FOOTBALL: The 2020 TFL Premier Men’s season was one of the most exciting in recent memory.

New team Stanthorpe United made themselves known early – playing exciting attacking football – and stalwart club St Albans went agonisingly close to playing finals football.

Rockville also proved to more than competitive and a Gatton side packed full of youthful talent also mixed things up.

Ahead of the season kick-off this weekend, The Chronicle has run the rule over the talent on deck to give you our top five players to watch in 2021.

1. Dan Weber (St Albans): The former South West Queensland Thunder winger has all the attributes you want in an attacker and everything defenders subsequently hate. Weber has pace, good ball control and an attack-first focus – opting to run at defenders whenever he can. He scored 22 goals in 15 games last season, and if he can replicate that form will be among the competition’s best again.

2. Brendan Harvey (Stanthorpe United): After a few years away from the game due to work commitments, Harvey almost pulled on the boots when injury hit the Stanthorpe ranks. The veteran defender is calm on the ball, solid in the tackle and should pair nicely with Aidan Halford.

3. Mayar Qaso (Rockville): The left wing/striker tore up the Conference division last year. Called into Rockville’s premier men’s side late in the season, he was good for a goal a game while playing. If he can withstand the rigours of regular premiership football he will be a standout.

4. Trent Ingelton (Willowburn): A cool and calm midfielder, Ingelton leads as much through his actions as he does his words. His game awareness will help Willowburn immensely and he will be a key man in both attack and defence.

5. Alex Edwards (Gatton): The Redbacks’ midfield maestro has plenty of experience and flair. Edwards also possesses a free kick threat with his pinpoint set piece deliveries troubling plenty of keepers.

Originally published as TFL MEN’S TOP 5: Players to watch in 2021