19 February 2016
Australian Rules football commenced in Mackay in 1970, well after the 20th century rebirth of the code in Cairns, Townsville and Mt Isa. By the 1980s the Mackay league was rivalling its northern cousins in standard and interest.
In 1982 the league boasted 8 clubs, and by then had claimed the North Queensland Championships against its more experienced rivals.
In 1994 a gala function was organised to celebrate 25 years, and a fantastic video was commissioned to celebrate the milestone.
Enjoy the footy, the XXXX and Holden advertisements, action adjacent to the cane fields, and much much more.
Note how Harrup Park looked in 1972. On March 6, 2016 the he Brisbane Lions will play St Kilda in the NAB Cup at the once humble venue.
Early Mackay AFL History from Murray Bird on Vimeo.
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