Tuesday marks the second of five installments of the QAFL Top 50 Players of 2015. Today, it’s 40-31.
To see who was rated 50-41, click HERE
#40 Tom Daniel (Labrador)
Position: Defender
Time in best: 1
Goals: 4
Influence
Doesn’t get the public recognition he probably deserves at times, but he makes the blokes up the field look good. Didn’t have the same influence as last year but was an integral part of Labrador’s breakthrough premiership. The general down back sets up all of his defenders and is the link up man moving forward.
Ability to change a game
It all starts with him. Daniel took a lot of the Labrador kick ins this year, which is where their attacking movements started from. Also reads the ball off hands very well, nullifying the influence of the smaller forwards.
Consistency
Only featured in the best once but managed 14 games for the year carrying injuries.
#39 Ryan Pantic (Broadbeach)
Position: Midfield
Time in best: 5
Goals: 2
Influence
Pantic was up and about this year, especially early. Had a flying start to the year and was the talk of the opposition teams. His midfield dominance early couldn’t be converted into wins for his team as the Cats lost some early nail biters.
Ability to change a game
Just like the perfect mixed drink, Pantic got the blend right in 2015. Not only was his stoppage work elite, but he was able to cut teams up on the outside as well when he got on his bike. He was a tempo changer.
Consistency
Managed 15 games for the Cats this year. His best was outstanding but wasn’t as consistent as some of his teammates.
#38 Nic Tomlinson (Morningside)
Position: Half-Back
Time in best: 6
Goals: 5
Influence
The five-time premiership player at QAFL and NEAFL level brings copious amounts of experience to his teammates. He is poised down back under pressure and when firing is the catalyst for a lot of the Panther’s forward movement.
Ability to change a game
One of the safest boots in the QAFL. A wonderful player who can play tall and small. His skills on the last line aided by his ability to influence a contest as the third man, makes scoring against his defensive unit difficult.
Consistency
Played 21 games this year and peaked at finals time while under the duress of Plantar Fasciitis.
#37 George Hannaford (UQ)
Position: Midfield/Forward
Time in best: 12
Goals: 14
Influence
One of the finds of the year. Hannaford was thrust into a senior role in a very young team playing a superb support role to Darren Pfeiffer. He played a huge part in the Red Lions strong finish to the year.
Ability to change a game
His best game came against Wilston Grange over at the Den where he won stoppages, took big marks and kicked goal, almost single headedly winning the game for his side.
Consistency
12 times in the best out of 17 games, proves he has had a terrific year for UQ, he looks comfortable at home at QAFL level. Keep an eye on him in 2016.
#36 Ryan Davey (Labrador)
Position: Midfield
Time in best: 3
Goals: 12
Influence
No bigger influence to his side than the two time Grogan Medallist. He didn’t have the year that everyone expected but was influential when it mattered; the pointy end of the season. His gut running and ferocious attack on the ball has always been his strengths, but he showed his ability to play his support role for his star teammates, adding unrivalled depth to the Tigers.
Ability to change a game
Look no further than the Palm Beach game in round 5. With the game in the balance, he went forward in the final quarter to kick three clutch goals and hand the Tigers the win off his own boot.
Consistency
Still managed 15 games for the year balancing increased work commitments and injuries. He found another gear in the finals series, leading his team to a flag.
#35 Peter Mollison (Morningside)
Position: Ruck
Time in best: 8
Goals: 13
Influence
It wasn’t just in the ruck Mollison went to work this year, he became a factor up forward as well. He was still one of the best ruckmen in the competition and shouldered the majority of the Panthers ruck duty all year, but upped his influence around the ground, pushing forward to stretch opposition defence but also ran back to help out his defenders.
Ability to change a game
Games change when you start winning clearances and in the big games this year Mollison gave his mids first use. Was a big player in finals competition against the leagues best, and was stiff to miss out on the best on ground medal in the grand final.
Consistency
Studies took precedence mid year, and he also spent some time playing forward, but when push came to shove, Mollison took charge in the guts.
#34 Hugh Campbell (Wilston Grange)
Position: Midfield/Back/Forward
Time in best: 10
Goals: 12
Influence
The unknown Gorilla took his game to a new level in 2015. When Brittain, Trewhella and Kuret were unavailable Campbell moved into the midfield with immediate impact. In a crucial time of the year, Campbell was best on 4 out 5 games without the big three.
Ability to change a game
Can play all positions but his standout game was his defensive forward role on the dangerous Luke Scott in the semi-final. Not only did Campbell shut down Scott, but kicked four goals himself.
Consistency
Played every game for the Gorillas this year and finished a deserving third in their best and fairest.
#33 Val Pope (Western Magpies)
Position: Midfield / Forward
Time in best: 9
Goals: 34
Influence
Pope is a very dangerous forward who is always hard to match up on, but can also float up the ground and win his own footy. Moves well, is able to use the space out the back of a contest, and doesn’t miss too often. Played a massive role in the increased scoring power of the Magpies as the year progressed.
Ability to change a game
When the Magpies needed one most, Pope managed to find a way to bob up and kick one against the flow. His strength on the lead, as well as his ability to pick it up from his bootlaces meant he was never out of the contest.
Consistency
34 goals was a good return for the role he played, and the structure the Magpies played to this year. One of the first picked in the side every week.
#32 Adam Spackman (Morningside)
Position: Midfield / Back
Time in best: 3
Goals: 3
Influence
Spackman is one of the classiest users from the back half in the QAFL. His speed off the mark allows him to gap opponents and get out of trouble. He rarely misses a target by foot. Best on ground in the Queensland state game says it all.
Ability to change a game
Line breaker. That’s how Spackman breaks a game open. His poise, and explosiveness was the foundation for Morningside’s run out of the back half this year, one of their biggest strengths. He makes every possession count.
Consistency
Spackman doesn’t have to have 25 plus possessions to be influential, which means every game counted.
#31 Rhys Estall (Mt Gravatt)
Position: Full Forward
Time in best: 6
Goals: 54
Influence
No doubt about it, when he is on, he is a handful for anyone. A few niggling injuries slowed the Wiz up this year at times, but still had a fantastic year. Can play tall or small in the Vultures forward line, knows where the goals are at all times, and doesn’t mind letting you know about it either.
Ability to change a game
Estall was the go to man in the Vultures forward 50, and for good reason. His speed of the mark, agility, and goal sense meant that if he was given half a sniff, he was able to convert. Always someone you have to keep an arm on, or he will hurt you.
Consistency
15 games, only once held goalless says it all really. Would have given the Ray Hughson Medal a real shake if he played every game.
By Andrew Wiles and Matt Trewhella
