By Beth Newman
This season, each coach has given their 3-2-1s for the opposition’s stand out players.
And after 10 rounds, these are the players that have finished on top of the heap.
The balance is, probably, unsurprisingly tipped towards midfielders, with so many genuine on-ballers littered throughout the competition.
There are plenty of the usual suspects in the side, as well as a few rising stars.
Interestingly, it’s not the big goal kickers who have featured, rather the rough and tumble mids and smaller forwards who have been pointed out by the coaches.
Check out who the coaches reckon your best players have been:
Burleigh:
Hugh Priest
Priest has been a stand out for the Bombers this season, playing mainly of the wing.
Armed with pretty handy pace, Priest has been a strong transition player for Burleigh, and damaging for oppositions.
Nick O’Reilly
Nicholas John O’Reilly made the cut a solid Burleigh forward. O’Reilly has been strong in the Bombers’ attack this season and has stood out to his opponent’s coaches a number of times.
Coolangatta
Daniel Hawkins
The player-coach is leading from the front this season, playing in the backline and through the midfield. Hawkins’ strength proves him a strong asset in contests, and he is measured with the ball in hand.
David Lynch
David Lynch has been a rock up forward for the Blues this season, taking the attention of opposition coaches. The 29-year old leads the way with his attack on the footy, and has a cool head when lining up for goals.
Maroochydore:
Jarrod Gale
Gale is a strong on-baler and has an ability to break tackles well. He has been good in stoppages for Maroochydore this season, giving his side plenty of opportunities with a number of clearances.
Jed Turner
The only ruckman that has really caught the attention of opposing coaches this season. The 196cm big man has proven his consistency for Maroochy this season. At only 22, Turner has plenty of upside – a scary thought for many of his opponents.
Mayne:
Shaun Daly
The former Ovens and Murray league player has made an immediate impression at the Tigers this season. Running through the midfield, Daly has added plenty of class to the Mayne side, and has stood out in pretty much every game he’s played.
Caleb Brown
Brown is a well-known performer for the Tigers and has previously proven himself at higher levels.
The strong forward has stood up again for Mayne this season, kicking 27 goals so far this season, including seven in their Rd 10 clash against Burleigh.
Noosa:
Caleb Isles
He might be small but Noosa’s Caleb Isles more than makes up for a lack of height with his aggression and courage. Excellent at retrieving the ball from packs,, Isles stands up to the physical challenges of footy with ease and has been by far one of Noosa’s best this season. The 26 year-old leadership to a young side.
Owen Bailey
Another of Noosa’s experienced contingent, Bailey has been outstanding for the Sunshine Coast this season. The on-baller provides strong run and carry and is level-headed with the ball in hand.
Palm Beach
Shane Hutchinson
Shane Hutchinson has been a stand out in an impressive Palm Beach side this season. The on-baller has been incredibly effective in traffic and clearing the ball to advantage. The 31 year-old is still a crucial part of his team’s premiership charge.
Jesse Derrick
Derrick is a versatile defender, who can match up on talls or smalls. Plays with plenty of hunger and desperation, and is great off the ground in traffic. Plays for the one percenters and is a crucial contributor for the Lions.
Sandgate
Tom Overington
Sandgate’s youth brigade has set the league on fire this season, fewer more so than Tom Overington. The 19 year-old is well-built for his age and has plenty of senior experience for someone so young. A hard-nosed midfielder who is terrific in congestion and clever with his disposal through the centre.
Corbin Dickfos
Another of the Hawks’ youngsters, Corbin Dickfos has been terrific in the forward line this season. Armed with electrifying pace and a bag of pretty special tricks, Dickfos has huge potential in the competition. An excellent finisher as well.
Springwood
Albert Proud
Former Brisbane Lions player, Albert Proud, took no time at all to stamp his influence on the Allied Pickfords Cup competition. The aggressive midfielder has singlehandedly changed games for the Pumas, on the way to their 9-1 record at this point in the season. Proud is incredibly skilful and rarely turns the ball over. He can also boot a goal when required.
Jake Furfaro
He hasn’t received as much fanfare as some other Pumas recruit, but Furfaro has continued to show his consistency. Can play back, forward or through the midfield and is one of the best kicks going around. Adds plenty of class to the Pumas side and has been a major boost for them.
Surfers
Ryan Dienjes
At only 23, Ryan Dienjes has already become one of the Demons’ most important players. Generally an on-baller, Dienjes has strong goal sense which has seen him play up forward occasionally as well. The Gold Coaster uses his body well in contests and is very courageous.
Simon Fenton
Fenton has been super-consistent in the Demons’ defence this season, and is hugely experienced. The 33 year-old is an anchor down back and has been a loyal servant for the Demons, having played more than 200 games for the club. Invaluable part of the side this season, and a member of the leadership group.
UQ
Hugh Millikan
UQ forward, Hugh Millikan, has stood out to opposition coaches this season. The 27 year-old has great endurance and a strong finishing ability. Millikan is an accurate kick, who you could back to slot it through the big sticks from pretty much anywhere in the 50.
Jack Pershouse
The Red Lions youngster has had a breakout 2013, proving himself against more experienced opponents every week. Pershouse has a strong build for someone so young and is a very good inside midfielder.
Western Magpies
James Rozynski
One of the competition’s premier players, Rozynski has continued to enhance his reputation this season. One of the Magpies’ most dangerous players, and has been especially crucial in an injury-marred season for his side.
Drew Mitchell
Drew Mitchell has come off the bench plenty of times this season, but has impressed numerous opposition coaches with his ability to influence the contest. Has been solid in the half-back line.
Wilston Grange
Steve Brittain
Steve Brittain is pretty much unrivalled as the Gorillas’ most influential player this season. He generally runs through the midfield but has been thrown forward and back and coped with positional changes with ease.
Matt Trewhella
Another player-coach who is having a major say in his team’s success this season. Has been a focal point up forward for the Gorillas this season, kicking a bag of 11 against the Magpies in Round 7. His influence is even more impressive, given he’s missed a number of games through injury this season.
