Qf seem to be very strict on upgrade and award seats.
For instance, unless the upgrade for an International seat INTO OZ is approved 24 hours in advance, no amount of begging will make it happen at the overseas port - even tho there are empty seats available.
I would make every effort to get them to clear the seat on the 10.30 flight- citing your tight connection as a reason.


They may make you wait till the 24 hour period - and your status here will help- however if 'they' in the rewards section have not sanctioned the seats as being available, there is (I feel) little point in arriving early.
The overseas airport management seem to have little say when it comes to moving award and upgrade seats around.