The QAFL colts Players of the Season revealed ahead of the Noosa-Aspley grand final
Top 50 footy aces: QAFL colts Players of the Season revealed here ahead of this weekend’s grand final between Aspley and Noosa.
Who have been the players of the season in a bumper colts footy competition that will come to its conclusion when Aspley play Noosa in the grand final?
Both teams won through to the decider after two of the most gripping preliminary finals imaginable that went down to the final siren last Saturday.
Aspley somehow prevailed over premiers Morningside, 7.12-54 to 7-7-49, while Noosa edged out Sherwood 11.6-72 to 9.5.59.
So who have been the Players of the Season? All is revealed in this story celebrating the excellence of the colts competition.
PLAYERS OF THE SEASON
Brock O’Sullivan (Aspley)
The key forward who has come up from the age 17.5’s and developed into a strong marking forward in colts.
He has also proved to be extremely versatile on the ground and his development is a credit to his hard work and will to improve his game.
Blake Keating (Aspley)
Another 17.5 years eligible player who has come through the Aspley program and developed into a well rounded back who can klunk overhead as well possessing a kick that is very damaging.
Hamish McPherson (Aspley)
How many times at Colts level has a footy player kicked 60 goals in the home and away season? That is what McPherson achieved during a remarkable performance - despite missing a game or two.
Jai Mure (Noosa)
After a QAFL senior debut in 2024, Mure took that experience and ran with it, elevating his game to another level this season. At times Mure was untouchable in the midfield with plenty of possessions and majors. He will be a big part of Noosa’s grand final charge.
Beau Smith (Noosa)
The Tigers co-captain has been instrumental at halfback, controlling the flow of the Tigers attack and getting the ball up forward accurately.
Has shown great strength in the air and at the contest.
Fred Hamilton (Noosa)
A player that flew under the radar this season, Hamilton was a gem on the wing or at half forward for the Tigers. His quick hands, rapid decision making and speed were cornerstones of Noosa’s go-forward.
Toby Griggs and Jared Moss (both Noosa)
Both players only featured in less than a dozen games this season but were pillars of Noosa’s dominating regular season run. Having shown great form against the heavyweight teams of the competition, they will look to keep their momentum rolling in the grand final.
Ben Morison (Morningside)
Morison entered the season expecting to be up there for best colts player of 2025 - and he was. After coming across from Yeronga U15 and gaining colts, senior and reserves experience in 2024, Morison had another impressive season.
He captained his school team, played colts footy and made the Met East representative team. “Our vice-captain was one of our best players across all three lines at stages of the season,’’ said coach Justin Lawrence.
“He has a massive future ahead of him and I wouldn’t expect to see him play colts level again, despite being eligible next year.’’
Fin Booker (Morningside)
Booker spent time on the wing, in the midfield and at half forward. His weapon was his running capacity, with a 6:30min 2km time trial in pre-season being the second best across the whole club.
“He did a massive amount of work to get his body primed for the next step up and be an integral part of the colts lineup for 2025, and even get some reserves call ups during the year,’’ said coach Justin Lawrence.
Tyson Matthews (Morningside)
Matthews came to Queensland from Melbourne this year to study and was impressive from the time of his arrival. He was a key cog of Morningside’s midfield for the whole season, apart from the games he was called up to reserves. His ability to win the footy and get from contest to contest was a main reason why Morningside’s midfield was one of the best in the competition. “Players like Tyson were why the Panthers could play a contest heavy game,’’ explained coach Justin Lawrence.
Harry Egan (Morningside)
Egan made the move from U15 straight to colts this season, skipping the U17s to be one of the team’s very best.
His coach Justin Lawrence found him a new spot off a half back flank and the youngsters relished the opportunity.
His run and carry was a great way to break lines and kickstart Morningside’s attack from the back half.
“Harry hits the contest hard, has great running capacity and footy smarts,’’ said coach Lawrence.
“Consistency was his key this season, not having many poor games. He is well placed to poll well in the BNF despite being in Morningside’s youngest few members of the team.’’
Special mentions from Morningside:
Xavier Veivers-Brown
Veivers-Brown spent large stints in the reserves and seniors due to good form this season.
A contender for the reserves grand final side this weekend, he has not played a bad game in 2025. Veivers-Brown went from a good goal kicker to a beast inside midfielder following a strong offseason.
Daniel Keane
Keane broke his collarbone before the Panthers round 3 clash, coming back in round 11 and going on to be the team’s best player from that point of the season. Another rookie who skipped U17s to play colts, Keane featured an unreal left foot off of half back or on a wing.
Baxter Ellis
Ellis missed half the season through injury this year but certainly showed his ceiling despite never getting his body 100 per cent right in his final year of colts. He copped a lot of opposition attention due to his ball winning ability and will be better for that experience. “I am looking forward to seeing what he can do after a full pres-eason in the senior program,’’ said his coach Justin Lawrence.
Zac Joyce
Joyce was on track to smash Morningside’s goal kicking this season before succumbing to a knee injury in June which ruled him out for the year. At the time he was in the team’s top three in our best and fairest tally and was second for goals across the whole Colts competition.
Archie Watts
The second youngest player of the Morningside Colts 2024 campaign. He was back after a massive off season, playing school footy and U18 Lions Academy games as an under age player Despite being aged 16, for the first half of the season Watts returned to Morningside with a point to prove. He made a name for himself at half forward and for the month of June was the Panthers best player by a mile.
Sherwood
Magpies coach Damian Haber was uncomfortable singling out players after a bumper season which saw his group fall marginally short of the grand final.
“There are no one or two players or individuals who can be singled out this season as best,’’ he said.
“It is and has been a whole of extended squad contribution.
“We’ve had several changes weekly to see us through and multiple major contributors during the year play their role for the team.
“No one player individually has contributed more or less than another.
“This group has been a pleasure to be a part of and witness the strong relationships built across the entire player group and it’s been a privilege watching them grow and be at their best.’’
While Haber did not single them out, the likes of Jack and Charlie Slater, footy smart Jacob Edwards, focal point Ben Gomersall, x-factor player Ethan Duke, Sampson Tully, underrated Jed Bostock, the 190 athletic marvel Troydan Ross, 192cm tall ace Xavier Capling, Isaac Barac, the humble and reliable Tarkyn Benton, terrific tall Elijah Kim and Harry Thomson played considerable roles for the squad over the last two months.
This was after Will Tsimpikas, Billy Turner-Fry and Finn Mahoney played considerable roles earlier in the season.
In addition both forward and back talents Liam O’Brien and Jackson Bridge played strongly, among other contributions from players within the squad.
Jack Williams (Wilston Grange)
Playing up forward, Williams was the team’s leading goal kicker. He was extremely hard to beat one-on-one and had a lovely kick at goal.
Austin Segon (Wilston Grange)
A strong ruckman who provided first option to the Gorillas’ midfield players more often than not, Segon’s work rate around the ground was also exceptional. He was the full package.
Van Sanders (Wilston Grange)
This midfield ace was in and under all season. Indeed sometimes his bravery was to his detriment. Sanderson was an absolute tackling machine.
Willis Del-Re (Palm Beach Currumbin)
Del-Re’s work ethic saw him become a crucial member of Palm Beach’s midfield this year. He was impressive around the contest and was the main man to move the ball into the forward line from the midfield.
Ryan Davis (Palm Beach Currumbin)
The Lions vice-captain found a new home in the forward line this season, producing a stellar breakout year. He moved from halfback to become a forward focal player and it brought out the best in the young gun who kicked a burst of 26 goals in 15 games - including with a five majors against the Demons in round 10. That haul was his high water mark.
Chris Evans (Coorparoo)
Playing largely solo in the ruck for the entire season, Evans was consistently among The Kings best. He led the midfield strongly and, looking toward the future, has set himself an excellent platform to propel into the 2026 season. His follow up work around the ground was as good as any ruckman in the competition.
Rhys Doman (Coorparoo)
One of the best interceptors in the competition, Doman would mark almost anything that came his way while being one of the hardest players in the team. He moved up the ground in the second half of the season where his impact at stoppages enabled more front half turnovers and scoring opportunities.
Ash Prindable (Coorparoo)
When Coorparoo’s midfield was firing, it was usually due to Prindable driving out of stoppage and connecting with the forwards. His contest work was outstanding and his development of his two-way running this season saw him go to another level with his game.
Alex Demopoulous (Coorparoo)
Moved down back at the start of the season, he became the team’s most consistent player. He quickly became The Kings go to player for shutting down the opposition’s best forward. Demopoulous would always stick to the task and played with a team first mentality. His never say die attitude also saved a lot of goals for us this season.
Special Mentions: Bailey Burrows (captain) and Jack Cosgrove (vice-captain)
Coorparoo head coach Sam Wiltshire has heaped praise on his team’s two major leaders, Burrows and Cosgrove, who led the side in a milestone return to competing in the QAFL.
“It was always going to be challenging, but thanks in large part to the exceptional leadership of our captain, Bailey Burrows, and vice-captain, Jack Cosgrove, we navigated this transition with professionalism and commitment.’’
“Bailey and Jack’s dedication to the team was evident from day one,’’ Wiltshire said.
“They embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, setting a standard both on and off the field that inspired players around them.
“Their leadership went beyond words - they led by example, working tirelessly throughout the season and fostering a culture where hard work, respect, and professionalism became the foundation of our group.’’
Isaac Mayne (Labrador)
Mayne was a breakout star for the Tigers who moved up to the senior QAFL side where he helped in their finals’ push. The elite defender, who is a member of the Suns Academy, was a dominant key defender capable of taking a strong intercept mark.
Riley Stevens (Labrador)
Another set to star at QAFL senior level in the future, Stevens knocked on the door for senior selection in 2025. He was a perennial threat through the midfield and was a key reason why the Tigers made finals.
Brodie Kovarik (Labrador)
Kovarik floated between the midfield and helped set up several attacks this season through his run and carry.
Cooper Glass (Labrador)
The winger was always on hand to provide support for the inside midfielders when needed and was a solid attacking outlet, creating inside 50s. He had a huge motor and seemed like he could run for days. Glass is a member of the Gold Coast Suns Academy.
Sam Murray (Labrador)
Murray dominated up forward, booting an impressive 38 goals from 19 games. His best performance came in the final round of the regular season where he booted a bag of five goals against Coast rivals Broadbeach.
Kayden Newton (Labrador)
Newton was the barometer in the forward line for the Tigers, and opponents knew they were going to be in for a long day when he was performing at his peak. The half-forward regularly found ways to get his hands on the footy and created goal scoring chances for himself and his teammates consistently.
Cooper Johnson (Labrador)
A talented halfback who helped drive the team forward, Johnson’s impressive ball skills and hunger for the footy made him a crucial player in the Labrador system.
Noah Jeffrey (Maroochydore)
Jeffrey was a true shining light for the Roos this season, consistently finishing in the best player votes each match and standing tall in the midfield. He has another year under his belt next season at colts level, but it would surprise no one if he made a push into the seniors.
Lucas Hahn (Maroochydore)
The midfielder and forward has filled plenty of gaps this season and was willing to do whatever is best for the team. Hahn also showed good accuracy in front of goal.
Bryson Anderson (Maroochydore)
After making the move into the defensive line, Anderson was the Roos big improver of the season. His understanding of the game, ability to read the play and intercept possession was key.
Noah Rodoreda (Maroochydore)
This ace was Maroochydore’s go-to player whenever they needed someone to stand up and take control or make something happen. He showed great spark and a huge motor when playing on the wing.
Owen Maguire (Mt Gravatt)
As tough as they come, this midfielder was a pure ball winner who loved to sneak forward for a goal
Lachlan Lovell (Mt Gravatt)
A midfielder or wing, Lovell was a smart footballer who knew when to hold space or go in. He had good speed which he used to link up for repeat possessions.
Luke Kirkman (Mt Gravatt)
Half back Kirkman has clean hands and silky left foot. He read the play so well which helped him get a lot of intercept possessions.
Rory Lloyd (Mt Gravatt)
A key defender, Lloyd rarely lost one-on-one battles. He took a lot of intercept marks and was a nightmare for full forwards.
Lachlan Newberry (Mt Gravatt)
This key defender was as tough as a young footballer than his coach Richard Jenkie had seen. “He doesn’t lose any contests and his rebound work kept improving all season,’’ Jenkie said.
“He was rot rewarded with some senior footy towards the end and looked like a veteran straight away.’’
Special mention:Lachlan Taylor was a 16-year-old who held the team’s midfield together early in the season. He had great hands for a mid and with a big pre-season ahead, the club can see him dominating colts footy next year
Andre Astras (Surfers Paradise)
A true competitor who would thrive in any team, Astras brought plenty of physicality and battle hard bravery into every contest - for all four quarters. Astras had a winner’s attitude and did everything in his power to prevent his team from suffering defeat.
Cooper Annesley (Surfers Paradise)
The captain grew immensely throughout the campaign. A halfback flanker, Annesley found ways to have a greater impact on the contest and thrived as a leader.
Jay Redford (Surfers Paradise)
Redford made the step up from U17s late in the season and did not look out of place in the slightest. He was a phenomenal athlete who could play as a ruck or a tall marking forward. His stellar end to the season effort proved he is set to be a star to watch in years to come.
Charlie Gwynne (Broadbeach)
This wonderful club player battled tirelessly through the ruck this year and was one of the Cats’ most consistent performers. Few rucks in the competition had his edge over him, and he always seemed to find a way to come out on top.
Liam Mallen (Broadbeach)
A quiet achiever who battled away all season, Mallen was the first to get to the loose balls around the contest and was as fearless as they come. He went hard at every single play across the season.
Rhett Harrison (Broadbeach)
The reliable defender showed great leadership this season and went from strength to strength. His impressive game IQ helped him become a versatile talent who could pinch-hit through the midfield when needed.
Jack Issell (Broadbeach)
A versatile midfielder who could play inside or outside roles, Issell was all heart and soul, a vital member of the side who gave his absolute all every time he stepped onto the field.
Flynn Babic (Broadbeach)
Babic was a utility ace who played several roles through the midfield and backline. He was the epitome of a team first player and was always willing to do whatever the team needed and never gave up.
Redland-Victoria Point
Players like Tommy Porteous, a halfback backer, big body player Finn Brugeaud and Hamish Paterson, who could play both ends, were among their team’s best.
But there were many others who contributed to Redland-Victoria Point’s season.
Originally published as The QAFL colts Players of the Season revealed ahead of the Noosa-Aspley grand final
