ medal and PB athletics season
Recording countless personal bests and winning more than 35 medals from the local to national level, Xanthee Watts had a 2024 athletics season to remember. Now the 15-year-old has revealed the secret to her success.
Read more
Named: The Origin stars who will play in Toowoomba NRL trial
The Broncos and Titans have named star-studded teams for their Toowoomba pre-season showdown this Sunday. Find out who will line-up at Toowoomba Sports Ground here.
Read more
League star in induced coma after rural Queensland car crash
A 20-year-old Queensland rugby league star is fighting for life after a car crash left him with severe head and chest injuries. Here’s how you can support him and his family.
Read more