AFLDD stars: The 48 female and male players you need to watch
With the AFL Darling Downs 2023 season getting underway this weekend, The Chronicle sport team has run the rule over every senior team and unearthed the 48 male and female senior players you must watch.
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Aussie rules is back and the 2023 season on the Darling Downs is shaping up to be an enthralling one in the senior ranks.
Coolaroo broke a near decade long drought to win the men’s premiership last year, beating South Toowoomba 10.11-71 to 9.7-61.
Chasing an eighth-straight women’s premiership Toowoomba Tigers were bought down to earth by a determined Goondiwindi Hawks.
Unbeaten up until that point the Tigers fell 3.2-20 to 2.2-14 in a gritty clash.
Ahead of the season this Saturday we’ve identified the top men’s and women’s players to watch this season.
Men
South Toowoomba Bombers
Gabe Robbie: Always among the competition’s leading goalkickers, Robbie is the ultimate all-rounder capable of playing just about anywhere on the field and a fierce competitor.
Other key players: Steven Harbort, Jacob Rush, Troy Risdon.
South Burnett Saints
Fletcher Brown: Great under pressure and through congestion the young midfielder has a good handball and great kick.
Other key players: Ned O’Connor, Ben Dressnell, Josh Freeman.
Coolaroo
BJ Shelton: Back after season off, Shelton is a no-nonsense player who is physical, tough, hard running and near impossible to stop.
Other key players: Jacob Sheath, Mitchell Johnson, Hayden and Jayden Smith.
University Cougars
Jaiden Fidge: Starred as 16-year-old in the Cougars 2018 senior premiership winning team. After a stint playing in Brisbane he has improved and matured and can play in the forward line and midfield.
Key other players: Codie O’Malley, Ryan Colcough, Zac Holloway.
Goondiwindi Hawks
Sam McNaughton: The veteran Hawks midfielder will captain the side after a number of years as vice-captain. McNaughton through his actions as much as his words and is one of the hardest workers in the team.
Other key players: Will Rogers, Fergus McLaughlin, Tyson Hagiel.
Dalby Swans
Ben Smith: Showed heaps of promise in his first season of senior footy last year playing roving role and pushing into the forward line when needed.
Other key players: Kyle Hope, Micka Pratt, Christopher Wynd
Toowoomba Tigers
Harry Vanderzalm: A great two-way runner who works hard in the middle of the park, shows a clean set of heels out of contested play and has great all-round skills.
in the midfielder, two way runner, fitness, clean skills.
Other key players: Daniel Townson, Rohan Drummond, Jaydon Lamborn
Women
South Burnett Saints
Kiara Wright: The captain is a great two-way runner – working hard in defence and attack. Wright also has great ‘delivery’ skills finding her teammates with the right ball at the right time.
Other key players: Alex Psarros, Kayley Collins, Bella Freeman.
Coolaroo
AJ Miller: With a new young team on the field this year, Miller’s experience will be invaluable. A fit and determined player with good all-round skills.
Others key players: Jess Gilbey-Martin, Ash May, Bodie Madgwick.
Toowoomba Tigers
Chaylee Reeve: A strong athletic midfielder with great marking and kicking skills. A new signing this season, Reeve, who played premier league in Sydney, brings a wealth of experience.
Other key players: Lara Paget, Tiarna Jericho, Sarah Browne.
University Cougars
Phoebe Baird: Adds a wealth experience having played WAFL and Queensland rep footy in recent years. Baird, who can play in the midfield or at halfback, has great all-round skills.
Other key players: Adior Kur, Nyen Gela, Katie Wright.
Goondiwindi Hawks
Alison Moore: Last year’s captain-coach is back to help her side defend their premiership. Moore is as fit as she has ever been, is a natural leader and her sharp skills will be vital if the Hawks want to defend their title.
Other key players: Sarah Fuller, Teenie Ash, Kendall Ross.
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