Some significant off-season recruiting should see a competitive Zillmere in 2016.
The coaching panel has changed slightly, with the inclusion of two new coaches – father and son, Grant (Senior Assistant Coach -Midfield) and Jesse, Davis (QWAFL Runner & Development Coach).
The team welcomes U18 Queensland representative Shaleise Law from the South-Toowoomba Bombers, who will add a distinct X-factor to the side.
Zillmere have recruited three girls from other sports, including Australian Touch Football representative Paige Parker.
It was tough call predicting Zillmere to finish fifth on the ladder, as I believe they have a lot of talent on their list and will be extremely competitive against all sides throughout the season.
With such an experienced and multi-dimensional coaching panel, and the inclusion of the youth girls, the team will have a lot of depth going forward.
Zillmere’s Round 1 clash will test the side, as they take on Coolangatta. It will be interesting to see if the teams will continue the pattern of having close contests, with Zillmere having the final victory from last year.
2015 – Past Season Stats
Ladder Position: 4th
Wins: 7
Losses: 9
Best & Fairest: 1st: Ally Anderson (72 Votes)
2nd: Emma Pericic (52 Votes)
3rd: Kylie Lawrence (36 Votes)
2016 – Key Predictions:
Ladder Position: 5th
Rising Star: Shaleise Law – The U18 Queensland Youth Girls representative brings so much X-factor to every game it’s hard to not see her being a star of the team. Her pace and attack on the ball will make it difficult for opposition coaches any day. She may not be the person to rack up the touches, but when she has the ball, everyone knows it, because she makes such an impact with every opportunity. Depending on where Tayla Harris will play, if Shaleise is in the forward, there is no doubt she will be crumbing any balls that Tayla brings to ground. Watch out for Shaleise this year, I think she will be pivotal to Zillmere’s success.
Key Changes:
Grant Davis (Senior Assistant Coach -Midfield)
Jesse Davis (QWAFL Runner & Development Coach)
Paige Parker (Australian Touch Football team)
Sophie Conway (Hockey Queensland, St. Rita’s College)
Grace Krautz (Coolaroo AFC)
Shaleise Law, Chloe Macdonald (South-Toowoomba Bombers)
Brigid Gaur, Alison Gaur (Dalby Swans)
Adriana Smith (Mackay Magpies)
Carissa Jordan (Basketball Queensland)
Jacobah Noble, Sophie Conway, Anna van de Wiel, Maddison Byrne, Chloe Treeby, Shaunee Girven, Sofie Stark, Madison Porter (Youth Girls)
2016 – From the Coach
Jacob Simmons-Bliss
Who are the top 3 players to watch in your team?
Tayla Harris, Paige Parker and Shaleise Law.
Which 2 teams will be playing in the 2016 QWAFL Grand Final?
Zillmere vs. Yeronga
Who’s your predication for 2016 QWAFL Best & Fairest Winner?
Breanna Koenen (UQ)
What’s your best piece of coaching advice/favourite coaching quote?
“Elite discipline, effort an attitude helps you complete your role, and completing your role is what separates an excellent performance from an average performance. Discipline yourself so nobody else has to.”
By QWAFL writer Jessica Stewart
Tweitter: @Jess_Stewart16
