Sandgate Hawks

Celebrating the Life of William Forbes

The Forbes family wish to extend a warm invitation to family and friends to join them as they gather to share stories, cherished memories, and celebrate the life of William Forbes.

Friday 5 June 2026
11:00am
Sandgate Hawks Clubhouse
120 Lemke Road, Taigum QLD 4018

For those unable to attend, or for anyone wishing to share a memory, photo, or message of condolence, William's online tribute page can be found here:

https://www.compassionatefunerals.com.au/tribute/william-forbes-002156/

They welcome all who knew and loved William to join them in celebrating his life and the many memories he leaves behind.

⭐️ MILESTONE MONDAY ⭐️

A huge congratulations to Eadie on reaching the incredible milestone of 100 games for the Hawks!

100 games is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of years of dedication, commitment and love for the club. We’re proud to have you as part of our Hawks family and can’t wait to see what’s ahead.

Congratulations, Eadie! 🦅💚❤️

Sandgate has lost another of its loyal sons of the “Super 70s” era with the passing of Will Forbes.

Willie, Wilbur, Bear or Barney to his many friends, began his AFL journey when, as a member of the Shorncliffe team, he was a close runner-up Best & Fairest in the A Division of the local Primary Schools competition.

Will strapped on boots for Sandgate Hawks for the first timethe following year as a 12-year-old. He won B&F for his team, but was also elevated to the A team’s grand final match. These team mates became life-long friends who contestedmany Grand Finals as they progressed through the junior ranks.

Just one week after his 16th birthday Will made his First Grade debut. Of this 20-man Sandgate team, no fewer than 14 were past, present or future State players.

For the next 15 years, Will went on to play 231 QAFL First Grade games for Sandgate in the #31 jersey.

While still a teenager Will appeared in grand finals – two in Colts Grade with one premiership and two premierships in Reserve Grade. As a permanent First Grader, Will was part of eight finals series play-offs from 1972 to 1979. Most notably he played in the 1974 and 1979 premiership teams. As fullback, Will was named Best on Ground in the 1979 QAFL Grand Final.

During his playing days he coached junior teams and in his last season coached the Reserves alongside Seniors’ coach, Alex Jesaulenko. Not just a great Clubman, Will was a talented player who could be positioned anywhere along the midline from full forward to fullback. He earned State selection in 1977 and 1980.

Later Will coached, managed and umpired many junior teams and became the Hawks Junior Vice-President, then President. As his boys entered the Senior ranks, Will continued his involvement as team runner and waterboy, as well as Club Secretary for 12 consecutive years.

Will was a member of a handful of stalwarts who helped the club survive during 2005 & 2006 when all seemed lost, being without access to the Lemke Road clubhouse and playing fields. Along with a few others he poured time and money into keeping the Hawks alive, achieving Life Membership in 2011.

More recently Will was named in the backline of the star-studded Hawks “Team of the First 80 Years” and was inducted into the AFL Queensland Hall of Fame in 2023.
A loving family man and loyal friend to many, he will be sorely missed.

The Sandgate Hawks send our heartfelt condolences to Janelle and the entire Forbes family 💚❤️

QFAW DIVISION 1 WOMENS TEAM!

Just the one senior team takes the field tomorrow, our Division 1 Women head to Yeronga to take on the Devils.

Both Div 1 Men’s teams and our Div 2 women have a bye this weekend.

WEEKEND MILESTONES

A couple of awesome milestones from the Under 13s Div 5 Green for the weekend. We had Hamish with 100 games & Rome with 50 games, congratulations to you both!

FIELDS CLOSED AGAIN TODAY

Due to the amount of rain we have had, unfortunately the ovals are all closed today to ensure player safety and maintain the condition of the ovals.

Contact your coach for alternative sessions.

We have draws!

The wait is finally over! 🙌

Mark your calendars — all Junior & Youth fixtures have now been confirmed and are available on PlayHQ.

➡ Fixtures: https://bit.ly/4uJBy7I

NO TRAINING TODAY!

Due to the weather, all ovals are closed for the day.

⭐️ MILESTONE MONDAY ⭐️

A busy weekend around the fields and plenty to celebrate with some fantastic player milestones across our junior and youth teams!

Congratulations to Flynn (U15) & Jed (U15) who both hit a century of games over the weekend! What an incredible achievement! Thank you for your commitment, passion and everything you bring to the club both on and off the field. Reaching 100 junior games is something to be extremely proud of!

A huge congratulations also to all our 50 game players — Ellis (U15), Taylor (U13), Stella (U13), Ben (U11) & Chase (U11)! Your hard work, dedication and love for the Hawks continues to shine every week. We love watching you represent the green and red with pride!

Congratulations to all our milestone players! 💚❤️