Best Gold Coast QAFLW recruits and debutantes of 2025

As we hit the halfway point in the competition, we reveal the best QAFLW new recruits and debutantes playing on the Gold Coast. See who has had a breakthrough season for Southport and Bond here.

Kendra Blattman celebrates a goal. QAFLW Bond vs Southport. Picture: Chris Hyde

The Southport Sharks and Bond University Bull Sharks have taken the QAFLW by storm again this year have combined for a 13-1 record.

The two sides were grand finalists last year and have rarely skipped a beat this year.

As we approach the halfway point in the competition, we have shone a light on the star new recruits and debutantes from the Gold Coast’s QAFLW sides.

Bond University

Kendra Blattman

The tall forward/ruck joined from Sydney Uni and has brought a real clinical edge to the Bull Sharks attack.

Her efforts inside the forward 50 have been elite and has kicked a competition-high 19 goals in seven games.

Brianna Moyes

Moyes stepped up to AFLW level this season after playing for Burleigh in the QFA South last year and has been a fantastic addition to the Bond University set-up.

Her elite speed has been crucial and she booted two goals against fellow finals contender Aspley in round 5.

Grace Ella and Trinity Ella

Grace is a relentless small lockdown defender who brings elite level experience having been a part of the Gold Coast Suns Academy.

She is an aggressive presence and great at making intercept marks and providing a counter-attack from halfback.

Trinity has returned from an ACL injury and has not skipped a beat since her return.

The small forward has chipped in with three goals in four games.

Southport Sharks

Olivia Meagher

Meagher has been a force to be reckoned with throughout her first season at Fankhauser Reserve.

The key forward has kicked 14 goals in her first five games, with her best performance against the Aspley Hornets in round 3, where she booted six majors.

Her work ethic has seen her earn the respect of her entire team and has been a crucial member of the Sharks forward line.

Keely Whittaker

She may be in her first season of Aussie rules football, but she has already made her mark at QAFLW level.

Keely Whittaker of the Southport Sharks. Picture: Highflyer Images.

Whittaker started the season in Reserve grade but quickly forced her way into the QAFLW team after an excellent start to the year.

The young gun is a hard runner who has an incredible ability to be in the right position to receive the ball.

Whittaker has also chipped in with seven goals in four games, including a three-goal outing against finals contenders Coorparoo.

Tyla Crabtree of the Southport Sharks. Picture: Highflyer Images.

Tyla Crabtree

Crabtree swapped Ballarat for the Glitter Strip and has wasted no time in making her mark.

The young gun has played six games for the Sharks, kicking three goals and earning two best player nominations

Crabtree is a fiery, tough in-and-under midfielder who is one of the team’s pressure barometers as she consistently puts the opposition under immense pressure

Originally published as Best Gold Coast QAFLW recruits and debutantes of 2025