QAFL, QAFLW 2024 leaders answer key pre-season question

With round one in the books, QAFL and QAFLW captains have answered a key burning question on what sets their side apart from the competition in 2024. See what they had to say.

QAFL and QAFLW 2024 season launch. Picture: Highflyer Images.

The 2024 QAFL and QAFLW seasons are officially underway in what is set to be one of the most competitive competitions in recent years.

Round one began on April 6 with the women’s regular season running until July 27 and the men’s August 17.

Prior to the first bounce we caught up with each team’s captain to find out what excites them the most about their side in 2024.

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Some team captains were unavailable for comment so responses are from co-captains or senior leadership players.

QAFL

QAFL 2024 season launch. Picture: Highflyer Images.

Aspley, Brandon Batchelor: “I just think it’s the depth of the competition, we’ve seen a lot of good recruiting in the off-season from every team so the competition has continued to grow from strength to strength which I think is great and exciting for the fans to watch the QAFL grow.”

Redland Victoria Point, Jack Rolls: “There’s a few new faces that have come along so I’m interested to see what they can bring and have another real good go at it.”

Noosa, Jono Freeman: “We’ve got a new coach in Matt Leuenberger who comes from a strong AFL background. He’s bringing a fresh look into the club, a new game plan which the boys are learning about and putting into practice. The arrival of a few new players like Daniel Rich and guys from down south makes us excited and optimistic for how we might go.”

Maroochydore, Josh Govan: “Our combination of youth, experience and getting our new head coach (Steve Wildschut) in there. It’s a very fresh place at the moment so we’re just looking to improve and there’s no ceiling with us which is exciting.”

Morningside, Nakia Cockatoo: “The energy that we’ve got this year and the willingness to learn. Obviously coming off last year, not the way Morningside wanted to end our year, I think the way we’re learning and the way we’re progressing as a team is exciting. We still want to be the best we can be from the start but I think once the season goes on it will be exciting to see how we all connect and play that old Morningside brand of footy. From what I’ve heard it’s a very tough style of footy so once we start playing for each other and develop those connections it will be quite exciting for us.”

Mt Gravatt, Austin Brent: “I think it’s a really new start for Mt Gravatt. We’ve got a lot of new positive energy, a new head coach who brings a nice exciting game plan. I’m excited just to see how we’ll go but it’s a really positive atmosphere at the minute.”

Broadbeach, Lucas Jellyman-Turner: “What excites me are the fresh faces across the park and through the coaching staff. We’ve also got some good young kids coming through once again which always helps bring fresh energy every week. The boys have had a solid pre-season and with spots up for grabs the intensity at training has been high. Everyone is now just looking forward to the season to kick off.”

Wilston Grange, Kailem Baker: “The buy-in from the group has been massive. We obviously finished top three last year so we’re hungry again this year with some new recruits and a bit more maturity through our lists. It excites me that everyone’s cracked in during pre-season.”

Surfers Paradise, Harrison Fraser: “Everyone really, we’ve recruited well but also kept a lot of our core guys from last year. Everyone’s looking to build on that and put together another solid year.”

Sherwood, Will Fletcher: “We obviously had a bit of a difficult year last year but have a fair few new players this year as the club has recruited pretty hard. It’ll be exciting to see how they go and it’s definitely only up from here.”

Labrador, Matt Lee: “What excites me the most is the blend of youth and experience that we’ve been able to put together. We’ve brought some key guys back to the club, had some experienced guys commit full time, some of those being VFL calibre so the blend is very exciting.”

Palm Beach Currumbin, AJ Dawson: “What excites me would be the fresh new young faces mixed in with some older and experienced AFL heads.”

QAFLW

QAFLW 2024 season launch. Picture: Highflyer Images.

Bond University, Courtney Sexton: “We still have our core group from last year’s grand final but we’ve also got a lot of new players. The depth is second to none this year so we’re looking to go again.”

Aspley, Emma Pittman: “The fact that we’re coming off a grand final appearance, we’ve adjusted things in our team, recruited really well and our young ones have really settled in. I think we’re in for a really great year which is what excites me, our foundation is already a level above last year.”

Yeronga, Camilla Burnett: “We had a tough season last year but we’ve kept a lot of those girls and also bought in a whole heap of new ones. There’s also a few exciting juniors coming through so I can’t wait to see them out on the field.”

Maroochydore, Ellen Hopkins: “I think we’ve got a lot of youth coming through, a lot of young talent which is exciting. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Coorparoo, Ajla Fetahajic: “What excites me the most about my team this season is one, we’re an exciting team, but also we have a different group of girls this year so the way that we’ve been playing our footy has changed so everyone’s taken that in their stride and we’re all playing to our strengths. It’s quite cool to see everyone step up to the challenge, be so committed, happy to be there and happy to fully send it this year.”

Wilston Grange, Mackenzie Findlay: “The fact that we have so many players returning is key. Grange is building such a special culture and feel there so there’s nothing quite like playing at Grange and that’s why I’ve been there so many years.”

University of Queensland, Madi Crowley-Long: “There all just such a good bunch of girls. We’ve kept a heap of players and added a bunch of new cool girls so I’m just really excited to have some fun this year.”

Southport, Rianna Schipp: “I’d say what excites me would be the academy girls we’ve got coming through this year. They bring another element to our squad which is really exciting for them and for us all together.”