Players to watch: 85 Gold Coast talents ready to light up AFLQ Schools Cup

The top U13 to U18 talents in Gold Coast school Aussie Rules are ready to battle for the state championship. Meet some of the young guns we have our eye on from PBC, Helensvale, Varsity and Pacific Pines.

PBC’s Dylan Patterson of the AFL National Academy is congratulated by Dyson Sharp after kicking a goal during the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys match between Australia U18 and Coburg VFL at Whitten Oval on April 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Some of Queensland’s most exciting young football talents are preparing to lead their school teams towards state championship glory when the local legs of the AFL Queensland Schools Cup begin next week.

Four All-Australian calibre talents will lead the charge in the Senior Boys, Senior Girls, Junior Girls and Junior Boys divisions respectively.

Top AFL draft prospect Dylan Patterson is expected to be drafted inside the first round by the Gold Coast Suns, with lightning speed across halfback and into the midfield.

The Palm Beach Currumbin star will be the school’s key weapon as it hunts for a fourth straight Queensland title in the flagship division.

In the Senior Girls, Helensvale State High under-15s key forward Tara Nieass - recently called up to the Suns’ under-18s team after dominating at the club’s under-16 level - shapes as an AFLW prospect of great promise.

Nieass’ Suns under-16s dual-captain Lily Moana is an All-Australian representative and will lead PBC’s Junior Girls charge.

Another athletic Palm Beach defender, Tom O’Brien, was an under-17 AFL World Team selection and is the heartbeat of the Reds’ Junior Boys backline.

Meet 85 of the Gold Coast’s top emerging players ready to shine on the AFLQ Schools Cup stage by scanning the QR code.

HELENSVALE SHS

Youth AFL Schools Cup

Noah DeSimone

Dynamic mid fielder who can break lines and set up forward entries. Great positional awareness.

Jayden Matterson

Explosive, strong runner who break open games. Penetrating kick and a strong ball winner.

Nash

Clever on baller who reads the game well and has very clean hands in the air and on the deck.

Ashton Hatch

Clever utility player whose confidence has exploded in the last year. Highly skilled and creative.

Kody Peters

Creative swingman who can change the game off his own boot. Potential match winner.

Junior Girls AFL Schools Cup

Brooke Edwards

Standing as the tallest player in the junior side, Brooke Edwards is a commanding presence in the forward line and a valuable option in the ruck or down back. A South Coast representative, Brooke reads the play exceptionally well and is a consistent scoreboard contributor, regularly kicking one or two goals a game. With her athleticism and football IQ, she is undoubtedly one of the major influencers in the team and a player to keep an eye on.

Thalia Thompson

A recent addition to the squad after transferring from Southport, Thalia Thompson has quickly made her mark. A highly skilled on-baller with a booming kick and sharp football smarts, her ball use is several levels above her peers. A key disposal winner and game reader, Thalia’s influence in the midfield has grown with each outing, solidifying her spot as a crucial player in the junior line-up.

Peyton Tozer

Peyton Tozer brings speed and intensity to every contest. Whether playing as a small forward or darting along the wing, she thrives in high-pressure moments. A hardworking two-way runner, Peyton plays a vital connecting role inside the forward 50, making her one of the engine room players that drives momentum for the team.

Zahlia

An emerging talent, Zahlia is building momentum as a dynamic option through the midfield or forward line. Her disposal count continues to climb, and her impact is becoming more noticeable with every game. As her confidence grows, Zahlia is quickly developing into an influential figure in the junior squad.

Halle-Rose Hammond

A dual representative for Queensland and South Coast, Halle-Rose Hammond is electric around the contest. Agile and fearless, she’s known for her trademark sidestep, regularly “selling the candy” and taking the game on. Playing primarily on-ball, Halle-Rose often hits the scoreboard and is a central figure in the team’s game plan.

Junior Boys AFL Schools Cup

Jacob Arfuso

Crafty game sense with quality ball use. Captain of the Junior squad with great leadership skills.

Max Fraser

State representative who is a competitive ball winning machine with a deadly kick.

Jasper Corbin

Tall, leading and hardworking key forward. Competes with ferocity and provides a great target.

Harry

Utility key position player who competes hard at either end of the field. Always provides great energy.

Eamon McVay

Reads the game well and provides great structure in defence and penetration when on ball.

Senior Girls AFL Schools Cup

Carlee Smith

With a strong background in track and field and currently playing for the Southport Sharks, Carlee Smith brings raw power and blistering speed to every contest. Her explosive presence helps win crucial one-on-one battles, and she’s always a threat to push forward and snag a goal or two. Tough, athletic, and determined - Carlee is a force to be reckoned with.

Zoe

Returning from an ACL injury and currently on managed minutes, Zoe’s impact goes far beyond stats. Her leadership and deep understanding of the game elevate those around her. Calm under pressure and a natural organiser, Zoe brings composure, structure, and heart to the senior squad, making her an invaluable asset.

Joelene

After overcoming injury setbacks, Year 11 student Joelene has been on a tear in recent games. Known for her toughness at ground level, pace, and passion, she turned heads with a standout 3-goal, 1-behind performance against Southport. With another year of school footy ahead, Joelene is quickly cementing herself as one of the most exciting prospects in the senior girls’ team.

Tara Nieass

Despite limited appearances due to injury, Tara Nieass has made an instant impact upon return. Recently called up to the SUNS U18 squad at just 15 after impressing for the U16s, Tara’s elite vertical leap, strong marking, and booming kick make her a genuine weapon in the forward line. Her natural ability and football instincts are second to none.

Grace Cooper

Grace Cooper is the definition of a game-changer. A versatile utility capable of turning a match no matter where she lines up, Grace dominates with her intercept marking, strength, and powerful kicking. Preferring to sit behind the ball and read the play, she racks up disposals and shuts down opposition attacks with ease. Despite her youth, she’s playing in a league of her own.

Senior Boys AFL Schools Cup Standouts

Luke Chapman

Classy midfielder with crafty game sense with quality ball use. Captain of the Senior squad with great leadership skills.

Riley Stevens

Competitive ball winning machine with strong hands and deadly tackling skills.

Kaden Newton

Tall leading and hardworking key forward. Competes with ferocity and provides a great target with strong hands.

Luke Bourke

Utility key position player who competes hard at either end of the field. Always provides great energy with clean hands.

Ayden Hinz

Reads the game well and provides great structure around contests, awesome at hard ball gets.

PACIFIC PINES SHS

Jayde Langley

A versatile young footballer known for her clean skills, composure with the ball, and ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard when needed. Her game sense and adaptability make her a valuable asset in multiple positions and has seen her selected in the Under 13 Gold Coast Suns emerging talent squad.

Levi P

An explosive player who attacks the football with intensity and never shies away from a contest. His ability to provide multiple efforts makes him a key presence for our senior male side.

Mikayla Nurse

A dominant midfielder with elite skills, regularly influencing games through precise ball use and strong decision-making. Her ability to dominate matches has seen her selected for her state, U18 Gold Coast Suns Female Squad and playing QAFLW Seniors for the Southport Sharks.

Rhianna I

A talented midfielder with elite intercept skills and strong composure under pressure. Her outstanding aerobic capacity allows her to cover the ground and impact contests consistently.

Sarah Bailey is a gifted young player, she uses the ball well consistently by hand and foot. Her talent as well as her character has seen her selected in the U16 Suns Academy National Development Squad.

Jackson Swan

An explosive and strong player with a long left foot. He is an exceptional mark and provides our Junior Male side with a strong physical presence.

Tyler Morey

A versatile young footballer, renowned for his speed, agility and contested marking. He provides our Youth Male side with intercept marking and sets up our attack from the back half of the ground.

Crosby Aird

A skilled young footballer with excellent ball-handling ability by both hand and foot. His strong communication around the ground allows him to direct play and connect with teammates effectively, making him a key asset in our Youth Male side.

PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN SHS

Junior Girls AFL Schools Cup

Lily Moana

An all-round athlete and the kind of player every team wants - competitive, fearless, and a natural leader across every line. A standout in the PBC school program, she consistently sets the standard with her intensity and work ethic, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike. As a bottom-ager and dual captain of the U16 SUNS Academy, Lily’s recent selection in the All-Australian Squad highlights her elite potential, with the 2028 draft already in sight.

Rosie Ross

An emerging talent in the AFL Girls competition, quickly establishing herself as a dominant force despite being a bottom-ager. A versatile athlete with experience across multiple positions, Rosie is evolving into a powerful tall, known for her professionalism and relentless pursuit of the ball particularly in the ruck role. In 2024, she was a key member of the SUNS Academy U16s leadership group and earned accolades including Best on Ground in her School Grand Final.

Nikki Sandman

One of the fastest and most humble players in the AFL Girls space, known for her sharp decision-making and relentless drive. Primarily playing on the wing, Nikki also pushes forward when needed, using her speed and attack on the ball to break games open. After representing Southcoast, she has shone in the SUNS Academy U16 program this year and was recently invited to train with the U18 squad - highlighting her rising profile and potential

Youth Boys AFL Schools Cup

Kodi Wallace

Kodi is an elite player, with elite speed that moves through the midfield and across halfback. In the past year he has achieved U15 All Australian honours, been selected as an U18 Suns Academy player, U16 Suns Academy player and was captain of the premiership winning PBC

Junior Boys AFL Schools Cup

Tom O’Brien

Tom is a powerful defender that is super athletic and loves to take an intercept mark. In the past year he has been selected in the U16 AFL World Team V Boomerangs, U18 AFL National Multicultural Academy (21 Multicultural players in Australia Selected), U16 Suns National Championships Squad, U15 Queensland State Team and was chosen as the Palm Beach Currumbin SHS Junior MVP.

Zac Gale

Zac is a talented player that can slot in as a tall/medium forward or mid that can command the air the ground. In the past year he has been selected in the Gold Coast Suns U16 Squad, U15 South Coast Team, and was chosen as a leader for the U15 Palm Beach Currumbin Lions Leadership group in which he finished equal Best and Fairest.

Junior Girls AFL Schools Cup

Pippa O’Grady

Described by one talent scout as “one of the best 13 year old’s in the country” Pippa has a damaging left foot and an ability to play anywhere all the ground.

Summer Murray

Part of an elite footballing family, Summer might be the pick of a very strong bunch. An elite runner and athlete, she’s barely scratched the surface of her talent

Mia Hogarth

An unbelievable footy brain and ability to find teammates in traffic, Mia is a strong and prolific midfielder who makes her teammates better

Junior Boys AFL Schools Cup

Bohdi Barton

A new addition to the junior boys squad in 2025. He displays a fantastic ability to win one-on-one contests and has a terrific attack on the ball. His strength and power are his key assets along with a great left foot kick. A terrific attacking half back flank who can go on ball when the team needs him.

Harper Gallagher

A stand out talent in the Year 7 cohort. He possesses a great football brain and nearly perfect decision making. A clever small forward who loves a goal he can also play wing and in the midfield. Harper is one fantastic role model.

Kai Hawker

A running machine and fantastic leader. He displays consistently high training standards and has a maturity about him beyond his years. He leads the on ball brigade with his terrific work rate and relentless pressure.

Senior Girls AFL Schools Cup

Jamie Collins

The ultimate utility, Jamie is equally adept back, middle and forward. Watch for her elite skills and ability to find teammates in traffic.

Matisse Francis

A super competitive key position player, Matisse flies for everything in the air and is as honest as they come in the contest at ground level.

Izzy McPherson

One who has taken her game to a new level, she is a damaging mid and forward who is always hitting packs at full speed and distributing to her teammates.

Senior Boys AFL Schools Cup

Dylan Patterson

Dylan is a prestigious talent with lightning speed and elite kicking skills. He plays across half back and through the midfield and was last year selected in the AFL National under 18 academy which prepares players for the next step in their football journey. He has made a strong start to the year starring against VFL teams with the Australian academy and at under 18 level with the Gold Coast Suns.

Harry Heathcote

A utility that has shown enormous development in recent years. Harry has great ability in the air and at ground level showing his versatility and can lock down opposition key forwards. He has been a stand out at training with his work ethic which has translated to great form in the Coates Talent league for the Gold Coast suns under 18 academy.

Jonah Harris

An exciting prospect, Jonah has started the year in great form at the under 18 Gold Coast suns academy dominating the ruck position. Jonah has the athletic traits that can see him play in multiple positions and has an exciting future ahead of him.

VARSITY COLLEGE

Youth Girls AFL Schools Cup

obi Skalij

Skalij is a great leader of the youth girls team. She is a powerful runner that loves to take the game on. She possesses great athleticism that she uses to her advantage whether in the air where she has elite marking skills or on the ground. Tobi was a member of the suns u16 girls squad and has been called up into the u18 squad also.

Charlee Gardner

Gardner is a great team player that always gives her best. She is extremely versatile and can play anywhere on the ground. She too is a member of the suns u16 girls. Charlee is the ultimate team player with a big future in the game.

Payton Heyward

Heyward is an electric mid/forward that uses her speed and agility to cut loose from contest. A player that has the ability to take the ball from inside to out and has excellent goal sense inside F50. Suns academy prospect that has been building throughout the past few years.

Jade Radford

Classy midfielder that loves competing in tight contests. Radford has good running ability and is excellent at driving the ball deep into her teams forward line. Suns academy prospect.

Sienna Adamson

South Coast representative that has developed into a hardworking two-way midfielder. Adamson has leg speed and leg drive to break from contest to get the ball to outside runners. Classy by foot, often uses her patience to find the best available option going forward.

Ruby Walker

Walker is miss reliable. Mostly seen across the half back line, playing as the general in defence and kickstarting counter-attack. She has developed her skills and work rate to turn into a key pillar in this Varsity outfit.

Claire Abbott

Selected in the South Coast team, Abbott has presented consistently at the kicker as the team enters the forward line. She has a tonne of experience and often uses this to her advantage on field.

Ella Ipson

Ipson has been another constant in the Varsity College back five. She never shirks a task and competes with opposition talls and smalls, assisting wherever the team needs her. Pure competitor and coaches dream.

Youth Boys AFL Schools Cup

Sunny Chapman

Chapman has just been selected in the South Coast u15 representative side. He is a great competitor that rarely loses a one-on-one contest. He is a bull in the midfield and has worked extremely hard on his skills and now possesses a very damaging kick

Kobe Skinner

Skinner is a classy midfield/forward that has elite skills by foot. He has been selected in the Suns u16 boys team which is a great achievement. Kobe looks at his best hitting forward leads or kicking goals on the run.

Will Ireland

Ireland is the captain of the team and really leads by example. He is great in the air and on the ground alike and is one of the hardest competitors in the competition. He has great impact as a key defender and in the ruck. A great team man.

Owen Edwards

Edwards is a strong bodies defender that can also run through the midfield to use his strong frame to advantage. He also was selected in the South Coast team after trialling strongly. He is extremely competitive and motivated to continually improve as a footballer.

Noah Kerry

Kerry is an extremely athletic key position player. He possesses an exceptional leap which he uses to his advantage in marking contests and also in the ruck. He comes from a tumbling/acrobatics background which flows through to his football

Ryder Blott

Blott is an extremely well balanced midfielder that seems to always have time. Coming from a basketball background, it is evident with his awareness in the contest

Noah Walsh

Dual sport athlete that has hit career best form in 2025. Full forward that consistently hits up well at the ball carrier and converts in front of goal. His form this year has led to selection in the South Coast team.

Flynn Zieger

Versatile player that is a coach’s favourite magnet and is used in various parts of the ground to address the needs of the team. Equally damaging as a mid/forward as he is at half back/wing. Natural leader that can change a game.

Lachlan Robinson

Elite athlete that possesses extreme running power. A great mix of endurance and speed, Lachie often breaks lines along the wing and from half back.

Noah Pollard

Ex-Victorian that has found his place as one of the team’s prime midfielders. Highly skilled player that is a classy ball user and excellent decision maker.

Kai Brindley

Brindley is a classy small midfielder/defender/forward. He possesses an elite left foot kick that can break the game open. He also reads the play exceptionally well and has elite awareness and the ability to read the play.

Senior Girls AFL Schools Cup

Tayla Ireland

Ireland is a hard running, athletic defender. She is strong in the air and attacks from anywhere on the ground. She has joined the Bond senior women’s team this year which has seen her grow as a player also.

Lacey Dutton

Dutton is also a member of the Bond women’s program but also plays at the Burleigh Bombers. She is a member of the Suns u18 squad this year. She is a tenacious midfield/forward who loves to take the game on and have a bounce down the wing.

Imogen Dowker

Imogen is one of the up-and-coming year 11 players in the team. She is an elite surf sports competitor who also excels on the football field. She possesses great leadership skills and a is a beautiful long kick of the football.

Issi Rasmussen

Issi is also one of the younger members of the team but doesn’t take a backward step. She is a great focal pointy up forward but is also equally strong in the contest up the ground.

Eva Mayes

Mayes is another member of the strong Burleigh bombers girls program. She’s a powerful runner that can break the lines with her run and carry. She is an extremely hard worker that possesses a lovely kick on the run.

Bronte Bacon

Bronte is one of the leaders of the senior girls team. She reads the play exceptionally well stemming from her netball background. She works tirelessly around the ground but plays her best football in defence.

Willow Murray

Murray is a new member of the Varsity AFL program. A tall ruck/key position player that is also extremely mobile. Willow is also a member of the Burleigh Bombers and has been a welcome addition to the program with her height and athleticism.

Senior Boys AFL Schools Cup

Lachlan Cramp

Cramp is a member of the powerful Suns u18 boys team. He has featured in all of their games this campaign which has limited his school opportunities. Lachlan possesses elite skills, great aerial work and is extremely agile on the ground. He is very versatile and can play anywhere on the ground.

Jez Brindley

Brindley is also a member of the suns u18 program as an underage talent. He is extremely clean with his hands at ground level and rarely misses a target as he has elite foot and hand skills. He is a quiet achiever that gets all the boys in the team up and going.

Judd Mooney

Mooney is a strong bodied centre half forward/centre half back that works tirelessly at either end of the ground. Luckily he possesses some of his uncle Cameron’s footballing ability and work ethic. A great team player.

Tom Corbett

Corbett has matured into a classy, hard running winger/flanker. He is strong in the air and very clean on the ground. Tom has beautiful foot skills and is shaping up as a key player in the team.

Finn Coughlan

Coughlan is a strong bodied key position player that can also run through the midfield. He has a booming right leg which turn defence into attack in an instance. He is a quiet achiever that goes about his business with minimal fuss and is a real leader of the team.

Hayden Sutch

Sutch is an extremely competitive utility that can play all across the ground. He is great in the contest and relishes getting in the mix of it. He is an underage player that rarely misses a tackle and brings a strong pressure game.

Brodie McGregor

McGregor is an elite basketball talent that has recently debuted with the Gold Coast in the NBL1. He stands at 6 foot 7 inches and uses his size to advantage in the ruck and when he goes forward. He has great natural ability and co-ordination for a big man.

Lachlan Pearce

Pearce is a small midfielder/flanker that loves to take the game on. He is extremely agile and evasive which he uses to his advantage. Pearce is one of the younger, smaller boys in the team but he doesn’t take a backward step.