QAFL colts footy’s Mr Versatile from your club

QAFL colts footy: Meet the Mr Versatile players your club simply cannot do without this season as the competition starts to take shape.

Sherwood’s Jackson Bridge marks ahead of Thomas Steel in last Saturday’s two point thriller against Aspley. Picture, John Gass

They are among the most valuable players in a squad, footy players that can swing effortlessly from role to role across a match, or a long, demanding season.

And the QAFL colts competition has them in droves.

Players like Labrador’s Flynn Moore, Noosa’s Wispa Brain, Hamish McPherson of Aspley and Flynn Strauss from Morningside can swing from position to position.

Every side has them. So who are the Mr Versatile types from your club? Read on.

Sherwood’s Maxwell Boothey, right and Aspley’s Duncan Lewis, left in the ruck last Saturday.Picture, John Gass

ROUND 6 HIGHLIGHTS

Aspley won a thriller by two points over the previously unbeaten Sherwood, winning 8.9 to 8.7 after a dramatic final term;

Morningside (8.6.54) won its first local derby against neighbours Coorparoo (5.6.36);

Surfers Paradise won by 34 points over Mt Gravatt

Noosa got the job done at home in the rain and mud against Redland Victoria Point, 5.6.36 to 1.4.10;

Palm Beach broke into stride to beat coast arch rivals Broadbeach 11.8 to 3.5, with seven players booting majors;

Labrador had a rousing away win against Maroochydore, winning 7.7.49 to the Roos 3.8.26 in sodden conditions.

Mitch Willis of Morningside is versatile. Photos by Stephen Archer

THE COMPETITION’S MOST VERSATILE PLAYERS

ASPLEY

Hamish McPherson

You could say could play anywhere on the ground, and McPherson would do it in style.

While he is predominantly a forward, McPherson can pinch hit anywhere is asked by coach Brett Atkins.

Hamish McPherson hand balls during his team’s thrilling two point win. Picture, John Gass

Tom Levi

A versatile local junior from the Padua College catchment, Levi swings back, mid and forward - just depending where he is best suited to help the side at any time. He is well skilled on both sides of his body and has a great turn of speed when needed.

Calen Harrop

The original Mr Fit-It of the side, Harrop can play midfield or forward and is a footballer with a great kick. For his size has a great grab on him, but when needed to do the grunt work, Harrop has no hesitation in doing so.

COORPAROO

Rhys Doman

Doman is an under age talent who started at half back where his intercept marks and rebounding ability came to the fore.

Coorparoo players earlier in the season - the Kings had a narrow loss to rival Morningside. Photos by Stephen Archer

But recently he moved to the wing where he has been able to impact the forward half of the field.

Doman can also play on the ball and would be a damaging opponent for defenders if he pushes forward. He is a proven, versatile weapon for the Kings this season, someone with a nice ability to read the play, contest in the air and then find a target by foot.

Flynn Strauss of Morningside is pressured earlier in the season. Photos by Stephen Archer

MORNINGSIDE

Flynn Strauss

After playing backline for the first two games, Strauss went forward against Palm Beach and kicked the first two goals of the game, giving the team a massive lift.

Liam Catley

Catley is the king of versatility. Last year he played in all positions after winning the U17 best and fairest award.

This season he has played as a key defender, ruck and key forward.

Morningside also have a number of particularly versatile players like Ben Morison, Xavier Veivers-Brown, Harry Egan and Mitch Willis because that is a big strength for the Panthers this season.

Ben Morison uses his body and has eyes for the ball. Photos by Stephen Archer

NOOSA

Wispa Brain

Noosa Tigers player Wispa Brain. Picture: Craig Slaney Sports Photography.

The younger brother of Brisbane Lions squad player Shadeau Brain, Wispa has already slotted in at forward, on-ball and down back through the opening rounds so far this season.

He loves getting up and down the ground and filling his role for the team.

He’s worth his weight in gold.

Wilston Grange players break off into huddles during a quarter time break earlier in the season. Photos by Stephen Archer

WILSTON GRANGE

Issac Roach

Roach is a true swingman who can move from one end of the ground to the other without a bead of sweat. He can even help in the ruck.

So impressive has Roach been this season, he made his senior debut for the Gorillas last Saturday.

SHERWOOD

Liam O’Brien

The Magpies were blessed with versatile players, including Liam O’Brien, who can move forward with strength in the air and at ground level, while also going back and being a good reader of the ball.

Liam O’Brien hand balls out of trouble. Picture, John Gass

O’Brien has also spent time as a defensive midfielder and has, at all times, fulfilled whatever role has been asked of him.

Jackson Bridge

Like O’Brien, young squad member Bridge started the season playing defensively behind the ball.

But recently Bridge has spent time forward where his outstanding contested marking and finishing skills have come to the party.

When asked recently to play a role forward, his response to coach Damian Haber was: “I am up for any role you need for me, and to help play any role for the team’’.

“I think that says it all,’’ said coach Haber.

REDLAND-VICTORIA POINT

Cooper Pell

A big key forward, Pell can also roll through midfield taking clean, strong marks. But he loves nothing more than booting a goal.

MAROOCHYDORE

Jake Neill

Always strong in the midfield, Neill can also transition and play up forward with ease.

He is the type of footy player who can pop up and kick goals wherever required and is a valued member of the squad.

Maroochydore Roos QAFL Colts player Jake Neill.

PALM BEACH

Jai Leach

A high achiever from the Ballina Bombers club, Leach can play deep in the forward line, in the ruck or on the wing. He is a 196cm athletic specimen with considerable skills.

BROADBEACH

Flynn Babic

A junior who has been on the Suns radar, Babic is a versatile player who can play any role in any part of the ground.

In aerial contests he makes himself bigger than he is, but at the same time plays smaller than he is with quick speed at ground level.

He really is the ultimate utility who can impact the game in countless ways.

SURFERS PARADISE

Jed Sessarago

A terrific footy player who can play almost anywhere on the field, Sessarago’s size makes him an aerial presence wherever he plays.

LABRADOR

Flynn Moore

The ultimate utility, Moore can play deep in the backline or impose himself in attack as a damaging half forward. He can even play on the wing when needed.

MT GRAVATT

Max Hoffmann

A forward or ruck, the bloke just loves footy and can play any positions which the coach needs him to play.

Luke Kirkman

A true utility, coach Richard Jenkie can put his frame anywhere on the field and Kirkman will do a job without complaint.

Originally published as QAFL colts footy’s Mr Versatile from your club