Labrador’s Tom Simpson dazzles with 51 disposals as we reveal the top 10 QAFL round three performances
51 disposals and three goals was just the tip of the iceberg for Labrador’s Tom Simpson. Go inside why his showing was so critical and discover the top 10 QAFL performances of round three.
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Labrador’s Tom Simpson can be his own harshest critic.
Coach Clint Watts revealed Simpson’s first two games of the QAFL season, were - in the midfielder’s eyes - the worst two that he’s ever played.
“That’s how harsh he ranks himself,” Watts said.
Across the Tigers’ first two games against Morningside and Broadbeach, Simpson had a combined 34 disposals, four clearances, and two goals.
Those returns are far from horrible, but meagre when contrasted with his showing in Labrador’s 138-point demolition of Mt Gravatt at the weekend.
“I’m so glad that he was able to have the day that he did, I think it’s renewed his focus,” Watts said.
“He went in with a different game plan just from an individual point of view, and it clearly paid off for him, so hopefully it’s a bit of a turning point for the season.”
Simpson went from ‘career-worst’ to a performance that would be tough to top as the best of his career.
It included 51 disposals, 26 contested possessions, 19 clearances, 13 inside 50s and three goals.
For Watts, one moment stood above the rest.
It came when stand-in skipper Simpson collected the footy from his ruckman’s tap, burst out of the pack and roosted a goal from the centre square.
“I think that gave a good indication of how he was travelling,” Watts said.
“He gave the footy to teammates in better positions, which allowed him to actually stay involved.
“His workrate offensively and defensively allowed him to get hold of the footy and he made good decisions with the ball.
“I’m just wrapped for him that he’s been able to bounce back because I know how proud of a footballer he is.
“I don’t think I’ve seen a harder footballer as in a bloke that works his arse off as much as he does.”
Watts also can’t recall seen another 50-disposal game in all his years coaching.
“He’ll draw the attention of the opposition now which will present its own challenges,” Watts said.
“But that might allow Jay Foon or Charlie Offermans to get off the chain a little bit, you know.”
Both Offermans and Foon were also prevalent for Labrador, with 39 and 35 disposals respectively, while Jake Goldsmith booted six goals and Aiden Fyfe also had an astounding 26 touches and five majors.
The efforts culminated in Labrador’s first win of the season.
“We really needed that performance, we just needed to make sure that we won the way that we wanted to win and played the way we wanted to play, so we’re really happy with how we’ve come away from the game irrespective of the score,” Watts said.
The Tigers now face Surfers Paradise away in what will be their fourth consecutive match on the road.
It doesn’t get any easier, but we’re up for the challenge,” Watts said.
“Hopefully our win on the weekend will give us a fair bit of confidence going into this one.
Top 10 Round 3 QAFL performances
Tom Simpson (Labrador)
Tremendously hard to look past as the performance of the round for obvious reasons. He just put up video game numbers and was a big reason why Labrador’s win was so comprehensive. Had 51 disposals, 26 contested possessions, 19 clearances, 13 inside 50s and three goals. Especially impressive when you contrast the showing with his first two outings.
Aiden Fyfe (Labrador)
The performance was arguably overshadowed by Simpson, but was still brilliant in its own right. Five snagged five goals and also racked up 26 touches of the footy and five inside 50s.
Charlie Offermans (Labrador)
Another stunning Labrador performance in its own right that was somewhat overshadowed, Offermans also won plenty of the footy against Mt Gravatt. The contested ball was a feature of Offerman’s game with 17 contested possessions and 10 clearances. Oh, and 13 inside 50s and 39 disposals if you don’t mind.
Jay Foon (Labrador)
Another key cog in the Tigers engine room, Foon was also massive on the weekend. The fourth and final Tiger to feature in this week’s top 10 - although there could’ve been more, such Jake Goldsmith’s six-goal effort - Foon amassed 35 disposals, 17 contested possessions and 14 clearances.
Bailey Reeves (Redland Victoria Point Sharks)
The former Suns Academy product is making his mark early in the QAFL. He starred in the Sharks’ narrow win over Broadbeach with 36 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight clearances, and six inside 50s.
Mitchell Patten (Surfers Paradise Demons)
One of the most dominant Geelong Football League forwards has enjoyed a strong start to life in the Sunshine State. His Demons fell one point short of Aspley, but Patten was influential with five majors from 11 disposals. His workrate was also immense with five tackles and eight of his 11 touches contested.
Rhys Mathieson (Wilston Grange Gorillas)
The self-dubbed ‘barometer’ at Brisbane has certainly carried the mantle into the QAFL. Is proving to be one of the QAFL’s best and was everywhere in the Gorillas’ 49-point win over Maroochydore. Had 41 disposals, 15 contested possessions, eight clearances, eight tackles, and seven inside 50s.
Aaron Hall (Palm Beach-Currumbin Lions)
With 161 AFL games under his belt, it should come as no surprise Hall is continuing to dominate the QAFL for PBC. Was strong across the board with 33 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 10 inside 50s, and a goal.
Tom Hickey (Palm Beach-Currumbin Lions)
The AFL journeyman was solid in the ruck while winning plenty of the ball around the ground for Palm Beach-Currumbin. Hickey had 26 disposals, 15 contested possessions, and six clearances to go with 36 hit outs.
Cory Beaman (Palm Beach-Currumbin Lions)
Another younger player that spent time in the Suns Academy as a junior, Beaman stood out up forward in the Lions win over Noosa. He bagged six goals from 16 disposals.
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