QAFL 2024 season preview: Key recruits, rising stars, coaches aims and so much more
Ahead of the QAFL season, every senior coach has lifted the lid on their expectations, off-season signings and key players ahead of round 1. Read the full preview and have your say.
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With the first bounce looming, every QAFL head coach has uncovered their off-season takeaways, list changes, season aims and key players to watch this season.
Round one will be played on April 6 with the regular season running until August 17 and the grand final to take centre stage on September 14.
Twelve clubs will vie for the 2024 premiership flag, with each team playing 18 matches across the 19 round season.
It’s already shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons to date, thanks to some major former AFL stars joining their respective clubs.
Former Brisbane Lion Rhys Mathieson will suit up for the Wilston Grange Gorillas, his former teammate Daniel Rich will play for the Noosa Tigers, with Nakia Cockatoo running out for the Morningside Panthers.
On the Gold Coast, former North Melbourne Kangaroo Aaron Hall is off to Palm Beach Currumbin, joining him is former Sydney Swan Grand Final ruckman Tom Hickey and former Western Bulldog Hayden Crozier will play for the Surfers Paradise Demons.
Aspley will be looking to make it a hat-trick of premierships but will be without their head coach Daniel Webster who was able to secure his first head coaching role in the AFLW with the Hawthorn women’s side.
This season will also welcome seven new head coaches across the league.
Ahead of round one the Courier Mail and Gold Coast Bulletin sports teams caught up with each side’s head coach to find out how pre-season had gone, their 2024 competition aims and which players they believe are ones to keep an eye on.
Stay tuned for the full QAFLW season preview in the coming days.
Aspley Hornets
Head coach: Adrian Pilgrim
2023 result: Premiers
New head coach Adrian Pilgrim will step into the limelight this season, tasked with taking Aspley to their third straight premiership.
Pilgrim will take over from Daniel Webster who was appointed as head coach of Hawthorn in the AFLW in the off-season.
Webster was also working as an assistant coach for Brisbane’s AFLW team under Craig Starcevich, a team that tasted premiership success in 2023.
Pilgrim brings a resume as the Hornets assistant coach for their past two premiership seasons, the role of assistant (midfield) coach for the 2023 QAFL State team, assistant coach at Coburg in the VFL and at the Western Jets in the NAB/Coates League.
“With me having good relationships with all of the players already has been really helpful, Ben Warren has stepped into the vacant assistant coach role which has also been massive,” Pilgrim said.
“Everyone knows Aspley is a classy outfit, the challenge for me is to make sure that hunger is still there for the boys.”
Biggest win: “Doing the unseen things has been huge for us in the pre-season. Everyone can see the work you do at training, on game day and even your strength and conditioning work at the club but are we doing our extra’s and accessing all of our coaches away from the general sessions. Just really trying to push and adapt to the continuous improvement mindset because the standard of the competition is really strong so you’re looking for whatever competitive edge you can get.”
Biggest Loss: “It’s the first time in a while for us that we’ve had some player movement in the off-season. A few senior guys have retired, some have changed clubs and others have moved entirely so losing that experience has been tough.”
Players to watch:
- Liam Dawson: Enters the season coming off the back of two straight Joe Grant Best On Ground Grand Final medals. He’s also made the step up into a leadership role in 2024 which will no doubt influence the rest of the squad.
- Connor Stackelberg: A very difficult matchup for a large majority of opposing defenders. Stackelberg’s impact and ability to set up his forwards will be key again this season and he’ll also be joined by his brother Cody who rejoins the nest following stints in the NEAFL and VFL.
- Joel Leahy: Leahy has been scooped up from Mt Gravatt after taking out their 2023 best and fairest award as well as selection in the QAFL team of the season. Is a well respected player at this level and will no doubt bring plenty of key attributes to his new side.
- Jasper Craven: A smart running halfback that has plenty of speed and was labelled by his coach as an ‘excitement machine’. With his offensive skills needing little to no improvement, Craven has worked very hard on his defensive game in the off-season.
Why they’ll be competitive: “Without trying to give too much away it’s probably just our ability to work together within our team system but also for our individuals to play their key roles for the side. With everyone doing their own job it makes the guys around them better.”
Redland Victoria Point
Head coach: Phil Carse
2023 result: Runners up
After a heartbreak end to their 2023 season, Carse and his squad have quickly turned their attention to what 2024 may bring.
The club will be without key star Caleb Franks but Carse insists they’ve made the right off-season moves to be top contenders once again.
“We obviously fell short in the grand final last year so I think there’s a real hunger from the team at the moment and that’s been underlined by how many returning players we’ve had,” he said.
“We’ve also managed to bring in some good fresh faces which rejuvenates the place and keeps everyone on their toes so it’s definitely been one of our best pre-seasons.”
Biggest win: “The buy-in from the players has been great but we’ve also added some extra things to our program. We’ve invested heavily in a speed program with our players which has been good. It’s something that if every player can find that extra five per cent we think it can certainly help us moving forward.”
Biggest Loss: “I’d say in terms of personnel losing Caleb Franks down to Melbourne. We’ve really only lost a small amount of players in the off-season but he’s obviously been an outstanding player for our club for a number of seasons. To lose him is a shame but he’s jumped into the VFL and played the opening rounds so we’re very proud of what he’s achieved.”
Players to watch:
- Nathan and Dylan Smith: They’ve both had impressive seasons, Dylan has come across from Mt Gravatt and his brother Nathan has relocated from NSW. They’re both at either end of the ground in key positions which is exciting.
- Byron Finch: Is aligned with the club from Southport, joining the Sharks after a solid year in 2023. Finch played three games with Southport in 2023, kicking six goals, while also booting 32 majors in 16 games for Surfers Paradise.
- Bailey Reeves: Another that’s aligned to the club from the Brisbane Lions in the VFL. Reeves is an elite runner that can cover a range of positions.
Why they’ll be competitive: “I think we’ve got a group in a nice age bracket at the moment and the hunger is clear to see after just missing out the last couple of years. We fell short in the prelim in 2022 and then the grand final last year so we’ve just got a good window and good feeling of optimism at the moment.”
Wilston Grange Gorillas
Head coach: Brent Moloney
2023 result: Third
After finishing fifth in the regular season the Gorillas went on mini finals run beating Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach before bowing out in the preliminary final to RVP.
The season prior they finished eighth, so it’s clear to see the wheels are starting to turn for Grange and some new key recruits has them chomping at the bit for 2024.
Head coach Phil Carse said he ‘couldn't have been happier’ with how things had gone in the pre-season.
“It’s been great, we’ve got really healthy numbers, a strong buy-in from all the players, training three nights a week and putting our plans in motion,” he said.
Biggest win: “Player retention for us has been really pleasing. We’ve been able to keep 90 per cent of our list from last season, some players have moved overseas and interstate but for them to want to build on our season last year by really buying-in to what we’re doing has been great. As a coach I couldn’t be more pleased.”
Biggest Loss: “Losing Jack ‘Jock’ Campbell is pretty huge, especially given it’s not his decision to have to step away from the game. He was the rock for us down back so he’s definitely a big loss on the field and amongst the dressing room.”
Players to watch:
- Hugh Fidler: Was a standout last season playing full forward but will make the shift into the midfield this season.
- Rhys Mathieson: An obvious one. The 26-year-old joins the Gorilla’s following 72 matches for the Brisbane Lions across his eight seasons with the club.
- Tex Korewha: A new recruit to the club after winning the premiership with Ararat in the Wimmera League last season. The 192cm key forward is no stranger to the goals, being a two time leading goal kicker for Koroit in the Hampden Football League including the competition’s leading goal kicker in 2018.
Why they’ll be competitive: “I think the growth of the group has been massive. We started at the bottom and we’ve worked our way up. Winning two finals gives everyone a lot of confidence so there is a lot of energy around the place on and off the field. That of course doesn’t guarantee you wins but it comes down to the investment of the program and the buy-in from the players.”
Broadbeach Cats
Head coach: Danny Nolan
2023 result: Fourth
The 2021 premiers and 2022 Grand Finalists produced a rollercoaster 2023 season, competing extremely well against the top sides but tasting defeat against teams situated in the bottom half of the ladder.
It’s now a fresh book for incoming coach Danny Nolan and his side with former leader Craig O’Brien stepping away from the role at the end of last season.
Nolan grew up in Brisbane before living in Melbourne and coaching Heidelberg to the 2022 premiership in the Northern Football League.
He’s since relocated to the Gold Coast and said he was excited for the season to begin.
“The environment and passion of the club is something I’ve been really drawn to as it’s probably reminded me of where I’ve come from in Melbourne,” he said.
“It’s been a new pre-season for the players as well as myself so there’s plenty of intrigue amongst the group ahead of round one.”
Biggest win: “The attitude of the players. Maybe it’s because the players are fresh faces or the reverse of a new coaching group but the attitude to adopt the changes has been great.”
Biggest Loss: “It’s a young group, we’ve lost some experience from last year but the ability for those younger players to step up is exciting. I don’t know what I’ve lost, I just know what I’ve gained but from all the feedback it’s been positive at the moment. My biggest unknown would be me and my knowledge of the competition, the players and the teams to be honest. I’m pretty driven at doing my homework and have some good support around me so I’ll be across everything once the season begins.”
Players to watch:
- Lucas Jellyman-Turner: A clear competition heavyweight that brings strong leadership and footy IQ to his side.
- Blake Erickson: Finished third in the club’s best and fairest voting last season and is set for another huge season under his new head coach.
- Jacob Townsend and Kasey Nicholas: Both players were extremely impressive in their first season last year and will be looking to build on their efforts in 2024.
- Rising crop: Nolan said he was excited when looking to those guys with 30 to 50 games experience and wanting to see what they can bring to the table. Losing older players opens plenty of doors for the next batch of Broadbeach stars.
Why they’ll be competitive: “I think the change is a fresh start for everyone and I hope that challenges everyone to regain or take a new opportunity. I’ve come in with an open book, I don’t have any preconceived ideas and I’ve made that pretty clear so past history doesn’t count, it’s what goes on and what’s happened so far that I see.”
Surfers Paradise Demons
Head coach: Matthew Lappin
2023 result: Fifth
Lappin took over last season and the Demons looked to be true contenders but a horror 40-minute elimination final period slammed their season into a brick wall.
They finished their season with five wins by two-goals or less and their biggest loss of the year came against Broadbeach by just four goals.
Lappin, who holds serious respect and credentials in Aussie Rules circles, will be looked to build further of his side’s solid 2023 foundations.
“The boys have worked really hard in pre-season, as all clubs do. Recruiting has been a lot more positive than last year but that’s also because of some improved performances from us in 2023,” he said.
“We were probably one of the only clubs last season that didn’t have a former AFL player on their list so being able to add three of them this year has been huge.”
Biggest win: “The recruits we’ve been able to attract have been huge plus the coaching staff has been improved. Sam Dwyer is coming on as our assistant coach, he’s been around and involved in AFL systems for a number of years so that will hopefully hold us in good stead.”
Biggest Loss: “To be honest I don’t think it’s been revolved around our squad it’s more so been the weather and our pre-season training. Obviously there’s other clubs that go through it as well, a field with a cricket pitch in the middle, no goalposts set up and the horror rain over the past few weeks.”
Players to watch:
- Hayden Crozier: “Crozier has played over 140 games in the AFL for Fremantle from 2012 to 2017, and more recently the Western Bulldogs from 2018 till 2023. He’s a high-flying rebounding defender that will bring another level to the Demons.
- Zac Smith: Smith is a former Suns and Geelong player that racked up a total of 124 AFL games in his time at the highest level.
- Josh Hall: Hall is the final ex-AFL recruit with experience for the Gold Coast Suns, Southport and more recently Trinity Bach in the Cairns league.
- Harrison Fraser: Had a BNF winning year in 2023 whilst also recording his 150th senior appearance in August. Lappin said although coaches always hold their own players in high regards he wouldn’t trade Hall for any midfielder in the competition.
Why they’ll be competitive: “Last year we were the team with the lowest losing margin so we considered ourselves the cockroaches of the competition, meaning you couldn't kill us. We feel like we’ll maintain those characteristics as a team but we’ve also added some top end talent so we’ll still be hard to beat but hopefully we’ll be a side that can put more score on the board than we did last year. Rather than winning or losing a match by a goal, we want to be executing our game plan better and putting decent margins on teams.”
Palm Beach Currumbin
Head coach: David Armitage
2023 result: Sixth
After only hanging up the boots in 2019, the former St Kilda star will step into his first senior coaching role with PBC in 2024.
Armitage played 169 games in his 11 year career and has made some big off-season moves to bolster his side.
“We’ve gained some really good recruits, obviously having any ex-AFL blokes in a playing or coaching roles always help,” he said.
“It’s been a good off-season in terms of recruiting and gameplan, it’s now about putting it all together.”
Biggest win: “I’d say our culture shift. Everyone’s buying into the one club mentality and showing their want to improve not only their game but also the club. I think it’s been sporadic and random but we’ve really come together this year so that’s a key thing I’ve noticed.”
Biggest Loss: “It’s hard to say but the unknown would be how we’re going to go. How we’ll stand up against the good teams and where we’ll sit on the ladder.”
Players to watch:
- Tom Hickey and Aaron Hall: Two massive ins for PBC. Their knowledge of the game is one thing but Armitage said he was most pleased with the leadership they’ve brought to his squad.
Why they’ll be competitive: “Those two guys (Tom Hickey and Aaron Hall) help straight away but also our juniors that have been there for a few years. They’re making a good step up and there’s also a further seven players that haven't even come to us as they’re with the Gold Coast Suns Academy. That next wave coming through is really positive which is great.”
Labrador Tigers
Head coach: Clint Watts
2023 result: Seventh
Tough. That’s how many would describe the Tigers finish last season going down by five points to Broadbeach at home.
In saying that there was also a lot to like about the gritty Labrador outfit who blooded a number of rising stars and came up with huge wins like their 19-point victory over eventual premiers Aspley towards the back end of the season.
Watts, who will enter his second season at the helm, said there was plenty to build on from enjoyable patches last year.
“We’ve been able to add some good experience and extra depth which has really increased training and off-field performance.
“Everyone was really eager to get stuck into some practice matches and now they just want to play some proper footy.”
Biggest win: “Our player retention has been very good but also the ability to bring in what we were after. We had some key targets over the off-season and we’ve been able to bring those guys into the footy club. I think through the hard work of our committee and football manager we’ve been able to have a positive recruiting summer.”
Biggest Loss: “It’s interesting because we’re a bit behind in the infrustruce of our change rooms so we actually start the season with four away games. We’ve looked at it as a bit of a tour but it is a challenge in itself to start the season.”
Players to watch:
- Jay Foon: A VFL level player that’s spent the last two seasons with Southport. Before moving to Queensland, Foon was a star of the Tasmanian State League at North Launceston, winning three premierships and making five consecutive Teams of the Year.
- Tom Miller: Another former Southport player that brings a heap of quality experience and leadership to the Tigers. Miller spent four season in the VFL and prior to that he played over 100 senior games at Tatura where he won a premiership and captained the side.
- Aiden Fyfe: Is still only a younger player but brings VFL experience with stints for Port Melbourne, Southport and the Gold Coast Suns academy. He’s best known for his powerful, athletic style as a rebounding defender, complemented by his speed and skilful ball use.
Why they’ll be competitive: “We finished a kick out the finals last year when playing anywhere between 10 to 12 colts aged players. With the experience that they’ve been given, mixed with our new recruits and already cemented players makes things very exciting. The competition is going to be extremely tough and teams will have to be at their best to pick up points each week.”
Maroochydore Roos
Head coach: Steve Wildschut
2023 result: Eighth
The new Senior coach has a tremendous coaching resume that includes stints at Aspley, Zillmere, Morningside, and the Brisbane Lions Reserves and Academy teams.
Steve spent time in recruiting and development roles with Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL and Port Adelaide in the AFL. He has had several roles with AFL Queensland.
After living on the Sunshine Coast for the past 14-years but having to commute to Brisbane each day, Wildschut was excited for this new chapter.
“Pre-season has been really positive with strong numbers, good buy-in and the players are picking up what the coaching staff is starting to put down and trying to achieve,” he said.
“We’ve had a few practice matches which have been okay but you never really know until the season starts.”
Biggest win: “We’ve ticked pretty much every box I wanted to coming in. We’ve doubled our support and coaching staff from last season which has been massive and is already paying dividends. Another key thing that was almost the deciding factor for me is that the Roos are a club that don’t heavily recruit. We do get recruits in but the main focus is from within, especially with our Colts who won the grand final last year.”
Biggest Loss: “I’m not sure what we’ve lost but my biggest unknown would be myself and still not knowing everybody inside out. Figuring out where their best position is, their strengths, weaknesses and all the rest of it but that’s also something I’m really looking forward to.”
Players to watch:
- Sam McLachlan: Finished 2023 with QAFL team of the season selection and state team honours. Will no doubt be key again this season especially with some extra weapons in the forward line.
- Josh Govan: The Roos captain is showing no signs of slowing down after an influential season last year. It’s no question the Roos want to play finals footy again and if they’re to do so Govan will be an important part of their chances.
- Aaron Wilson: Has been a prominent player for the Noosa Tigers the past three seasons, kicking 102 goals. His new found combination with Mitch Scholard will be tough for any opposing defenders.
Why they’ll be competitive: “I think because we’ve got extreme depth. Through our practice matches it’s already showed it’s going to be really difficult to pick a team but if those injuries occur there’s guys there waiting in line to show what they can do.”
Morningside Panthers
Head coach: Paul Egan
2023 result: Ninth
The Panthers improved again last season but their results still weren't strong enough to compete against the top table teams.
Egan will enter his second year in charge and was pleased with how the team was tracking.
“Every side has recruited pretty heavily and well but we’ve only got one guy on our list that’ll be unavailable due to injury come round one so that’s a lot better than how we looked last season,” he said.
Biggest win: “The buzz around the place is really exciting. We’re just plugging away at the moment and ticking over until round one but the general consensus is that everyone is ready to dig in and have a crack. Everyone knows there’s spots up for grabs but it’s friendly competition so I’m happy with the spot we’re in.”
Biggest Loss: “We’ve had a few young Morningside guys go interstate which is bittersweet because we lose them but we wish them well. There’s guys that have already made their debut in the SANFL so we’re very happy and proud of them.”
Players to watch:
- Mitch Howson and Ryan Cole: The growth of Morningside’s younger players has been exciting. Howson and Cole are two to keep an eye on but there are a handful of players in that rising age bracket that are ready to take the next step.
Why they’ll be competitive: “The whole competition is going to be amped up a fair bit, clearly when you’ve got some depth there’s real pressure for spots so no one can get complacent. Everyone is respectful and empathetic when battling their teammate but there’s also that key competitive drive of wanting to win and better their game.”
Noosa Tigers
Head coach: Matthew Leuenberger
2023 result: Tenth
Former Essendon and Brisbane ruckman Matt Leuenberger will take over the reigns this season after former head coach Chris Rourke mutually parted ways with the club following two seasons in charge.
Leuenberger, a former top five draft selection, will be hoping to build on the Tigers past three QAFL seasons.
After not winning a single game in the club’s 2021 maiden QAFL campaign, the Tigers bolted into the finals when finishing 6th in 2022 but fell away last season due to high player turnover.
“There’s huge success at the junior level here at Noosa and you’ve got colts, reserves, women’s and seniors so bringing it back to that community angle it’s exciting to think you could be a young kid here and when you hit 18-years-old you could make the senior team if you’re good enough,” he said.
“You don’t even have to consider that option of having to drive an hour away to another club to continue your football so we’re implementing those processes to reach an aligned club culture which I think is really important.
“On-field I’d love to get some good results, acquire guys that want to stay and be a part of what we’re hoping to achieve and that development of junior players so there’s a never ending crop of local kids coming through before the recruiting on the back end takes care of itself.”
Biggest win: “I think the biggest thing for us is that Ben Archard has come on board from Essendon VFL. Irrelevant of his playing ability, his put his hand up to coach the Colts and we’ve integrated our junior program with the seniors as well. I think the development that we’ve got in some of our rising players from under-15s through to colts has been really solid. To succeed in the way that the QAFL is designed you need to be able to have good local guys and from our end so far, that’s been a success.”
Biggest Loss: “I’m not sure but my biggest unknown is that I’m not overly proficient in the competition. It’s not like I’ve got a few years under my belt where I’ve got solid opposition analysis, leading players, team structures and systems they play. That’s my big thing that I need to get up to speed with so round one I’ll be a bit blind but after that I’ll be covering a lot of tape and study.”
Players to watch:
- Daniel Rich: The 33-year-old decided to hang up his AFL boots at the end of last season, concluding his stellar 275-game career. Rich’s experience and footy IQ will be a major factor for the Tigers this season.
- Jono Freeman: Another former Brisbane Lions star, Freeman is back at Noosa this season after lifting Aspley to their premiership heights last year.
- Tom McNally, Billy Bowes, Jonah Lenten, Cooper Ogdon, Kooper Airey-Bamback, Harry Caspers and Jack Mills: All young players for the Tigers but have evidently caught Leuenberger’s eye in the pre-season. Will need to take a big step up to compete at the next level but will no doubt add an extra layer to the squad if they can achieve that.
Why they’ll be competitive: “We’re getting better at playing as a team and I say that more so meaning as a connective 18. We’ve spent a lot of time building and working on those relationships between the three area groups to make sure everyone’s linked and playing a certain way so it’s polished off in the forward line or in the back line and so on.”
Mt Gravatt Vultures
Head coach: Hamish Mitchell
2023 result: Eleventh
After a rocky season in 2023, Hamish Mitchell will step into the head coaching role after floating around QAFL circles in recent seasons.
Most recently Mitchell’s resume includes sporadic roles at Surfers Paradise, Tweed Tigers and Palm Beach Currumbin.
“I was happy to stay at Palm Beach but the opportunity to gain a head coaching role is something that appealed to me and hopefully help their program,” he said.
“We’ve had an exodus of players during the off-season so we’re on a bit of a rebuild but have got great numbers on our list. There’s guys from Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Tasmania and so on.
“I think we’re lining up a lot better than people might expect but we’re still a few steps away from challenging for grand finals.”
Biggest win: “I’d say just how quickly the group has come together. There’s a whole heap of new faces but the culture around the joint has been really good and a few of our new recruits have quickly entered our leadership group which reflects well I think.”
Biggest Loss: “Probably just how young we are, we’ve lost some experienced players so that calmness or leadership might be a bit slim but I also look at it as an opportunity for those guys to make their mark.”
Players to watch:
- Jaryd Karo: A new recruit from Canberra that’s been around some AFL academies and train on squads in recent seasons. Will slot into the Vultures midfield and attract plenty of attention.
- Ryan Durrant: Played Aussie rules before moving to England where he was a goalkeeper in Norwich City F.C’s squad. Is a tall, hard running defender that covers plenty of ground.
- Jackson Griffiths: A Vultures junior that is an integral part of his side down back. Loves taking the game on with his speed and skill execution.
Why they’ll be competitive: “Our speed and just how quickly we cover the ground. We’re aiming to play forward half footy, not overly focused on a defensive mindset as we aim to move the ball as quickly and efficiently as possible. We’re still fresh and a young group but as we get further into the season I believe we’ll challenge teams on the outside.”
Sherwood Magpies
Head coach: Brett McEvoy
2023 result: Third
It’s been a short and sharp introduction for McEvoy who was only promoted to head coach in recent weeks after outgoing coach Jarad Marsh stepped down from the role.
McEvoy has been a Magpies assistant coach since 2021 and said he had good relationships with the players.
“It’s been a bit different for me but I took over for our practice match against Aspley last weekend and now our attention is on what we can achieve this season,” he said.
Biggest win: “Our fitness levels have significantly improved on last year. We’ve picked up a couple of handy footballers that should help our young group progress and the enthusiasm is pretty exciting at the moment.”
Biggest Loss: “Having Jarad (Marsh) step down just before the start of the season isn’t ideal but the aim is to keep building on what we started as a group back in November and last year. We still have a few guys away so we haven't had a chance to field our strongest team yet.”
Players to watch:
- Will Fletcher: The Magpies captain earned his fourth consecutive club best and fairest award and third straight QAFL team of the season honours last season and is ready to continue his good form in 2024. McEvoy said he’s looking fitter and stronger than he did last season.
- Stanley Waistcoat: Has made the move down from the Northern Territory and he brings plenty of hype and excitement with him. Will attract plenty of attention from opposition players and fans this season.
- Elijah Glass and Owen Collins: Are only young players but have certainly shown plenty of solid potential through the opening practice matches.
Why they’ll be competitive: “I think because the squad is eager to learn and continue to grow. We’re still extremely young as one of our key leaders is 25 or 26 but the boys are really keen to keep growing their skills and understanding of the game. They just love putting their best foot forward to see what might happen this year.”