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.
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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
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
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
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)
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)
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
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
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
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