QAFLW’s top performers for 2022 revealed
The 2022 QAFLW season was filled with incredible talent, triumphs and tribulations. Here’s the team of the year.
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The 2022 QAFLW season was filled with talent, triumphs and tribulations as eight teams battled it out for the ultimate glory.
While the University of Queensland came out on top for the second year in a row, the league’s best talents were spread wide across the clubs.
Here is the Gold Coast Bulletin’s team of the year.
Forwards
FF: Jordann Hickey (Bond University) — 5 goals, 11 disposals, 72.70% efficiency, 5 contested possessions, 5 uncontested possessions, 4 marks
Averaging 5 goals per game, former Melbourne and Gold Coast AFLW player Jordan Hickey was a standout across the field.
Hickey did not play the entire season but is widely known as one of the best in the competition thanks to her strong marking skills, great kick and ability to read the game.
FF: Jessica Stallard (UQ) — 3 goals, 90% efficiency, 10 disposals, 7 contested possessions, 5 uncontested possessions, 4 F50 marks, 3.8 tackles
Jessica Stallard began the 2022 season in the reserves after recovering from injury, but within weeks was elevated to seniors where she began to shine.
The full forward only began football in 2020 but quickly took to the game, kicking two goals in their grand final win.
HF: Brittany Perry (Southport) — 22.2 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 8.5 uncontested possessions, 3.8 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 2.7 marks.
2022 was a whirlwind year for former WBBL player Brittany Perry.
After not receiving playing time while in the Suns’ list, Perry was forced to dominate the QAFLW and she was soon traded to Port Adelaide.
Perry made a lasting impression before her departure as one of the best overhead markers in the competition and as a great shot on goal.
HF: Mikayla Pauga (Bond University) — 16.1 disposals, 64% efficiency, 8.9 contested possessions, 5 uncontested possessions, 1.9 uncontested marks, 3.3 tackles, 3.1 inside 50s, 0.6 goals
Half forward Mikayla Pauga had a strong 2022 season, proving her skills at all ends of the field. Pauga is known as a skilful, smart player who can play nearly anywhere across it.
HF: Darcie Davies (Southport) — 13 disposals, 65% efficiency, 8.8 contested possessions, 4.2 uncontested possessions, 9.7 hit-outs, 2.7 tackles, 1.9 inside 50s, 1.3 goals
One of the QAFLW’s most talented youngsters, Darcie Davies would have no doubt drawn AFLW scouts eyes this season.
The second youngest of the Davies clan, Darcie is a talented football player taking after elder sisters Giselle and Fleur who are both AFLW listed.
Davies is a Queensland state representative in both AFL and netball.
Followers
Jacqui Russell (UQ) — 22.3 hit-outs, 5.1 tackles, 14.7 disposals
Two-time national netball league premiership player Jacqui Russell was a dominant force in netball before moving on to football in X.
Russell is a force of nature on the field with an impressive leap and great running tank, and can play all over the field.
Steph O’Brien (UQ) — 26.5 disposals, 55% accuracy, 18.5 contested possessions, 11.5 uncontested possessions, 4.5 contested marks, 15.5 hit-outs, 7.5 inside 50s
Playing on the ball, dual football-netball athlete O’Brien was close to being drafted into the AFLW after another stellar season, complete with a premiership.
O’Brien has played football in the NTFLW and was a talented netballer in the Queensland Sapphire Series for the Ipswich Jets.
Courtney Sexton (Bond University) — 18.9 disposals, 63% efficiency, 14 contested possessions, 6.6 uncontested possessions, 5.6 tackles, 1.9 inside 50s
Courtney Sexton is a tough, strong player who plays on the ball.
Sexton was a key member for Bond averaging 5.6 tackles and 14 contested possessions.
Midfielders
C: Lily Postlethwaite (Maroochydore) — 26.8 disposals, 74% efficiency, 16.6 contested possessions, 15.4 uncontested possessions, 3.3 marks, 6.3 tackles, 4.5 inside 50s
After rupturing her ACL early in the 2021 AFLW season, Brisbane Lion midfielder Lily Postlethwaite dominated the QAFLW while recovering.
Averaging 26.8 disposals, the nimble midfielder will return to the Lions for AFLW season 7.
C: Mikayla Martin (Maroochydore) — 25.2 disposals, 58% efficiency, 13.2 contested possessions, 13.3 uncontested possessions, 4.7 marks, 6.4 tackles, 1.5 goals
Maroochydore talent Mikayla Martin is a competitive beast who can swing into the forward from midfield.
Martin is known for her elite fitness, marking ability and running capacity.
After moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2022, Martin has transitioned seamlessly into the Roos after lining up with UQ in 2021.
C: Poppy Boltz (Southport) — 24 disposals, 59% efficiency, 15 contested possessions, 9.2 uncontested possessions, 5.5 tackles, 3.4 inside 50s
Poppy Boltz missed the first two with suspension but returned strongly to play the entire season including finals.
Boltz excels in contested balls and is a train-on in the Lions AFLW squad.
Defenders
FB: Jessi Henning (UQ) – 12.3 disposals, 57% efficiency, 5.9 contested possessions, 2.5 uncontested possessions, 2.8 tackles
Defender and ruck Jesse Henning was a strong asset to UQ’s premiership winning side.
FB: Laura Blue (Coorparoo) – 17.7 disposals, 10.8 contested possessions, 5.3 uncontested possessions, 3.4 tackles
Laura Blue, known as ‘Bluey’ by her teammates, is known for her excellent kick and fierce tackle.
Blue has earned herself the reputation as one of the QAFLW’s best each year.
HB: Krystal Scott (Bond University) – 14.6 disposals, 73% efficiency, 7.3 contested possessions, 7 uncontested possessions, 3.4 tackles
An imposing physical presence at centre halfback, Krystal Scott is an expert at winning the ball and then releasing Bond’s speed out wide.
HB: Selina Priest (Southport) – 19.2 disposals, 8.7 contested possessions, 9.2 uncontested possessions, 1.9 tackles
Former Brisbane Lions player Selina Priest is another stalwart of the league and one of the most formidable defenders.
HB: Kelsee Sills (Maroochydore) – 16.5 disposals, 8.8 contested possessions, 8.3 uncontested possessions, 3.4 tackles
Kelsee Sills is a back pocket defender with a natural sense of the play. Her left handed skills make her a strong tackler and she is ever reliable.
Reserves
Brianna McFarlane (Southport) – 10.5 disposals, 56% efficiency, 5.6 contested possessions, 5 uncontested possessions, 1.5 goals
Southport forward Brianna McFarlane was forced to step up when Brittany Perry and Giselle Davies were elevated to the AFLW — and did.
McFarlan booted two goals in the grand final and earned herself a starting spot in the team.
Elyse Glynn (Yeronga) – 21.3 hit-outs, 6.9 disposals, 1.3 tackles
Ruck Elyse Glynn had a strong season with Yeronga, achieving the second highest average hit-outs.
Courtney Daniec (Aspley) — 20.5 disposals, 63% efficiency, 9.5 contested possessions, 9.7 uncontested possessions, 3.8 tackles
Midfielder Courtney Daniec is smart footballer with experience in the VFLW.
Ava Seton (UQ) — 16 disposals, 68% efficiency, 15 contested possessions, 4 uncontested possessions, 9 tackles, 2 inside 50s
Midfielder Ava Seton is one of the league’s best up-and-coming talents.
Seton played in both UQ’s premiership wins in 2021 and 2022, and is a courageous, gutsy player.
Lucy Bellinger (Yeronga) – 12.1 disposals, 64% efficiency, 6.3 uncontested possessions, 3.8 uncontested marks, 2.4 tackles
Former Lions players Lucy Bellinger is a strong halfback also capable of playing forward.
She is good at finding space and acts as a playmaker on the field.
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