Coaches nominate: QAFL and QAFLW highlight most underrated stars

From those who are “sneaking under the radar” to the “reliable performers”, QAFL and QAFLW head coaches have praised their team’s ‘most underrated’ player of 2023.

QAFL and QAFLW most underrated players. Pictures: Craig Slaney Sports Photography, Brooke Sleep Media and Highflyer Images.

As the QAFL and QAFLW finals quickly approach, it’s time for coaches to have their next say in our 2023 ‘coaches nominate.’

Each week this season we have revealed a new lot of special talent, from the toughest and the loudest, to the best ball winners and greatest in the air.

This week we reveal each side’s most underrated player from across the 2023 season.

All coaches were approached for comment before the time of publishing.

QAFL

QAFL players Jordan Hayden (Aspley) and Ben Major (Broadbeach). Pictures: Highflyer Images and Brooke Sleep Media.

Aspley, Daniel Webster: “Jordan Hayden, he’s starting to get recognition now but I don’t think people really know how good he is as much as we do.”

Broadbeach, Craig O’Brien: “Ben Major.”

Labrador, Clint Watts: “Cade Gregory, a small defender who is still only 19 but gets the job on the best small forward each week and always does a solid job.”

Maroochydore, Ben Jones: “Ben Kethro, our fullback who does an incredible job for us each week, plays on the biggest forwards and gets the job done.”

Morningside, Paul Egan: “Liam Dwyer, he’s one of our captains but he just gets the job done nine weeks out of ten, is always very reliable and he wouldn’t come on the radar of many other clubs I suppose.”

Mt Gravatt, former coach Tony Lynn:“Austin Brent, is a lockdown defender that does his job every week and is a good leader.”

Noosa Tigers QAFL player Isaac McCrimmon and Palm Beach Currumbin star Callum McBurnie in action. Pictures: Craig Slaney Sports Photography and Richard Gosling.

Noosa, Chris Rourke: “Isaac McCrimmon.”

Palm Beach Currumbin, Jess Sinclair: “Callum McBurnie, a gritty defender that gets a key matchup almost every week and hardly ever gets beaten. Is very valuable to our back six.”

Redland Victoria Point, Phil Carse: “Josh Brown, I think he’s in great goal kicking form and still doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.”

QAFL players Luke Mitchell (Sherwood) and Joel Budarick (Wilston Grange) in action. Pictures: Brooke Sleep Media.

Sherwood, Jarad Marsh: “Luke Mitchell, has played 100 odd games but always goes about his business well, gets his touches and does his job every week.”

Surfers Paradise, Matt Lappin: “Ben Woodburn, does a lot of stuff that goes unnoticed externally but it’s plenty of things we acknowledge internally at the club.”

Wilston Grange, Brent Moloney: “Joel Budarick, plays his role, is very reliable every week for us and is starting to build a name for himself in the midfield.”

QAFLW

QAFLW players Louise Tyson (Aspley) and Kelsee Sills (Maroochydore). Pictures: Highflyer Images and Lyndon Mechielsen.

Aspley Hornets: “Louise Tyson. At the halfway point of the season she is equal runner up for MVP, but didn’t get selected for state quad. Relentless with the ball.”

Yeronga: “Kara Stock, hard done by not to make the Queensland squad at half back.”

Maroochydore Roos: “Kelsee Sills. She should have been in the state squad, and coach Dave Hume says the team sometimes take her for granted with what they expect. As the Roos grow, Sills will get her due rewards.”

University of QLD: “Jane Childes. She’s downright an amazing winger but missed a year with an ACL injury.”

Coorparoo Kings: “Ayla Fraser. She just flies under the radar, no one ever talks about her but she does her job every game.”