Toowoomba Grammar School gear up for 2024 GPS football season

With the 2024 GPS football season kicking off this weekend we’ve examined the Toowoomba Grammar School squad. Find out how they’re shaping as they set their sights on the title here.

Max Lomas (pictured keeping for the SWQ Thunder U16 squad) will be a key player for Toowoomba Grammar this season.

Often described as the “the beautiful game”, football can at times be bogged down by over-coaching, tactics and complicated passages of play.

Fortunately Toowoomba Grammar, under the guidance of former A-league coach Mike Mulvey, are not one of those teams.

Head of Sport – Football Nigel Fanning said Grammar’s First XI wants to play an attractive, possession based style of football in the GPS competition this season.

“Mike is a fantastic asset to school and the region,” Fanning said.

“His focus has always been on playing attractive football with width, depth and letting the ball do the work.

“We’re also focused on two simple phases of play – what we do with the ball and what we do without it.

“He (Mulvey) also values smart, intelligent players.”

Action from a 2023 GPS game between Brisbane SHS and Toowoomba Grammar. Picture: John Gass

Preparations for the 2024 GPS football season began in term 4 of last year with the squad taking part in a rigorous conditioning and the addition of high performance athletic development coach this year added another layer to that program.

The squad also has plenty of game time under its belt having played several pre-season games as well as lining up at The Southport School Cup.

“We’re very optimistic ahead of the season,” Fanning said.

“I think physically we are better prepared than we have ever been in the past and we’ve exposed the squad to more games as well.

“We also have a number of boys back from last year – bringing some real experience with them.”

The overall depth of the squad will also be a key factor this year according to Fanning.

The longtime football stalwart naturally expects a number of players to standout but team unity will drive them toward the top of the ladder.

“Our goalkeeper Max Lomas is a tremendous last line of defence,” Fanning said.

“We have a young man Matthew Jacob who has made the jump from year 10 straight into the senior side. He’s got size and will be great in defence.

“Our captain Joshua Zahra has real speed and guile in the midfield and Tdonson Hammond who is a very promising, talented player with all the right skills.

“Playing as a team however is the biggest focus – that’s what is most important.

“We have some really good depth on our bench and everyone has an important role to play.

“The coaching staff have a lot of this group and we’re looking forward to the season.”

Originally published as Toowoomba Grammar School gear up for 2024 GPS football season