‘A truly national event’: Gridiron Australia on why 2024 Flag Nationals will be greatest yet, full squad breakdown of every state
Teams from across the country will descend on Brisbane this weekend for Australia’s biggest Flag Football Nationals to date. Packed with cross-code names, get a full breakdown of every state’s roster plus the players you can’t miss. Full details inside.
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Teams from across the country will descend on Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane this weekend for the 2024 Flag Football Nationals, being held May 4-5, and it’s already attracting more excitement than ever.
Delighted to see the event come together, Australia Gridiron coach and Head of Australia’s National Flag Football Program Jamie Stafford said it all has to do with the hard work put in behind the scenes.
“I’ve been involved in American Football for over 25 years and this is the most optimistic I’ve been about a version of our sport breaking into the Australian mainstream,” Stafford said.
“Over the past two years in particular, a lot of hard work has been completed to see us in a position to deliver a truly national event at an elite sporting venue such as Ballymore.”
For the first time, Tasmania will compete as a stand alone state in the men’s and women’s divisions, with the Northern Territory not far off achieving the same progress in coming years.
“The organisation and professionalism of Flag Football improves by the day and puts both our men’s and women’s national teams in a great position to improve on our current World rankings,” he said.
“Not to mention the flow-on effects that these results and the coverage will have on our game at grassroots and junior level, where many of our future Flag Football olympians will be found.”
Australia competed in it’s first World Championships in October 2023, where they went down to Japan in the gold medal match.
The green and gold are currently ranked 16th in the world for men’s and 10th for women’s.
This weekend’s championships are a stepping stone for athletes to mark their name and be selected for the Australian national team which will compete at the 2024 World Championships in Finland in August.
“As a result, the number of elite athletes from other sports coming across and competing for spots at state level has gone through the roof and helped increase our overall profile,” Stafford said.
QUEENSLAND
MEN’S
#0 Larry Whitfield - DB/ WR
Former American division 1 college footballer now playing with the Griffith Thunder. A quirky sidenote - Whitfield featured on Australian dating show ‘Better Date Than Never.’
#1 Jayden Paludan (DB/ WR), #2 Niwa Mitchell-Turner (WR/DB) and #5 Mason Field (WR)
Three new faces in the Queensland flag team in 2024. Paludan played football at LTU (Lawrence Tech University) in Michigan, represented Sundevils Gridiron in 2023 and has been selected again in this year. Mitchell-Turner plays for GC Stingrays and most recently a scholarship offer from BYU (Brigham Young University). Having just turned 18, Field completed the new faces. He was part of the under-20 Outback squad and plays Australian Rules in the QAFL for Labrador.
#3 Bart Foley - QB/ DB
Quarterback and inaugural Aussie team member, Foley has payed flag football across the United Kingdom and Europe. Impressively, he threw 36 touchdowns at 84% completion rate in the recent Battle of Brisbane tournament.
#7 Brad (WR/DB) and #10 Aaron Howard (DB/ BZ) - captains
Brad captained the Australian Flag team in Malaysia He boasts an AFL background as a former second round draft pick to St Kilda. His older brother Aaron was awarded Defensive Player of the Tournament in Malaysia as a fellow inaugural Aussie team member.
#11 Matt Major - WR/ DB
Major was part of the state team last year and was originally selected for the Australian team before having to withdraw. He represented Sundevils Gridiron in 2023 and has been selected again in 2024. Major was also the Gold Coast Stingrays’ Offensive MVP last season.
#12 Philip Kern - QB
A true legend, Kern is the games record holder at Brisbane Flag Football. On an emotional side note, he just became a father to a baby boy (Calvin). And - keeping it quirky - Kern has represented Australia internationally for Negotiating (soon to be negotiating Calvin’s gridiron college career).
#23 Chiam James - DB
A cross-code genius, James has played football in Germany for the Rostock Griffins and in Sweden for the Uppsala 86ers. As part of the inaugural Australian Flag team, he knows how to juggle the pressure (classic girl-dad of three).
#47 Seb Ruiz - C/ DB
Hailing from Mexico and nicknamed ‘Chispa,’ Ruiz boasted 12 catches in one game (against Victoria) at last year’s tournament. There are big expectations to see similar numbers in 2024.
#88 Colin Kugler - BZ/C
Like many of his Queensland teammates, Kugler was part of the inaugural Australian flag team. He is a pickle ball fanatic, going to the lengths of having his own podcast and running a tournament on the Gold Coast known as the ‘Slam Jam.’
WOMEN’S
#4 Kodie Fuller -WR/DB (Capt)
#6 Kristy Moran - WR/BZ
#7 Davina Moore - WR/QB
#9 Jessica Lew - WR
#11 Dania Herdman - WR/DB
#13 Marissa Hayes - WR/C
#14 Casey Cubis - QB
# 2 4 Micky Filia - DB (Capt)
#27 Rylie Douglas - BZ/DB
#33 Kestra Besse - DB/WR
#87 Yanah Floridis - DB
#89 Eleanor O’Connell - DB/WR
PLAYERS TO WATCH
MEN’S - Aaron and Brad Howard
The Howard brothers are our sports answer to the Waugh’s - Brad is the current national team captain and a former AFL player for St Kilda. Aaron was named Defensive MVP at the 2023 Asia/Oceania Championships while representing Australia. Both boast an amazing Football IQ and passion for the sport.
WOMEN’S - Kodie Fuller & Casey Cubis
Kodie is one of Australia’s leading receivers internationally - playing both Gridiron and Flag Football - and was the driving force behind the women’s national team’s Silver Medal at the 2023 Asia/Oceania Championships. Casey is the national team Quarterback and one of the most accurate passers in the country, male or female.
AUSTRALIAN CAPTIAL TERRITORY
WOMEN’S
#3 - Rachel Battika (C)
#5 - Keira O’Connor
#9 - Dani de Groot
#15 - Alia Karmali
#20 - Lucy Gloag
#22 - Kylie West
#26 - Laura Fletcher
#33 - Rhianna Kuss
#44 - Breanna Payne
#84 - Michelle Greenwood
#99 - Hannah Monty
MEN’S
#0 Matthew Phillips - WR/QB #1 Jordi Silvera - WR
#3 Troy Laidlaw -WR/QB
#5 Nic Mattress - C/DB
#7 Shaurya Rawat - DB/WR
#8 Jay Irvin - QB
#9 Cody Donlan -DB
#1 James Micallef - WR/DB (Capt) #17 Mitchel Collins -WR/DB
# 32 Lachlan Clark - DB/WR
#81 John Dawson - C/DB
#99 Jackson Nelms - BZ/DB
PLAYERS TO WATCH
MEN’S - Mitchell Collins & Jay Irvin
Mitchell is one of the best football players in the country and has just returned from a two year stint playing college football in the United States. Jay is the starting quarterback for ACT and will be looking to make a statement after a recent defeat in the ACT Club Championship game.
WOMEN’S - Rachel Battika, Alia Karmali & Hannah Monty
Rachel was one of the national team’s best defensive players at the Asia/Oceania championships in 2023, and will be looking to continue her good form and development. Alia will get the start at Quarterback for her first tournament as a Flag Football player - she was a standout for the North Sydney Rebels in the 2023 Gridiron NSW competition. Hannah’s and explosive athlete in space with tremendous instincts and hands on both sides of the ball. She is an Australian Outback representative who is continuing to improve the finer details of her game.
NEW SOUTH WALES
WOMEN’S
#1 Alysha Rowe (Capt)
#2 Rebecca Baldin -WR/BZ
#4 Rachael Mortell
#5 Tegan Madden -WR/DB (Capt)
# 6 Rebecca Gordon
#9 Ruari Von Prott
#10 Pier Pritchard -DB/WR (Capt)
#11 Elizabeth Shorter - WR
#13 Laura Duarte - BZ/DB
# 2 7 Vanessa Lu - DB
#44 Riley McKay
# 8 8 Tamika Sutton - C/WR
MEN’S
#0MitchSawyer -WR
#2 Matthew Hull - DB/WR
#3 Jacob Barrett - WR/DB
#5 Cayden Close -BZ/WR
#7 Michael Whiteman - C/WR
#11 Taylor Jordan-Burke - WR
#12 Aaron Gray - DB
#13 Charles Lawand - QB (Capt)
#17 Hayden Gifford - DB (Capt)
#21 Diesel Sheppard - DB
#26 Cameron Streater - C
#29 Vladimir Pan - DB
PLAYERS TO WATCH
MEN’S - Cayden Close & Matthew Hull
Cayden is a current Men’s national team player with an elite NRL background and is also a part of “The Search”, Gridiron Australia’s College Football pathway program. Matthew is is a former Under-20 National team player for Gridiron and one of the best defensive backs to come across from Gridiron to Flag.
WOMEN’S - Rebecca Gordon & Tegan Madden
Rebecca is one of the most experienced and decorated women’s players in Gridiron NSW history - she is the reigning North Sydney Rebels MVP and a former national team representative in Gridiron. Tegan is another member of the all-conquering Rebels squad in GNSW and is a force on both offence and defence.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
MEN’S
#1 Corey Thompson - WR/DB
# 4 Matt Spies - WR/DB
# 5 Tyrese Paul - WR/DB
# 6 Brodie Haks - DB/WR
#7 Jarrod Toshack - DB/WR
#9 Jack Boggs - C/BZ
#11 Casey Allen - WR/BZ
#14 Lewis Gibb - WR/BZ
#15 Dan O’Shaughnessy - QB
#25JoshuaPerren-DB/WR
# 4 9 Lance Tongakilo - DB/QB
#87 Adrick McLeod - DB (Capt)
PLAYERS TO WATCH
MEN’S - Corey Thompson & Adrick McLeod
Corey’s accomplishments are well known, boasting a 100-plus game wrap in the NRL with three clubs. This will be his first foray into competitive Flag Football with an eye on making the national team. Adrick was Australia’s leading tackler at the 2023 Asia/Oceania Championships and will be responsible for leading this team of athletes new to the sport.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
WOMENS’
#2 Rachael O’Sullivan -QB (Capt)
#4 Illiana Mulraney (Capt)
#5 KateMcMaster -WR/DB
#6 Jacinda King - WR/DB
#7 Stacey Speer
#16 Lizzy Damrow - WR/DB
#17 Talia Ng - WR/DB
#24 Ellie Games
#31 Pricilla Atim
# 3 4 Tpi Payton - WR/ DB
#42 Tesa Davis -
#68 Oona Ylinen - C/BZ
MEN’S
#0 Ziah Dimitriou-McMahon - WR
#3 Kav Punchihewa - DB
#4 Tim Tuikaba-BZ/WR
#6 James Young -WR
#13 Andrew Bigiri - C
#14 Pat Ryan - DB
#17 Simon Whitehead - QB (Capt)
#20 Jayden Casbarra - DB/BZ (Capt)
#24 Matt Thompson - DB
#31 Tyson Helmers - DB
#32 Alex Rossi - WR
#89 Mitch Olive - DB
PLAYERS TO WATCH
MEN’S - Tim Tuikaba & Jayden Casbarra
Tim is an elite level athlete, one of the best Gridiron players in South Australia and his transition to the non-contact game against this level of competition will be exciting to watch. Jayden was a standout in last year’s national tournament as a pass rusher - and national team coaches are hoping to see even greater development from him.
WOMEN’S - Tessa Davis & Kate McMaster
Tessa competed for Victoria at last year’s championships and was a dominant player until an injury sustained in the final against Queensland. She will be looking to bounce back strong for her adopted new state. Kate has transferred across from Tasmania for a chance to play at the elite level and will be looking to show what players from her state can do on the national stage.
TASMANIA
MEN’S
#1 Seamus Sutton - C (Capt)
#2 Mitch Martin - WR/DB #
#3 JoelSims-QB (Capt)
#4 Alex Gardom - C
# 5 Dante Huff - DB
# 6 Nick Oen - WR
#7 Anthony Sanderson - DB
#1 Lachy John -WR/DB
#17 Keenan Griffiths - DB/OB
#19 Sam Wise - WR
#23 Tom Shreeve - WR/DB
#24 Jack Straatsma - BZ/WR
PLAYERS TO WATCH
MEN’S - Joel Sims & Nick Oen
As a brand new program making their National Championship debut, a lot will fall on Captain/Coach Joel Sims, a multi-time state championship winning quarterback from Hobart. Nick Oen is a former NSW state representative player who has since relocated to the Apple Isle. His experience and offensive output will be crucial to the team’s chances.
VICTORIA
MEN’S
#0 DJ Battistella - DB/WR
#1 Cooper Maher - WR/DB
#2 Kevin Vo - DB/WR
#3 Lachy Worsam - WR/DB
# 5 Julian Cauchi - WR/DB
# 7 Lachie Clarke - DB/WR
#8 Marcel Pascual - DB/QB
#11 Isaac Kozma- Kelly - WR/DB
#12 Jacob Atley - WR/DB
#14 Joshua Andrieri - C/DB
#15 Callum Hulst - BZ/C
#17 Matthew Krul - QB/BZ
WOMEN’S
#5 Bliss Love -C
#7 Nathania Chandra - WR
#8 Temmika Beeston -WR/DB
#9 Kristy Turner - BZ/WR
#12 Jaya McRob -DB/WR
#17 Olivia Manfre - WR (Capt)
#23 Gabriella Lozano - BZ/WR
#25 Denise Onte - DB
#26 Sam Kelly - WR/DB
#27 Jordan Di Mizio - WR/DB (Capt)
#87 Izy Paholek- QB
#99 Emma Klemm -WR/QB
PLAYERS TO WATCH
MEN’S - Jacob Atley & Cooper Maher
Jacob is a former TAC Cup-level AFL player and has been outstanding as a wide receiver and defensive back in the Monash Flag League in 2024. A great athlete with a bright future at rep level, Cooper is the reigning Gridiron Victoria MVP and has all the tools to be an elite receiver at international level in Flag.
WOMEN’S - Olivia Manfre & Jordan Di Mizio
Olivia is one of the sport’s brightest young stars - a VFLW player for Essendon as well as a national team player who has received college offers to play in the US. Jordan has been one of Australia’s best gridiron players for the past decade and her experience and athletic ability will be vital.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
MEN’S
#2 Brendan York
#3 Connor Young-Free
#4 Rory Druce - WR/DB
#6 Gareth Weinbrecht -WR/DB
#7 Fletcher Dignam - WR/QB #8 Brandon Jansen
#10 Luke Hegney
#11 Daniel Strickland
#12 Nathan McCann - QB
#14 Niko Burns - C/BZ (Capt)
#21 Ben Gallagher
#22 Jeremy Ditiere
WOMEN’S
#4 Louise Devine -QB
#5 Kathryn Riley -WR/BZ
#7 Sophia Davies-Morgan - WR/C
#12 Jasmine Bourke
#18 Tegan Brown - WR
#21 Oaklee Jones
#24 Amanada Howsan - QB
#26 Catherine Rushbrooke - DB
#27 Jess Smith - WR/ DB
#29n Kirstie Chase
#35 Laura St Ruth - DB (Capt) #36 Tanisha Stewart -WR
#36 Tanisha Stewart -WR
PLAYERS TO WATCH
MEN’S - Fletcher Dignam & Connor Young-Free
Fletcher is a current national team player and once of the most technically sound route runners in the country, though still young with a huge ceiling for improvement. Connor is another young athlete making his debut for WA. He was super impressive in testing at this year’s WA Scouting Combine.
WOMEN’S - Tanisha Stewart & Tegan Brown
Tanisha is a super-talented wide receiver and one of the fastest women’s players in the country. Tegan is an experienced receiver for her club in Gridiron and is also a national team representative in Lacrosse.
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