This past weekend, Ballymore Stadium was the focal point for flag football enthusiasts across Australia, hosting the eagerly anticipated national championships. The tournament saw teams from every state and territory—except for the Northern Territory, which did not field a team, and Tasmania, which only presented a men’s team—compete in a thrilling display of skill and teamwork.
The action kicked off early on Saturday, with the men’s teams setting the stage for what would be a weekend full of surprises and athletic prowess. From the onset, Queensland was tipped as the favorite to win the competition, a prediction that seemed to only fuel the competitive spirit of the other teams.
A standout moment from the first day came during the nail-biting match between the Northern All Stars and WA. In the final 15 seconds, with half the field still to cover, WA decided against blitzing the quarterback. This strategic choice allowed the Northern All Stars’ QB a crucial 7 seconds to spot an opening and throw a decisive touchdown, captivating the spectators.
In the women’s division, Queensland proved their mettle by finishing the day undefeated, eagerly facing off against the newly formed WA team and maintaining their top form throughout the day.
As the competition moved into its second day, the intensity only heightened. The men’s teams entered the playoffs, with SA, QLD, Northern All Stars, and WA advancing to the semifinals. It culminated in an all-Queensland grand final between the Northern All Stars and the main Queensland team. After a fierce 40 minutes of back-and-forth action, Queensland emerged victorious, maintaining their unbeaten streak and claiming the national championship.
The women’s final saw NSW and QLD go head to head in a gripping encounter. Queensland continued their dominance, securing another win and making it a clean sweep for the state with both teams taking home gold, while the Northern All Stars took silver.
With the championships wrapped up, attention now turns to the selection of the best players from the tournament. These athletes will have the opportunity to represent Australia at the international tournament in Finland, showcasing their skills on a global stage.
This weekend not only highlighted the growing talent in Australian flag football but also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting future for the sport down under. Queensland’s remarkable performance has certainly set a high bar for the next series of national competitions.
