REVEALED: The 12 players set to define the AFL Mackay finals series
With finals just around the corner, it’s time to take a look at the players who look set to define the business end of the 2024 AFL Mackay season.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Finals time in the AFLQ Mackay competition is fast approaching, and the time has come to take a look at some of the key players who look set to be difference makers at the business end of the season.
From goalkickers to midfielders to key defenders, here are the 12 players coaches believe will propel their side to premiership contention:
Riley Bibby (Eastern Swans)
Last year’s club best and fairest winner Riley Bibby has returned to some stellar form this season, despite suffering a significant injury at the end of 2023 which kept him off the track until round four.
“He’s finding his form again, and he wants to make up for missing out last season,” Swans coach Carl Teske said of the centre half forward.
Billy Galpin (Whitsunday Sea Eagles)
This dazzling and attacking-minded midfielder has featured in the Sea Eagles’ best players in 11 out of 13 appearances this season.
Despite playing primarily on-ball, Galpin has kicked 30 goals for the season to comfortably lead his side and good for second-most in the competition.
“He’s on of our best on-field leaders and also our leading goalkicker for the season, so he’s pretty key all-round,” Whitsunday coach Luke Somerville said.
Cameron Hill (North Mackay Saints)
A damaging attacking player with more than 100 games under his belt for the Saints, Hill has kicked 25 goals in 13 matches and been ranked among the side’s best on nine occasions.
Joel Mitchell (Mackay Magpies)
With a whopping 58 goals for the season - nearly double the next highest goal kicker in the league - it’s tough to look passed the Magpies’ big man in the goal square as a critical player for them to find come finals.
Alex Lawton (Eastern Swans)
New to the Swans this season, this young and athletic midfielder has reached representative-level football this season on account of his pace and skills.
“He’s improving his game every week and is tough as nails,” Teske said.
Billy Gardner (Whitsunday Sea Eagles)
Another key midfield presence for the Sea Eagles, Gardner has been in their best in nine out of 11 matches and is widely touted for his dominance around the contest.
Luke Slater (North Mackay Saints)
Another Sainter who is more than capable of finding the goals when necessary, Slater has kicked 15 goals across his 13 appearances while being named in their best eight times.
Ethan Goodwin (Mackay Magpies)
The Magpies’ number one ruckman is also versatile enough to go back into defence, racking up six mentions in the side’s best from 13 appearances.
Terry Bailey (Eastern Swans)
The most experienced player on this list, Bailey has racked up more than 400 games for the Swans, but his coach said while his absolute best might be behind him, he still has plenty to offer.
“He’s not in our top echelon of players now, but he keeps the guys cool, calm and collected, and given this could be his last season there’s some motivation there to get it done,” Teske said.
Alex Rodgers (Whitsunday Sea Eagles)
The key defender who is also the captain of the Whitsunday team has put together “his best season yet” according to his coach.
“He’s been very good all season, just really intercepting the ball well and hitting the contest hard,” Somerville said.
Ryan Villalba (North Mackay Saints)
While Villalba hasn’t been as damaging in front of goals as his two teammates featured on this list, he has been no less valuable to the cause, named in their best eight times across 13 matches.
Harrison Taylor (Mackay Magpies)
With eight mentions in the best from 12 appearances this season, look out for Taylor to make his mark come finals time in his first full season with the Magpies.
‘Don’t take it for granted’: Vassallo prepares for battle alongside North Qld side
Find out more about the Mackay wicketkeeper who will be representing North Queensland in the XXXX Cup this weekend.
Four-time All Star announces retirement from NRL
Four-time Indigenous All Star Jamayne Taunoa-Brown has called time on his NRL days after a horror achilles injury derailed his career. Find out why the 28-year-old’s decision was so tough.