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LAUNCHED | 2025/26 QC Academy

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Queensland Cricket is proud to announce that the QC Academy has been launched into its second season.

Established ahead of season 2024/25, the QC Academy's purpose is to fast-track the development of elite cricket talent across Queensland, providing a clear and supported pathway for players with the potential to represent the Queensland Bulls, Queensland Fire, or Brisbane Heat. This program complements and strengthens existing pathways such as Premier Cricket, Country Cricket, and Queensland Youth teams.

A Purpose-Driven Program

At its core, the QC Academy exists to prepare players for the demands of elite cricket – more quickly and more consistently. The program is underpinned by three key development pillars:

  • Close the Gap – Supporting the transition to elite-level cricket.

  • Future Proof – Addressing identified skill gaps within our professional squads.

  • Polish the Platinum – Refining the top emerging talent to be contract-ready.

How Players Were Selected

Selection for the Academy was based on a combination of factors, carefully assessed by Queensland Cricket’s Elite Cricket staff and selectors. These include:

  • Potential to succeed at the elite level,

  • Areas of need identified in Queensland’s professional teams,

  • Proven performance and development trajectory,

  • Character, coachability, and commitment to growth.

Academy Squad

  • Alexander Procopis (Northern Suburbs)
  • Aryan Jain (Northern Suburbs)
  • Benji Floros (Valley)
  • Connor McMillan (South Brisbane)
  • Darcey Johnson (Sandgate-Redcliffe)
  • Dylan McLachlan (Valley)
  • Erin Moran (Wynnum-Manly)
  • Grace Collins (Wynnum-Manly)
  • Isaiah Snell (Western Suburbs)
  • Jack Wood (Ipswich)
  • Matt Willans (University of Queensland)
  • Olivia Winter (Gold Coast)
  • Sam Geyer (Western Suburbs)
  • Sam Neale (Northern Suburbs)
  • Scott Palombo (Northern Suburbs)
  • Steve McGiffin (Western Suburbs)
  • Steven Hogan (Sandgate-Redcliffe)
  • Tarah Staines (Sunshine Coast)
  • Tom Campbell (Western Suburbs)
  • Trinity Doyle (Western Suburbs)
  • Zac McDermott (Gold Coast)
  • Zanden Jeh (South Brisbane)

Academy Staff

  • Jarrad Loughman – Academy Lead (Male) & Fielding

  • Sam Ward – Academy Lead (Female)

  • Greg Moller – Batting

  • Andy Bichel – Fast Bowling

  • Gavin Fitness – Wicket Keeping & Batting

  • Cameron Boyce – Spin Bowling

  • Ronan McDonald – Physical Performance

  • Tony Hampson – Country Cricket

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We acknowledge and pay respect to our First Nations people and Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where we are privileged to live, work and play. We recognise and celebrate their spiritual and ongoing connection to culture and country. We respectfully acknowledge all elders past, present and emerging as we continue to cherish shared wisdom and grow with their guidance as we walk together toward a connected country.

Queensland Cricket's indigenous artwork was collaboratively designed by Queensland Fire player and proud Kunja woman Mikayla Hinkley and Brisbane Indigenous artist, Delores McDonald (“Aunty Delly”).

The centre circle represents the Gabba, alongside other water holes which used to be near the ground. 87 black strokes on red earth represent the wickets taken by Aboriginal great, Eddie Gilbert who played 23 games for Queensland.