QAFLW 2023 season preview: List changes, players to watch, coaches’ predictions + more
Ahead of the 2023 QAFLW season, each head coach has lifted the lid on their 2023 expectations, off-season signings and key players. Read the full preview.
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Two weeks after the QAFL’s season opener, it’s finally time for the women to shine.
The 2023 QAFLW is shaping up to bigger than ever before, with shock transfers, star coaches taking the reins and draft prospects galore.
Check out the full season preview below, and see the men’s preview here.
University of Queensland
Head coach: Ross Clayfield
2022 result: 1
Captain: Madi Crowley-Long
UQ might be the reigning back-to-back premiers, but they will be viewed as underdogs this year after a massive turnover of players has seen them look younger, and more dangerously unknown, than ever before.
But head coach Ross Clayfield said he was just as excited about this year as he was day one.
“We’ve won two premierships in a row and had an amazing couple of years,” Clayfield said.
“We’ve had quite a bit of movement this year, as a uni club there’s always a bit of movement. You could probably call it a rebuild.
UQ retained just seven of their grand final team, and will have to couple a few big losses in Steph O’Brien (Southport), former Brisbane Lion Megan Hunt (Southport), 2022 Team of the Year ruck Jacqui Russell, 200-game player Laura Ernst and life member Marni McGorm.
“We’re optimistic, we’re not putting any limits on what we can do.”
Players to watch
- Mia Teubler: Exciting talent who returns after shoulder issues in 2022
- Jane Child: Winger, Gold Coast Suns train on, back after doing her ACL early in 2022
- Lucy Benjamin: Back after suffering back issues, strong target in forward, former state league netballer
- Jasmine Dekker and Kadie Fletcher: Young gun premiership players that return from last year
- Brooke Sheridan: Lions Academy member with state game experience, hopes of being drafted
- Laura Roy and Lucy McCormick: Members of the U17 Morningside premiership team from the past two years, both ready to step up for senior football
Biggest win: Other teams won’t view them as the threat they were last year — but it could work in the Lions’ favour. With a fresh group, teams will just have to wait and see what UQ will bring to the competition this year, but should think twice before underestimating a group lead by back-to-back premiership coach Clayfield.
Biggest loss: Their turnover of players. UQ have lost big names to many neighbouring QAFLW clubs and the VFLW, along with retirement. Losses include: Steph O’Brien (Southport), Megan Hunt (Southport), Jacqui Russell (retired), Laura Ernst (retired), Marni McGorm (retired), Isobel Hartog (Port Melbourne VFLW), Katie Day (Carlton VFLW), Kristen Tyquin (Carlton VFLW), and Louise Tyson, Jess Stallard, Jaimie Bryant, Tarryn Meyer and Ella Desrettes (all Aspley).
Coach’s predictions
Assuming you make the grand final, who do you play off against?: Coorparoo
Who wins the Emma Zielke Medal?: Ava Seton or Jessi Henning (full back, full back of the year, fringe AFLW player for quite a while, she plays consistent footy every week, Lucy Schneider
Southport Sharks
Head coach: Peter Doherty
2022 result: 2
Captain: Jess Malouf
The Southport Sharks were a force in their debut season of the QAFLW, making a final grand appearance, former coach Ryan Davis named Coach of the Year, and defender Selina Priest winning the Emma Zielke.
In 2023, it seems the Sharks have won the signing battle, securing plenty of existing guns including captain Jess Malouf, Poppy Boltz, Selina Priest, Hannah Davies, Maddy Watt, along with new faces Steph O’Brien, NBL1 basketballer and former Geelong Cat Carly Remmos, among plenty of others.
Their coaching team will look slightly different after QAFW premiership coach Ryan Davis stepped down, with former assistant coach Peter ‘Doc’ Doherty stepping into the role, with Jim Sandral, Gold Coast Sun Jaime Stanton, Corey Gillie, former captain Ashlee Flick and Wade Smith at his side.
“I worked with Ryan for the previous three years, so I’m really familiar with the program and the work we’ve already done, we’re not tipping it upside down just helping with the influx of players,” Doherty said.
“It’s really difficult to say (how we’ll do this year), because there’s a lot of player movement, the draft is this week and we’ve got three players that we’re hoping to be drafted.”
While finals is again the goal for the Sharks, Doherty said he was “not going to assume anything”, acknowledging how unknown most sides were this season, but expect the Sharks to be up there again.
Players to watch
- Poppy Boltz: In her second year with the Sharks, has had a sensational pre-season, is faster and fitter than ever
- Steph O’Brien: O’Brien had a breakout 2022 season for former side UQ, averaging 26.5 disposals per match, was a draft prospect in 2022
- Maddy Watts: Always a strong performer, expect the same this year if not better
- Carly Remmos: Former Geelong AFLW player, NBL1 basketballer with the North Gold Coast Seahawks, acts as a utility and can play all across the field
- Rianna Schipp: Has had a massive pre-season after an enormous growth trajectory last year, Schipp has worked hard on her kicking and is the Sharks best endurance athlete
Biggest win: In addition to retaining plenty of their existing squad who have stayed with the team as they’ve moved up from the QFAW, the Sharks have managed to draw in some big names: Steph O’Brien, Megan Hunt (did her ACL in the NTFLW grand final, so will miss the season), Carly Remmos (Geelong Cats, NBL1), Sarah Ingram (Carlton VFLW via NTFLW), Ruby Mitchell (Tassie footballer), Jess Maher (Bond University), Kialla-Sky Bailey (returns from a year off), Georgia Davies (sister of AFLW players Giselle and Fleur, and future draftee Darcie Davies)
Biggest loss: Losing Ryan Davis was a big loss for the Sharks, along with Brooke Randall who has gone to play VFLW with North Melbourne.
Coach’s predictions
Assuming you make the grand final, who do you play off against?: Bond
Who wins the Emma Zielke Medal?: Poppy Boltz
Bond University Bullsharks
Head coach: Andy Lovell
2022 result: 3
Captain: Paris Lightfoot
The biggest signing across the QAFLW comes in new Bond University Director of Football and QAFLW coach Andy Lovell. Lovell played over 150 AFL games for Melbourne and West Coast before beginning his coaching career which has seen him spend time in the WAFL, VFL, and as an assistant coach of West Coast, Geelong, St Kilda and the Suns. Joining Lovell in the coaching department is fellow Queensland football greats Matthew Kennedy and Shaun Hart.
Already, the Bullsharks are looking like they’re out to take home their first QAFLW premiership, winning the pre-season Cooly Cup undefeated.
“My first impressions (of the squad) were that it was a great culture there, a positive culture that has been developed by my predecessor David Ashkar (Southport), so for us it was about how to build on that,” Lovell said.
“We had quite a large turnover in that space so we’re quite young compared to previous years. We’ve had a 50 per cent turnover, so our age and experience is quite low, but we’ve got good talent.”
Like many of the QAFLW coaches this year, Lovell said he wasn’t sure how the team would go, with squads and caching teams across the league looking worlds apart from last season.
“It’s a bit of an unknown because the squad is so new. There’s no limits on where we want to go. For me our whole process has been about that and not about the outcome. The sky’s the limit, let’s just see where we go.”
Players to watch
- Meara Girvan: The 2021 SANFL premiership player is back for her second year at Bond and has had an outstanding pre-season
- Paris Lightfoot: A life member of the club, the captain returns to lead the club into possibly their biggest season yet.
- Lily Tarlinton: An athletic forward who can play in the ruck and inside wing when needed. Expect Tarlinton’s growth to be enormous this year.
- Jemma Blair: Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship student Jemma Blair is a big signing for Bond, as a smart defender who reads the play well.
- Grace Moodie: B & F winner at Yeronga, really experienced senior player who has brought plenty of knowledge to the group
- Charlotte Taylor: Speedy on the wing, former Collingwood VFL player
Biggest win: Their coaching team. Lovell, Hart and Kennedy are all massive, and are further bolstered by defensive coach Emily Otto who has just been nominated for the national ‘She Can Coach’ program.
Biggest loss: 2022 leadership group player Annie Muir and fan voted QAFLW No. 1 player Caitlin Thorne have departed for the VFLW (Box Hill), along with Lateesha Jeffrey (Southport).
Coach’s predictions
Assuming you make the grand final, who do you play off against?: Southport
Who wins the Emma Zielke Medal?: Meara Girvan
Maroochydore Roos
Head coach: Dave Hume
2022 result: 4
Captain: Kelsee Sills
The Roos bowed out in the elimination final last year and following a roller coaster off-season new head coach Dave Hume insists his side is roaring to go ahead of round one. Outgoing head coach and Roos legend Steve Moody has taken up a role with the Brisbane Lions Academy and after the women’s side began their pre-season without a head coach Hume put his hand up just six weeks out from round one. Hume said his ‘extremely young group of players’ and ‘new recruits’ would hold the team in good stead throughout the season.
“There’s no ceiling on what we can achieve as a group, I think that’s the beauty of coming in with a new squad,” he said.
Players to watch:
- Kelsee Sills: It’s no secret that Sills will again be a driving force for the Roos this season. The Maroochydore captain consistently punches well above her weight and epitomises what the team stands for and what the jersey means to her.
- Sara-Jane O‘Grady: The 2023 vice-captain is a consistent presence for the Roos and a player that sneaks under the radar in the QAFLW competition. Her composure, competitive edge and overall effort on the field has her labelled as a player to keep an eye on this season.
- Jya Epstein: The crafty winger has a tremendous work rate and it’s arguably why she’s racked up over 80 appearances for the senior women’s side since joining in 2017. Epstein is the heart and soul of the Roos by showing she leaves no stone unturned and is poised to take her game to another level in 2023.
- Grace Perry: Perry will no doubt be looking to stamp her authority on the competition after relocating from the Cairns Saints in the off-season. She finished as the league’s leading goalkicker and picked up best on ground honours in 2022 and prides herself on her work around the contest. The versatile key forward is certainly a name to look out for in 2023.
- Lily Baker: The former Noosa Tiger and current Brisbane Lions academy player is another that will hope to take her game to new heights this season. She shows plenty of upside on the ball and is in for a big year of growth in the higher level competition.
Biggest win: The Roos head into the season with a fresh core group of players and plenty of young and exciting talent making their way through the senior ranks. Roughly 10 Brisbane Lions academy players are among the team and are the key names in creating a new base for senior women’s football at the club. Hume said the big wins will come as the season progresses and as his team are exposed to bigger and better players and what their response will be. He said the young squad will come with ups and downs but said he looked forward to developing his side‘s untapped potential.
Biggest loss: The Roos farewelled 11 senior players from their final match of the 2022 season. The loss or turnover has opened the door to new opportunities and new leaders amongst the women‘s side.
Coach’s predictions
Assuming your club makes the grand final, who do you expect to play off against?: “I think last season‘s two grand finalists (UQ and Southport) are probably the benchmark that we’re working towards. If we can make it to the grand final I’d certainly expect to be playing one of those two sides,” he said.
Who wins the Grogan medal?: “I think if I was looking at my side it would be one of our younger players that really steps up and stamps themselves as a draft prospect. I’d love to see them filling those roles and being the best that they can be,” he said.
Coorparoo Kings
Head coach: Rebecca Randazzo
2022 result: 5
Captain: Sally Young
2023 was a particularly mixed season for the Kings, battling some tough losses early in the season with injury in the second half.
But senior coach Rebecca Randazzo isn’t dwelling on it, instead boosting up their training with a pre-season camp, sports psychologist and strength and conditioning.
The Kings have held onto their core group, including mainstays Sally Young and Laura Blue, and added some fresh talent in the likes of Surfers Paradise QFAW Div 1 premiership captain Jess Watts, and Bulldogs VFLW player Lucy Schneider.
“We were really pleased with last season’s overall performance, injuries are part of football and sadly we picked up quite a hefty injury list in the back half of the year,” Randazzo said.
“We’ve learnt from that, we added a pre-season camp, we’ve been training three times a week since November and we’ve been building on last year. We’ll continue to play a really athletic and exciting style of football.”
Players to watch
- Hannah McLaughlin: Former Jimboomba midfielder returns to the Kings for her third season
- Chelsea Winn: The dynamic half forward can kick both sides of her body
- Chelsea Chesterfield: A clean player who plays across half forward and on the win
Biggest win: Continuity. With Randazzo at the helm again and a majority of the core group staying together, the King should look better in 2023.
Biggest loss: A few losses for The Kings including Meg Muir (relocated overseas), Macie Brown (ACL), Jo Miller (back injury), Renee Teys (Central Coast)
Coach’s predictions
Assuming you make the grand final, who do you play off against?: Bond or Southport
Who wins the Emma Zielke Medal?: Laura Blue
Aspley Hornets
Head coach: Luke Glacken
2022 result: 6
Captain: Courtney Daniec
From all accounts it’s a ‘different vibe’ among the Hornets senior women’s team this season with a fresh approach to pre-season, training plan, game style and squad mentality. With plenty of fresh faces there’s plenty of excitement amongst the team who are hoping to translate that positive mentality into solid on-field results. Glacken said the main aim is focused on individual player growth but said his players are eager to make the finals.
Players to watch:
- Lucia Liessi: After suffering a major injury a number of seasons ago ?? has been on the comeback trail ever since and looks primed for a big year in 2023. Her work in the pre-season both on and off the ball has many pundits eager to see what she can produce in the opening rounds.
- Courtney Daniec: After picking up the club best and fairest last season and being named in the QAFLW team of the season Daniec is ready to go one better this season. Her leadership will be evident in the young group after being named co-captain alongside Angela Lingard.
- Holly O’Flaherty: A former Wilston Grange star and current Brisbane Lions academy player who has brought a fresh dynamic to the team and will look to bring a different dimension to the wing and through half-back.
Biggest win: The Hornets go into the 2023 season full of change from the previous seasons. Glacken said the club recruited 25 to 30 new female players to the club and that they had gelled really well with the already existing players. The group‘s dedication across the pre-season has been huge and it will no doubt pay dividends towards the back end of the season.
Biggest loss: Last season‘s disappointing finish left a sour taste in the mouth of many players which has seemed to have taken a toll on the remaining players at the club. The team ended the season ‘so close, but so far’ from their first time playing finals footy in the QAFLW competition. Glacken said the first few weeks were tough but a number of key players are using that disappointment to fuel them this season.
Coach’s predictions
Assuming your club makes the grand final, who do you expect to play off against?: “Southport always seem to be the benchmark and I can’t see it being any different this year. I think they’ll be very strong, I think Bond will be threatening, Coopooroo could be another that are there until the end and UQ coming off two flags will be another to watch.”
Who wins the Grogan medal?: “For us I’d love to say Courtney Daniec would be there and for the overall competition I think Steph O’Brien is the most underrated players in the competition. If clubs can find out a way to stop her this season they’ll go a long way to beating Southport.”
Yeronga Devils
Head coach: Lisa Milne
2022 result: 7
Captain: Lucy Bellinger
New head coach of Yeronga Lisa Milne has said the club will “surprise” other teams this year, despite finishing second bottom of the ladder in 2022.
Milne comes to the side from her role as assistant coach at Mt Gravatt, where she was the first female to have a coaching role in the QAFL, and is joined by fellow recruit in defensive coach Dan Breward, the twin brother of AFLW player Georgia Breward.
With a big turnover in players, Yeronga are looking young but Milne believes their juniors are ready to step up at compete at senior level.
“Like with anything, when you’ve got a young squad and a big turnover, you’ve got to have that period we’re you’re trying to rebuild the team up to QAFLW,” Milne said.
“I think we’re going to surprise a lot of teams this year, there’s a view on us having lost a few players this year, but I think we’re going to surprise people.”
Players to watch
- Sophie Dunn: Yeronga junior, strong centre half forward, impressed in the practice matches and taken to senior football like a duck to water
- Emily Blaney: The Rockhampton rugby convert played in the SQ v NQ representative match last year, very strong, energetic and aggressive around the ball
- Jamie Howell: You might know Jamie as a Colgate ambassador, who helped inspire the country when her Yeronga teammates learnt the club song in Auslan so Howell, who is Deaf, could join in. But in 2023 she is one to watch on the field too. Playing on the wing, Howell has a great footy IQ and is clever on the ground
Biggest win: Yeronga’s biggest signing comes in the form of Bri Black, a UQ premiership player and NTFLW star who displays incredible pressure forward, and crazy energy around the ball.
Biggest loss: Only one major loss for the Kings but it’s a big one in former captain Mia Walsh.
Coach’s predictions
Assuming you make the grand final, who do you play off against?: Aspley
Who wins the Emma Zielke Medal?: Laura Blue
Wilston Grange Gorillas
Head coach: Brenton Meddings
2022 result: 8
Captain: Chloe Litherland
It was an extremely tough season for the Gorillas in 2022, finishing last in the eight team competition and unable to pick up a winning result from 14 matches. New head coach Brenton ‘Bluey’ Muddings said his side has taken plenty of positives away from their pre-season training and trial matches. He said the team’s main aim was to be consistently competitive and that the players were enjoying their footy.
Players to watch:
- Chloe Litherland: The Gorillas captain is a powerful force at centre half back. Her on field leadership through her intuitive knowledge of the game helps her stand out each and every match. Litherland’s netball background has seen her excel in the match transitions between offence and defence.
- Naomi Celebre: A new recruit from the Northern Territory who suffered a brutal grand final loss is using that energy to fuel the fire with her new squad. Celebre will look to be a key player for the Gorillas and should rack up plenty of touches in the midfield.
- Montana Dove: Currently representing the Army defence force at nationals and is set to run out onto the MCG on Anzac Day, Dove should return in solid form for her side.
Biggest win: Team support. The Gorillas have suffered some tough seasons in recent years but the player participation, skill level and overall morale is up ahead of another big season. Meddings said the players were gelling really well both on and off the field and said it would help the side for years to come.
Biggest loss: Players still recovering from injuries remained the Gorilla’s biggest concern ahead of round one. Meddings said some players would be sidelined until at least round eight but hoped other squad members could perform well in their absence.
Coach’s predictions
Assuming your club makes the grand final, who do you expect to play off against?: “It’s hard to look past Southport and Bond I think. They’ll be strong again and would be the benchmark for any side wanting to play late into the finals.”
Who wins the Grogan medal?: “I reckon Jamie Winter, she’s a new player for us this year and I think she’ll turn out to be a really good in-and-under midfielder. She should get her hands on the footy a fair bit to showcase her dominance. Chloe would definitely be another good strong candidate.”
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