A NEWLY-MERGED Redlands team is one of two which will join the QAFL competition next season.
AFL Queensland announced the new additions to the semi-professional competition on Tuesday, with Redlands-Victoria Point Sharks and Noosa bringing the list of competing clubs to 11.
Having competed in the NEAFL competition since 2011, the Redland Bombers joined forces with the Victoria Point Sharks last month.
Head of AFL Queensland Trisha Squires said the move had provided an opportunity for Redlands players to play state league football.
"Mergers are never easy, even more so in such a short period of time, however both clubs have had a strong relationship in recent times and have put their region first and we are extremely confident they will become a club the Redland Coast community embraces," Squires said.
She said the addition of new clubs would further strengthen the QAFL competition.
"It's fantastic that we have clubs aspiring to play at the highest possible level," Squires said.
Redland-Victoria Point Sharks spokesman Nic Aldridge said both clubs were committed to providing a talent pathway for those living in the Redlands.
"As clubs we have a role to play in our local community in providing opportunities for our aspiring talent and strong junior base, and this move certainly achieves that objective," he said.
"Our playing list is excited at the challenge and opportunity that playing in the QAFL presents."
The clubs announced the merger in mid-October on social media, two weeks after the Bombers said they would not play in the 2021 VFL and East Coast Second-Tier Competition for financial reasons.
On Facebook, the Sharks said through committees, coaching staff, playing lists and governing bodies, the two clubs had discussed the future of football at the Victoria Point precinct.
"Taking into consideration these consultations and the viability and sustainability of continuing as separate bodies, both clubs have come to an agreement to unite, with a view to playing in Queensland's premier men's community football competition," the club said.
"Football has a proud history at the Sharks since 1966, and this is another positive step forward for our Junior pathways and the wider community in seeing a united senior club."