QAFL colts Players of the Month from Brisbane clubs
The QAFL colts Players of the Month from the Brisbane clubs can be revealed after a surging start to the season. Story here.
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The QAFL colts competition is up and running for another season, with Sherwood sprinting to the top of the ladder after four successive wins under new coach Damian Haber and his assistant.
New chums Coorparoo have opened the competition splendidly under coach Sam Wiltshire winning a match against Broadbeach, 10-9-69 to 6-4-40 and pushing competition leaders Sherwood to the brink before losing 7-12 to 7-4.
The 2024 grand finalists, Wilston Grange and Morningside, have had slower starts during the disrupted season, but it is only early days.
While Mt Gravatt were winless after three games, the Vultures presence in this competition if important for the code on an exploding southern suburbs region.
So of the Brisbane teams, who has led the way so far this season? All is revealed here.
PLAYERS OF THE MONTH
SHERWOOD
Elijah Kim
The versatile Kim has moved into a different role this year and now finds himself across the half back line.
He has adapted splendidly to his role, displaying an ability to read the play while his strong contested marking in defence makes him one of the key defenders in the league.
Harry Thomson
After a big pre-season, his upper body strength and speed around the ground has seen him move into the midfield this season.
His strength in the contest has been important in the first month, and with some dryer weather ahead expected, the club should start to see more of his elite speed around the ground.
Tarkyn Benton
Benton’s work around the stoppages in the first four rounds has been instrumental in winning clearances.
His tackle pressure and ability to drive out of congestion and get out of the front of the stoppage with his penetrating kick forward of centre has been a mark of his game.
Charlie Slater
A rookie enjoying his first season in Colts, this U17 eligible player has taken to the big league like a duck to water.
He’s spent much of his time forward of centre and working through the middle, and his work in and under, as well as ability to release teammates into space with his elite handball skills, has been something to watch.
When Slater has ball in hand, it feels like everything is in slow motion always it seems with plenty of time to execute
Jarvis Warr
Warr has moved permanently into a defensive role this season, but still possesses a raking left foot kick that has troubled the opposition in the first few rounds.
Warr continues to mature as a footballer and is only starting to realise his ability to impact games with his speed and execution across lines
COORPAROO
Oscar Kinsella
Kinsella is the ideal man to have in the mid field during the Roos’ first season back in colts. He is a hard at the ball workhorse who can also sneak goals. Off the ball he tackles with intent and equalises every contest.
Harvey Bannister
A key forward, Bannister features a great overhead marking and can hit the goal square from a long way out. Bannister is also dynamic when the the ball hits the ground
Can impact through the midfield with his big body.
Chris Evans
An athletic big man, the ruckman features great ball use and is relentless in his quest to deliver for his side.
Toby Hall
One of Oscar Kinsella’s partners in crime around the midfield, Hall is a smooth mover with great ball winning ability. He also possesses quick hands to get ball out of stoppage
ASPLEY
Zody Bradshaw
A midfield or forward ace, Bradshaw has displayed a great ability to win one on one contests.
Classy on both sides of the ball, Bradshaw has a great vertical jump and is able to impact the game both from the midfield and forward.
Importantly Bradshaw has an appetite to learn and develop.
Blake Keating
A back man with an uncanny ability to read the play, Keating has an ability to get in position and intercept marks regularly or win one on one contests.
Keating also has an ability to hit targets by foot.
Tom Levi
A noted utility player, Levi has the capacity to play many positions, but tends to shine across the mid field.
Having worked extremely hard over the pre-season on his fitness, Levi’s now has the capacity to play on the ball as well or sneak forward occasionally.
“Tom has great straight line speed. Once he has footy in hand he is able to use both sides of his body. Tom is another who is young but has the willingness to learn and develop,’’ said Aspley coach Brett Atkins.
Marshall Harrop
While Harrop will predominantly play back, he has the ability and understanding to roll up to the wing.
While down back Harrop has a knack of winning the one on one contest or snaring an intercept.
“Marshall’s understanding of the game plan is high which allows him to direct others on the ground which is a massive tick for a younger colt. He continues the want to learn and develop which is all I can ask,’’ said coach Brett Atkins.
Brock O’Sullivan
Another youngster that has come into the club’s colts system this year, forward O’Sullivan has obvious craft but at times seems to himself. “He has a great hit up lead but now needs to get the confidence to begin catching the ball,’’ explained Hornets coach Brett Atkins.
“Defensively he will work hard to maintain the ball in the front half for the team.’’
Importantly, O’Sullivan is a youngster who is willing to learn and develop.
MT GRAVATT
Max Hoffmann
A ruckman or forward from Cairns where he won the Rising Star Award, the 190cm tall Hoffman has a great pair of hands and lovely kick on him.
When in the ruck the versatile Hoffman also has the skill and competitiveness to compete as an extra midfielder.
Lachlan Newberry
Down back defender Newberry rarely loses a one on one contest and is also a valuable intercept marker. Newberry is also starting to develop an attacking side to his game.
Luke Kirkman
A Mr Anywhere Man who can play any position on the ground, Kirkman is a utility player with an appetite for the footy.
Kirkman possesses a lovely left foot kick and loves to take the game on.
Lachlan Lovell
Another reccruit from Cairns, the speedy mid field ace Lovell is starting to showcase his style of play at his new club.
The talented teenager can kick off both feet and isn’t afraid to play the running game.
MORNINGSIDE
Xavier Veivers-Brown, Tyson Matthews and Ben Morison
This terrific trio have been awesome in the midfield, working well both with and without the ball. Their contribution will surprise no one after elite contributions to the team’s 2024 premiership winning performance.
Zac Joyce
Another returning ace for the Panthers, Joyce has been good in the forward line and was best on against Broadbeach when he kicked four goals.
Ben Butko
A rookie of the side, Butko has started strongly after a successful school season with Iona College.
Playing down back and still an U17 eligible player, his hard work over the off season has paid off.
WILSTON GRANGE
Issac Roach
Swingman Roach has excelled at both ends of the ground, while even helping out in the ruck. The former Marist College Ashgrove sporting ace is rarely beaten one on one.
Tom Waters
Padua College product Waters has played this season as a midfield or small forward.
A mudlark, the wet conditions suited his in and under game. Waters has also been a good leader.
Austin Segon
Segon has embraced a huge role in the ruck where he has given service to the midfield at the ruck contests. Segon has an ability to cover a lot of ground and has started to snare some big grabs.
Originally published as QAFL colts Players of the Month from Brisbane clubs
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