Coaches nominate: QAFL and QAFLW best club culture and team spirit players
With the 2024 QAFL and QAFLW seasons underway, senior coaches have had their say on which players are the beating hearts of the side’s team spirit and culture. See the leaders here.
Sunshine Coast
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Coaches nominate is back for another year and with the 2024 season underway, senior coaches from across the QAFL and QAFLW have had their say on a range of new topics.
We will reveal who has stood out from each club every week during the season, diving into unqiue topics such as most versatile player, best rising star, craftiest forward and more.
This week we uncover the players that best embody each side’s spirit and club culture.
Check out what the coaches are saying.
QAFL
Aspley, Adrian Pilgrim: “We’ve got a couple but the one that jumps out is obviously our captain Brandon Batchelor which you would expect. To give an un-typical answer I would put forward Coen Harker because his application, his selflessness to do what’s best for the team and improve those around him are probably the major things.”
Broadbeach, Danny Nolan: “Brayden Taylor and Justin Bishop are always positive and always get around everyone.”
Palm Beach Currumbin, David Armitage: “Probably Jonathan Crowe, last year he was absolutely flying in pre-season and 10 seconds into the first game did a nasty compound fracture. He worked his way back to play round one this year which was an amazing feat and inspiration to the boys.
Labrador, Clint Watts: “Charlie Offermans isn’t in the leadership group, but he oozes class and is leader. Has an insatiable attitude to win at all costs, refuses to be beaten one-on-one, and won a premiership with St Mary’s in the NTFL over the summer.”
Maroochydore, Steve Wildschut: “I would think definitely our captain Josh Govan. He sums up what we’re about as a club and is a great leader for everyone on and off the field.”
Morningside, Paul Egan: “It’s hard to pinpoint just one player but I would say Brad Hodge. He’s a great old school footballer that plays hard on the field but gets around the boys off the field as well. He’s got lots of similar traits to some past quality Morningside players.”
Noosa, Matthew Leuenberger: “Our captain Lachie Flagg. He leads by example, attacks the ball with intensity and is an inspiring player and person to others.”
Redland Victoria Point, Phil Carse: “Brad Murdock played seniors last weekend, he has lots of energy, goes hard at footy, and lots of respect for his teammates. Jake Chapman has a really good personality, always lots of energy and a smile.”
Sherwood, Brett McEvoy: “Luke Mitchell is part of our leadership group but he’s one of most passionate young men around in terms of training and standards and expectations, as well as what he wants to see at club and how he feels the club goes, he’s probably the biggest spiritual leader in that regard. He’s very passionate.”
Surfers Paradise, Matt Lappin: “Ben Woodburn is a real character, a young midfielder, and seems to bring a bit of energy to the group. Mitch Patten is a goal kicking forward, he’s an energy-giver and energises the group and the crowd.”
Wilston Grange, Brent Moloney: “Hard to go past our captain Kailem Baker. He embodies the club culture and really drives standards on and off the field so it’s why he’s in the leadership position he’s in.”
Mt Gravatt, Hamish Mitchell: “I’d say our captain Austin Brent. He’s a great leader and is always talking amongst the group. He’s passionate about standards and about being positive in representing the club off the field as well.”
QAFLW
Aspley Hornets, Luke Glacken: “Lucia Liessi, she’s a player that’s been at the club for a number of years and has stuck fat through the good times and the bad. She’s definitely someone that the other girls look up to.”
Bond University, Andy Lovell: “Sally Evans is one of our young players that epitomises what the club’s all about, she’s one that probably stands out of the pack.”
Wilston Grange, Phil Tonkin: “Keyshia Matenga, just the way she plays on the field with her performances is nothing short of exceptional and she also really leads and challenges our senior group at training through her voice or actions. It’s great to see and great to have her in the squad.”
Coorparoo, Rory Lake: “Chelsea Chesterfield is one for me. When she kicks a goal she celebrates quite hard, but she also celebrates her teammates just as hard. JJ McLean is another one, she gets around her teammates when they do something well and celebrates those little wins.”
Maroochydore, Paul Magher: “That would be Sara-Jane O’Grady. She’s honest, reliable, respected and a very likeable person and player.”
UQ, Ross Clayfield: “Our actual spiritual leader is our captain and has been around a while, but Jane Childs is not officially in the leadership group, leads by example, and has been playing well in the first 3 rounds.”
Unfortunately Southport and Yeronga coaches were unavailable to reach for comment prior to the time of publishing.
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