Lions roar for 50th

The University of Queensland’s Australian Football Club — one of the code's oldest and its biggest club in Queensland — will celebrate its 50th anniversary on July 15.

Past player and Channel Nine sports presenter Steve Haddan will compere the gala dinner at the Hillstone Function Centre, St Lucia, from 7.45pm.

Club president Anthony Lee said the Red Lions dinner and fundraising auction would follow a 2pm grudge match against old rivals Yeronga.

Former players include current Adelaide ruckman Ben Hudson, professional golfer Ozzie Moore, former National Party President Ken Crooke, Bank of Queensland Chairman Neil Roberts and inaugural Darwin University Vice Chancellor Mal Nairn.

The Lions are currently top of the ladder in reserves and fifth in first grade of the State Association Division One competition.

They've won six first grade and four reserve premierships since 1956 after an ad appeared in the UQ Newsletter calling for players.

The club finished last in its first season, losing to Melbourne in 1958 by about 100 points.

But the Lions had one year in the top State League and after beating Sandgate by 70 points in a fiery grand final in 1966, its players left the field under police guard from Sandgate spectators.

Mr Lee said the club was being strengthened to cover the loss of money from the abolition of compulsory student union fees but with three teams and 110 registered players, it was still the biggest AFL club in the state.

The 50th reunion night costs $95 which includes finger food, two-course dinner and drinks.

Visit www.redlions.org.au for more information or to register.

MEDIA: Mr Lee (0432 685 108, Anthony@bennettfinancial.com.au) or Miguel Holland at UQ Communications (3365 2619)