Coaches nominate: QAFL and QAFLW coaches reveal their x-factor players
The QAFL and QAFLW talents are littered with eye-catching talents, but which players possess the most x-factor? Find out here.
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As the QAFL and QAFLW seasons approaches their final weeks, it’s time for the head coaches to have their say in our 2024 ‘coaches nominate’ series.
Throughout the season we’ve revealed who has stood out from each club, diving into unique topics such as best-one-on-one player, most underrated, craftiest forward and more.
This week we reveal each club’s standout x-factor players.
See who made the cut below.
QAFL
Aspley, Adrian Pilgrim: “I’d say Tom Watson. Just because he can do things that a lot of other players can’t. He finds a way to do the simple things really well but can also do the unique and spectacular things in key moments.”
Broadbeach, Danny Nolan: “Kwaby Boakye, he turns on a dime, no one knows which direction he’s going, he’s so elusive.”
Maroochydore, Steve Wildschut: “Young guy by the name of Harrison Ronchi. He’s still a teenager that’s back from the academy but has great run and dash and really takes the game on.”
Morningside, Paul Egan: “Kelly Castle. He’s got genuine speed which already puts him above most players but he’s also crafty with the ball in hand.”
Noosa, Matthew Leuenberger: “I’d go with Mav Pettigrove. His kicking ability in general transition is really good. He finds a lot of targets that most players in this league don’t and can’t hit.”
Redland Victoria Point, Phil Carse: “Tyler Hausfeld is just a really explosive player, and can do some really creative things, he’s got a big leap.”
Sherwood, Brett McEvoy: “Will Fletcher, in our eyes is one of best players in the comp, he played for Queensland last year, there’s things he can do that nobody else in team can do, he can play in middle, wins his own footy, that’s his bread and butter, he can go forward and kick two or three goals as key forward, when he’s not one we struggle.”
Surfers Paradise, Matt Lappin: “There’s a few, Billy Beardsell, Brody Haberfield he can jump on heads and take mark of year, or can cut you in half and take you out with a UFC-like tackle in the space of three minutes, He’s a tough and brutal lockdown defender. Harry Ireland is a young 200cm tall forward with x-factor, he can jump off heads or pick the ball up off his toes, 200 cm. Josh Hall, he spent time with the Gold Coast Suns and Penrith panthers, he’s 198 centimetres, he was an Australian high jumper, he’s got some tricks.”
Wilston Grange, Brent Moloney: “Probably would be Hugh Fidler. Is a standout each week and always gets a good reaction from the boys or the crowd when he has his hands on the footy.”
Mt Gravatt, Hamish Mitchell: “Our player would be Ryan Durrant. He’s just turned 18-years-old but is six foot two or three, can run a six minute 2km time trial and a very handy 20 metre time trial.”
Palm Beach Currumbin, David Armitage: “Blair Rubock played at Ballina last year and won the league goal kicking down there. He’s got lots of x-factor, plays small but also jumps on people’s heads, he’s really hard to match up on.”
Labrador coach Nick Jackson was unavailable for comment prior to time of publishing.
QAFLW
Aspley Hornets, Luke Glacken: “Kitara Waller (nee Whap-Farrar). She’s taken plenty of experience away from being with the Gold Coast Suns so anything that hits the forward line or the deck is easy game. She’s elite at finding the footy below her knees and can do some very crafty things that leave us coaches and her teammates in awe.”
Bond University, Andy Lovell: “Shannon Nolan, she’s only small and really quick and agile, she can find space where there’s no space at all, nice kick, finds the goals, can play as an inside midfielder. I like the way she goes about it. Ella Calleja has definitely got the most x-factor, she takes high screamer marks, kicks the ball 50 metres, she’s a really good player.”
Maroochydore, Leigh Redpath: “That would be Jesse McMillan. It doesn’t matter where she plays, she always gives you something.”
Southport Sharks, Peter Doherty: “There’s a few of them, Shayla Lloyd’s got genuine pace, same as Rianna Schipp, she’s got genuine pace so I’d say those two.
UQ, Ross Clayfield: “Jane Childes is a line-breaking player for us who will take game on, she’s the biggest x-factor we have at moment.”
Wilston Grange, Phil Tonkin: “Keyshia Matenga. She’s picked up a train and trail with the Brisbane Lions which she started last month after another exceptional season. Summer Hamilton would be the other, she’s been great all year.”
Yeronga, Stuart MacKay: “Elizabeth Hill is quality but also Stephanie Rosenthal. She loves to launch herself horizontally into tackles and keeps going one after the other.”
Coorparoo coach Rory Lake was unavailable for comment prior to time of publishing.
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