20. Jackson Emblem
The colourful identity from Palm Beach capped off another stellar season with a premiership medal and the scalp of Barry Hall. He is the linchpin and connector in the leagues best defence, hard to stop one on one and his ability with the ball sets up most of the attacking movement.
19. Steve Brittain
The QAFL Captain is regarded as one of the best players in the competition but a shoulder injury cut the dominant force’s season short. In the games he played he was at his powerful best and was one of the best players in the QAFL State game. Played a mix of roles this year to free him up from the weekly opposition taggers cuddle tactics but was a match winner when in the middle of the ground.
18. Alastair Nash
Versatile, aggressive and courageous all describe the smiling assassin from Morningside. A part of the remaining NEAFL contingent that still dominate at QAFL level and been the back bone of the Panther recent success. His verbal ability on the field is matched by his ball winning ability, Nash is a proven match winner.
17. Luke Shreeve
An outstanding, explosive talent, Luke Shreeve was exceptional for Broadbeach this season, bursting away from packs and using his pinpoint passing.
Unfortunately for Shreeve and the Cats, he’s another player whose season was hampered by injury, but when he’s fit and firing he can mix it with the very best.
The former Southport Shark kicked eleven goals from his ten games and showed exactly why he’s rated so highly.
16. Matthew Trewhella
What a year it was for Trewhella in his last year of QAFL, retiring well and truly on top with a team of the year nomination, a Wilston Grange best and fairest and a 43 goal season.
Still one of the strongest one-on-one marks in the competition, Trewhella wrestled his way through another impressive season.
Trow’s value extends beyond the field too, the former Gorillas senior coach has an impressive footy brain and is a valued leader of the club.
15. Liam McNeven
The other partner in crime for the PBC backline, the unassuming bean pole has become a key contributor to Chad Owen’s 2018 premiership masterpiece. Works in tandem with Emblem as the two talls and his ability at ground level leaves most big opponents in his wake. A timely punch and an even bigger smile, the young Palmy player is forging a reputation in the early parts of his career.
14. Joe Murphy
Murphy is an absolute ball winning monster when he’s up and going; not only does he have the physicality required for the tough stuff, but he also just has that knack for finding the footy.
Along with Sam Stubb’s hand injury, the skipper’s second knee injury was the worst thing to happen to the Vultures all year. He’s a real competitor that will do anything to drag his side over the line.
13. Jayden Young
For a key position defender, Young’s ability to play like a nimble midfielder at ground level really sets him apart as a player.
Young’s creativity out of the backline for Labrador is a real asset to the Tigers, particularly because he’s so hard to tackle and always seems to get a kick or handball away, whatever the situation.
The second half of the league’s best defensive duo with Wayde Mills played 18 games this season and featured in the best players eight times.
12. Benji Neal
Neal is a damaging player that racks up possessions, but is also very influential defensively with his work rate and tackling. Another QAFL team of the year selection, the Broadbeach star is hard at the football and as tough as they come.
Neal played 18 games in season 2017 and was named in the best on a staggering eleven occasions.
11. Dylan Troutman
The exceptionally skilled Palm Beach half back and midfielder had a great year and stepped up in some really big games and finals. Troutman’s composure across half back was a critical part of the Lions successful finals campaign and ultimately, their premiership win.
The former Casey Demon and Southport Shark adds plenty of outside class and polish, to complement the other players in the Lions back half.
