Coaches nominate: QAFL and QAFLW reveal the greatest in the air

Each week we reveal a new lot of special talent, from the toughest and the loudest to the best ball winners and most improved. Check out the greatest in the air.

Artwork by Katie Grech. QAFL and QAFLW coaches nominate greatest in the air

As the QAFL and QAFLW finals quickly approach, it’s time for coaches to have their next say in our 2023 ‘coaches nominate.’

Each week we reveal a new lot of special talent, from the toughest and the loudest to the best ball winners and most improved.

This week we reveal the greatest in the air.

Check out what the coaches are saying here:

Note: Not all coaches were able to be contacted.

QAFL

Liam Dawson kick QAFL

Aspley, Daniel Webster: Liam Dawson comfortably.

Pictured at Palm Beach Home ground for the Gold Coast QAFL clash Palm Beach Currumbin v Broadbeach. Palm Beach Player No11 Carl Nicholson Broad Beach player No26 Kasey Nicholas Pic Mike Batterham

Broadbeach, Craig O’Brien: Kasey Nicholas

Labrador, Clint Watts: Nathan Wright, another 19-year-old who plays up forward but also in the ruck.

Maroochydore, Ben Jones: Josh Keleher, really competes hard in the air and dominates most aerial contests he gets to.

Morningside player Keegan Downie QAFL Morningside v Palm beach Currumbin Saturday April 9, 2022. Picture, John Gass

Morningside, Paul Egan: Keegan Downie

Mt Gravatt, Tony Lynn: There‘s a few there but probably Dylan Smith. When he attacks the ball he’s athletic and tall.

Noosa Tigers QAFL captain Seb Rogers in action. Picture: Highflyer Images

Noosa, Chris Rourke: Seb Rogers

Palm Beach Currumbin, Jess Sinclair: Corey Beaman, he played defence the first half of the year but has now been playing forward until he picked up an injury. He can sit on peoples heads and take some very big marks.

Redland Victoria Point, Phil Carse: Probably between Adrian Williams and Matthew Hambleton.

Sherwood, Jarad Marsh: Toara Marango, he‘s so good physically and it’s what helps him excel.

The captains of the Gold Coast QAFL teams. (From left) Brody Haberfield (Surfers Paradise), Tom Thynne (Palm Beach Currumbin), Josh Searl (Broadbeach) Matt Lee (vice-captain, Labrador). Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos.

Surfers Paradise, Matt Lappin: We’ve had a few guys take some really good marks this year, Billy Beardsell was one who took a mark of the year contender and is as good as anyone in the air and then Brody Haberfield would be the best contested player on the ground.

Hugh Fidler with the ball QAFL

Wilston Grange, Brent Moloney: Hugh Fidler

QAFLW

Jess Stallard coming into the contest (no. 25)

Aspley Hornets: Jess Stallard. Always a show of fantastic contested grabs.

Maddie Goodwin tackles in QAFLW (red)

Yeronga: Maddie Goodwin. Good hands, contested marks, strong.

UQ QAFLW player Kadie Fletcher. Picture: Brooke Sleep Media

University of QLD: Kadie Fletcher. When Fletcher is in the air, there’s no way of stopping her.

Coorparoo Kings: Chloe Grunt. Takes the best overhead mark.

Grace Perry chases down Darcy Davies in QAFLW

Maroochydore Roos: Grace Perry. Has been finding her feet in the QAFLW league after moving from Cairns.