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Top Townsville players to watch at NQ AFL Queensland Schools Cup finals

The AFL Queensland Schools Cup finals kick off on Monday with the region’s best junior Aussie rules talent going head-to-head. Read more about some of the top players to watch from the Townsville schools competing.

Thuringowa Bulldogs rising star Renee Ford will play for Kirwan State High School in the senior female competition. Picture: Contributed.
Thuringowa Bulldogs rising star Renee Ford will play for Kirwan State High School in the senior female competition. Picture: Contributed.

AFL Queensland Schools Cup North Queensland finals kick off on Monday with the region’s best junior Aussie rules talent going head-to-head for the chance to represent the region at state finals.

The regional finals, which double as part of the wider AFL Queensland Schools Cup statewide finals series, will be contested across two days at Townsville’s Riverway Stadium.

KommunityTV will stream all 24 matches across two fields of action, as the best school Aussie rules talents in regional Queensland battle to be crowned champions.

Regional champions from Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns will contest the finals series which features games in senior (U18), youth (U15) and junior (U11) age groups across boys and girls.

Read more about some of the top players to watch from the Townsville schools competing.

RYAN CATHOLIC COLLEGE – Senior Male

CONNOR JACKSON

Northern Beaches Suns young gun Connor Jackson, pictured in 2023. Picture: Eric Jackson
Northern Beaches Suns young gun Connor Jackson, pictured in 2023. Picture: Eric Jackson

As captain, Jackson leads with confidence and consistency both on and off the field. While he’s versatile across all positions, his true impact is felt in the midfield, where he controls the game with calm composure and smart, calculated decisions.

His mental toughness and physical strength make him a key player to watch. Teammates look to him in big moments, and he never fails to rise to the occasion.

RYAN ROWLANDS

Northern Beaches Suns player Ryan Rowlands. Picture: Jess Susan Photography.
Northern Beaches Suns player Ryan Rowlands. Picture: Jess Susan Photography.

Vice-captain Rowlands is the perfect complement to Connor Jackson in the midfield, excelling as a strong and reliable ruck rover.

He reads the play brilliantly and consistently positions himself as the next option in space. While he may be quiet off the field, Ryan brings a commanding presence during games – both through his actions and his voice – making him an invaluable leader and on-field general.

DANIEL FIELDER

The Ryan Catholic College senior boys Aussie rules team after winning the Townsville AFL Queensland Schools Cup. Picture: Ryan Catholic College.
The Ryan Catholic College senior boys Aussie rules team after winning the Townsville AFL Queensland Schools Cup. Picture: Ryan Catholic College.

Despite his nickname ‘Fatty’, Fielder is anything but – he’s athletic, quick, and sharp-thinking on the field.

A strong and reliable defender, Fielder is known for being in the right place at the right time and consistently winning crucial clearances. His positioning, game awareness, and ability to absorb pressure make him a vital part of the backline.

Fierce in every contest and skilful with the ball, Fielder plays with heart and determination every time he pulls on the jersey.

KIRWAN STATE HIGH SCHOOL – Senior Female

RENEE FORD (No.4)

Thuringowa Bulldogs rising star Renee Ford. Picture: Contributed.
Thuringowa Bulldogs rising star Renee Ford. Picture: Contributed.

Ford is very well known in Aussie rules circles around North Queensland.

She can play anywhere but mostly excels in the midfield, where her huge work rate and punishing kick can destroy defences when given enough time and space.

SIENA TABACCHI (No.2)

Women's rugby union game between North Ward and Brothers at Townsville Sports Reserve. Brothers Siena Tabacchi. Picture: Evan Morgan
Women's rugby union game between North Ward and Brothers at Townsville Sports Reserve. Brothers Siena Tabacchi. Picture: Evan Morgan

Tabacchi is a quick-footed and agile outside midfielder with speed to burn.

She is new to the game but has plenty of experience – including at a representative level – in both rugby league, rugby union and touch footy.

Definitely a player to watch with her huge potential.

AVA RIETMULLER (No.16)

Rietmuller is a strong player with a rugby league background.

She’s hard to move when under a high ball and loves a contest, mostly playing as a centre-half-back.

ST MARGARET MARY’S COLLEGE – Junior Female

MIKA DEAR

The team’s captain Dear typically plays as either a midfielder or small forward.

Still in her first year of football, Dear loves to show off her speed on the outside and she can hurt opposition teams with her run and carry.

Can be dangerous around goal and usually hits the scoreboard.

MILLA CREENAUNE

Creenaune is another silky smooth midfielder who plays tougher and bigger than her size would suggest.

Always prepared to run to the next contest to help the team and get in and under when the ball is on the deck.

NELLY KEIR

Keir is a small forward or classic goalsneak. She’s inspirational for her size with her determination and energy around the ball.

Keir is always willing to chase down and lay a tackle out of the forward line.

KIRWAN STATE HIGH SCHOOL – Junior Male

Kirwan State High School junior boys Aussie rules football team ahead of the 2025 AFL Queensland Schools Cup in Townsville. Picture: Kirwan SHS
Kirwan State High School junior boys Aussie rules football team ahead of the 2025 AFL Queensland Schools Cup in Townsville. Picture: Kirwan SHS

JOSH GIBUMA (No.9)

Gibuma is a silky smooth midfielder with speed and agility in spades.

The rising Aussie rules talent has a knack for finding the ball and he works hard both ways.

SAM DAU (No.15)

Dau is a lean and tall player who is a key member of Kirwan’s forward line.

He is a very raw talent, but has the ability to take a contested mark and he has a long kick when needed.

XIAH HELLYER (No.12)

Hellyer is a very fit and agile mid-sized player. He has a huge leap and loves to take the game on.

Hellyer has the ability to play multiple roles within the team, but ruck and forward his best positions.

ST MARGARET MARY’S COLLEGE – Youth Female

KSENIA DEAR

A midfielder or back line player who is powerful and strong with a fierce attack on the ball.

Dear is in her second season of football and is part of the Gold Coast Suns Academy.

She has the ability to kick long when needed to score or get the ball out of defence.

REMI MACDONALD

Macdonald is in her first season of Aussie rules and she has speed to burn.

The talented midfielder is hard to catch coming out of the middle, and she can also be dangerous around goal and hard to pin down.

SHAY TANNA

St Margaret Mary’s dynamic full-back has speed and strength with a solid kick to get the ball out of the danger zone.

Tanna can also swing into the midfield clearing the ball from packs with surprising agility.

RYAN CATHOLIC COLLEGE – Primary Female

AURA SOLOMONA

Ryan Primary Girls AFL Team are attending the State Titles in Maroochydore. (Back row L-R) Elliot Edwards, Milla Creenaune, Millie Huggett, Abbey Guy, Phoebe Gordy, Lexie Bloxsom, Isabelle Need, Alliyah Suckling, Aura Solomona, (front row L-R) Chelsea Drummond, Georgia Chapman, Felicity Doll, Sienna Hirvonen, Willow Wilesmith and Khaleesi Wilesmith, (Absent) Finella Keir and Reese Achilles. Picture: Shae Beplate.
Ryan Primary Girls AFL Team are attending the State Titles in Maroochydore. (Back row L-R) Elliot Edwards, Milla Creenaune, Millie Huggett, Abbey Guy, Phoebe Gordy, Lexie Bloxsom, Isabelle Need, Alliyah Suckling, Aura Solomona, (front row L-R) Chelsea Drummond, Georgia Chapman, Felicity Doll, Sienna Hirvonen, Willow Wilesmith and Khaleesi Wilesmith, (Absent) Finella Keir and Reese Achilles. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Solomona is a talented all-round athlete who brings skill and energy to every game she plays. On the Aussie rules field, she is a strong team player with safe hands and a great ability to read the play.

Solomona’s strong body positioning allows her to play as a tough rover in the midfield or as a centre-half-forward who will mark every kick that comes her way. Her commitment, athleticism, and positive attitude make her a standout member of our team.

MILLIE BOTMA

Botma is an outstanding ruck rover in Ryan’s primary girls Aussie rules team. A skilled netball and oztag player, Botma’s versatility shines across multiple sports.

She earnt selection for the North Queensland Cross Country team, proving she’s got the endurance to run all day.

Don’t be fooled by her size – Botma is tough, determined, and never backs down from a contest. A true competitor with a big heart.

HAIDYNN WARD

She may be the youngest on the team, but Ward is also one of the biggest and strongest which makes her one of the side’s best defenders.

In her first year in Ryan’s AFL Academy, Ward is already showing great promise with strong hands and a powerful kick. She’s still developing her game, but there’s no doubt she has the tools to go far.

Ryan’s coaches are excited to watch her confidence grow and her skills continue to develop.

RYAN CATHOLIC COLLEGE – Primary Male

ANGUS JAMES

James is a tough, creative footballer who brings energy and impact to every game.

Playing primarily on the right wing, his speed and agility allow him to break lines and open up the field. He possesses a reliable mark under pressure and consistently makes smart decisions with the ball in hand.

James is a key playmaker who thrives in attacking situations, often setting up scoring opportunities with his vision and precise ball use.

CAELAN BYRNES

SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE: Photo: (Back) Mr Peter Stower, Director – Learning and Teaching Townsville Catholic Education and Mrs Kylie Helmore, Principal Marian Catholic School . (Front) Nathaneal Jena, Caelan Byrnes, Autumn Balasooriya and Maria Emmanuel
SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE: Photo: (Back) Mr Peter Stower, Director – Learning and Teaching Townsville Catholic Education and Mrs Kylie Helmore, Principal Marian Catholic School . (Front) Nathaneal Jena, Caelan Byrnes, Autumn Balasooriya and Maria Emmanuel

Byrnes is a commanding presence in the forward line, providing a reliable tall target who knows exactly what to do when he takes a mark.

He stays calm under pressure and finishes strongly in front of goal.

Byrnes competes fiercely in every contest, never backing down and always giving his all for the team. His mix of skill, determination and physicality makes him a constant threat to defenders.

SAMUEL KINGSTON

Kingston is one of Ryan Catholic College’s standout defenders, known for his courage, composure, and ability to shut down even the most dangerous opponents.

He reads the play exceptionally well and positions himself smartly to intercept and apply pressure.

Kingston’s Aussie rules skills are impressive – he’s got a booming kick out of defence and delivers precise, effective handballs under pressure.

Originally published as Top Townsville players to watch at NQ AFL Queensland Schools Cup finals

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