REVEALED: The readers’ pick for the best footballers in Mackay and district

The voters have had their say, now it’s time for the big reveal. Find out who topped our best player polling across men’s, women’s and junior Mackay football.

Luke Slater AFL Mackay Senior Men City V Country Saturday 11 May 2024 Picture:Michaela Harlow

The readers have had their say, now it’s time to reveal the results. Find out which AFL Mackay players rank among the best the region has to offer.

Nominees were selected based off their total number of games featuring in their side’s best for the 2024 season, with readers then given the opportunity to vote for their top candidate.

Senior Men

1. Luke Slater (North Mackay Saints) - 21%

The Saints’ superstar was a comfortable winner in the vote count, and with his 11 best player nominations for the season, plus a history of success, it’s no wonder he took out top place.

2. Chris Endres (Eastern Swans) - 13%

Endres made his comeback to football this season and was a critical component of the Swans’ successful campaign to finally get over the premiership hump.

3. Tom Crawford (Mackay City Hawks) - 11%

While the Hawks languished at the bottom of the ladder in 2024, Crawford was still a shining light for the team that recorded just two wins.

Bakers Creek Tigers Women's team was victorious in the AFL Mackay 2024 grand finals. Picture: Daniel McLean

Senior Women

1. Indiana Brough (Bakers Creek Tigers) - 18%

The Tigers’ premiership hero, Brough was far from a one-hit wonder, securing top spot in our poll thanks to a consistent season with 11 best player nominations.

2. Jennifer Kimber (Moranbah Bulldogs) - 16%

Kimber was named in Moranbah’s best in every single one of her 11 appearances, while also being the equal second-most prolific goal kicker in the competition.

3. Kailah-Ann White (Moranbah Bulldogs) and

Mikaela Hurley (Mackay Magpies) - 9%

The third-place vote couldn’t be split, with White and Hurley both racking up just under one out of every 10 votes cast.

White may not have been quite as much of a goal-scoring as teammate Kimber, but she was also a significant asset to the cause.

Hurley on the other hand has clearly made a big impact at the Magpies in just her second season in the competition.

Moranbah Bulldogs vs North Mackay Saints AFL Mackay 2024 grand final at Etwell Park Bakers Creek. Picture: Daniel McLean

Under-17s

1. Riley King (Moranbah Bulldogs) - 24%

King was the premiership hero for Moranbah, but the key forward’s efforts across the season earned him a convincing top-place spot on our poll.

2. Lachlan Morgan (North Mackay Saints) - 15%

Morgan was the lone player in the competition to pick up 12 best on ground nominations for 2024, so it was no surprise to see him well and truly in the running.

3. Cohen Frith (North Mackay Saints) - 13%

Frith was an effective goal-kicker for a high scoring Saints outfit, but his value clearly extended beyond that aspect of the game for him to earn third place in the count.