Goldsworthy unveils Swans’ ultimate dream team

Speed freaks and sharp shooters, to a man who deserves a statue on Wises Rd, Maroochydore Swans workhorse Murray Goldsworthy has revealed his ultimate 1-17

Maroochydore Swans stalwarts Murray Goldsworthy and Joshua Buckland lift the premiership trophy back in 2016. Photo: John McCutcheon

Speed freaks and sharp shooters, to a man who deserves a statue on Wises Rd, Maroochydore Swans workhorse Murray Goldsworthy has revealed his ultimate 1-17.

Known for his big hair, big body and big hits, the two-time premiership winning player Goldsworthy has named his 1-17 and coaches from his Swans career.

Goldsworthy signed on with Maroochydore for under-9s and bowed out in the perfect way, with a thrilling A-grade grand final win over Beerwah in 2018.

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To go with the two premierships, Goldsworthy captained the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Battalion Shield and spent more than two decades in the green, black and white.

Swans champion Murray Goldsworthy hits it up against the Nambour Crushers.

The toiler chose not to select himself in the team but said he chose players for their “100 per cent efforts”, super talents and unselfish natures.

Goldsworthy said he expected to have some explaining to do on those who missed out.

“They’re not only the best players, but also great clubmen. There were a lot who missed out, I found it quite hard to pick,” Goldsworthy said.

“I feel very blessed to have played for this club. Made lifelong friends and been really lucky to get some premierships at Swannies.

“I don’t miss the Sunday morning wake-ups though, when your body is ruined.”

Goldsworthy’s post-playing career meant father time for the big man, chasing around Ollie, aged two and Willow, one. They keep him on his toes.

After debuting as a teenager for the Swans A-grade side in 2004, Goldsworthy tasted grand final heartbreak in 2009, 2014 and 2015.

Legends: Josh Buckland Murray Goldsworthy with the premiership trophy in 2016. Photo: John McCutcheon

But he was there when it counted to bask in the sweet success of title years 2016 and 2018.

“Both premierships are special for different reasons,” he said.

“The first because it broke a drought, then the second being an epic come from behind.”

In 2018, Goldsworthy had his runners-up speech in his head in the dying stages of the grand final with the Beerwah Bulldogs gunning home.

Read the 2018 grand final match report

But inside the final 10 minutes, late tries to Henderson Godfrey and Lachlan Price, followed by a Tyler Oxenham conversion, sealed the most unlikely of victories. Full-time score was 22-20.

“A lot of guys pulled off something special. It was meant to be,” he said.

“We got into the grand final with a win at the death over Caboolture too. Scored on the buzzer in the semi.

“The will to perform for each other is a big thing for the club.

“That year was an end of an era for us, a few boys bowed out or moved on.

“So we had a few good days of fun afterwards, a few of us didn’t know when to pull up stumps.”

Goldsworthy’s 1-17 dream team and coaches as follows. It is in his own words.

1. Fullback: Brad Kent.

Brad Kent runs the ball for Maroochydore. Photo: Che Chapman

“Also plays half so has great ball skills and a great running game.”

2. Winger and goal kicker: Kris Boyce.

Finisher and goal kicker Kris Boyce. Photo: Warren Lynam

“Can score a try for anywhere and a sharp shooter with the boot.”

3. Centre: Nat McGavin. “Freak of a player.”

4. Centre: Troy Frankcom. “Great all round centre.”

5. Wing: Daniel Mcglynn.

Maroochydore's Daniel McGlynn races over for a try in 2009. Photo: Warren Lynam

“Speedy finisher and also a sharp shooter.”

6. Five eighth: Jason Schmidt. “Crazy good ballplayer.“

7. Halfback: Matt Lapworth.

Swans half Matt Lapworth back in 2009. Photo: Warren Lynam

“Very experienced half. Ran a team perfectly.”

8. Prop: Warrick Maher. “The biggest hitter I have ever played with, head made of bricks.”

9. Hooker: Troy Mendham.

Troy Mendham of the Maroochydore Swans Rugby League Club. Photo: Che Chapman

“Impeccable service, great runner and 50 tackles a game.”

10. Prop: Jason Wardrop. “80 minute front rower, an absolute machine, countless representative honours.”

11. Backrow: Ricky Duncan (C).

Murray Goldsworthy reckons Ricky Duncan deserves his own statue on Wises Rd outside of the Maroochydore Swans club house. Photo Geoff Potter

“Legend of Maroochydore. Good luck tackling him. Needs to be a statue of him at Wises Rd.”

12. Backrow: Jay McCarthy. “Tough as nails forward.”

13. Lock: Josh Buckland.

Maroochydore’s Josh Buckland takes a run from fullback. Photo Brett Wortman

“Amazing player, fast strong and talented. Could have also been picked at fullback.”

14. Bench: Nicholas Schmidt. “Can play just about any position and always played well above his weight.”

15. Bench: Dean Barrie. “Fiery competitor, never left anything on the field.”

16. Bench: Bart Hold. “Another 80-minute prop with a thousand hit ups and tackles every week.”

17. Bench: Shane Turner. “Great backrower who scored a lot of tries.”

Co-coaches: Mark Brandon and Brett Winkler.

“Couldn’t split these two great coaches. Mentors both on and off the field which led to great success with the club.”

Next week’s team will feature Caloundra Sharks gun Brad Ibbs. Stay tuned.

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