Mackay and Whitsundays Magpies Crusaders United’s players to watch in QPL

It has been a pre-season filled with cancellations, Covid scares and lockdowns, but the Magpies Crusaders are ready to start their FQPL season on Saturday. Read the list of players who are ready for a big season.

It has been a pre-season filled with cancellations, Covid scares and lockdowns.

But the Magpies Crusaders are ready to start their Football Queensland Premier League season on Saturday.

Mackay and Whitsundays coach Brian Murphy said it was an exciting time for the club.

“There’s been plenty of selection headaches, but it’s a nice problem to have,” he said.

“A few of the boys have put their hands up and are pushing hard for spots, so the competition for places are keeping players on their toes.”

Murphy identified a number of players he expected to have big 2022 seasons.

Liam Shipton

Announced as the Magpies Crusaders captain for 2022, Shipton has led by example since returning to the club.

An inaugural player for Mackay and Whitsundays, the creative midfielder spent time plying his trade in England, making his professional debut for Wrexham at 17 years old.

Murphy said he was excited to work with the experienced player.

“The old guard give us something each week and set a really good example,” he said.

“They lead the younger players really well to, so it’s exciting to see what they can give us.”

Mackay and Whitsunday Magpies Crusaders United have signed Liam Shipton to be the side’s captain in 2022.

Angus McKenzie

The 17-year-old striker has enjoyed a successful pre-season ahead of 2022, with the junior consistently finding the back of the net in trial games.

McKenzie scored a hat trick in the first half against NQ Congo United, and also scored in multiple other trial matches.

Magpies Crusaders coach Brian Murphy said McKenzie had been impressive.

“He has done all the pre-season and we’ve been very impressed with his attitude on and off the field,” he said.

“He’s scored some spectacular goals during the trial games and he’s set for a big year.”

Junya Yabe

The talented defender is a recent signing, having moved to Mackay from the Gold Coast Knights.

Yabe’s ability to score on set pieces has excited Murphy, who said he had an outstanding pre-season so far.

“He’s scoring goals from centre-back, it’s been fantastic to add him to the mix,” he said.

Yabe’s defensive presence will be welcomed at Magpies Crusaders, who conceded 85 goals in 26 matches in 2021 – the most in the National Premier League.

Junya Yabe will play for Magpies Crusaders in 2022.

Brandon Callaghan

Another local talent who is returning to the club, Callaghan has received plenty of praise for his efforts in the pre-season.

The attacking midfielder spent time at the club in 2018, and has since played in the Whitsunday Coast Premier League.

Callaghan has also spent time at Magpies FC and Lions SC, and has represented Queensland Country in representative competitions.

Murphy said Callaghan had taken his second chance with both hands.

“He’s another standout so far,” he said.

“We’ve got a great mix of local talent and out-of-town players, and Brandon is one of the local boys who loves playing for us.”

Michael Lyall

Michael Lyall will return to Magpies Crusaders in 2022 after he captained the inaugural side.

The inaugural captain of the Magpies Crusaders, Lyall has returned to the club and will be the team’s vice-captain in 2022.

Touted as one of the NPL’s best strikers in 2019, Lyall scored 18 goals in 21 matches for the club, which was almost half of the side’s 43 goals for the season.

Murphy said Lyall would be a valuable asset on and off the field.

“He gives us something each week,” he said.

“He’ll set a really good example off the field as well, especially with the younger players in the team.”