Football wrap: Queensland’s best teams, players and volunteers
We shine a light on Queensland’s must watch matches, top junior and senior teams, players, officials and volunteers. Plus get every result from the last round premier league action here.
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From Cairns in the north all the way south to the Gold Coast, Queensland’s football fields are packed with eager players and competitive teams every weekend.
Ahead of another big weekend of action we’re shining a light on the best teams, matches, players, volunteers and officials in the junior and senior divisions.
Content in this story has been provided by Football Queensland.
Cairns
McDonald’s FQPL Far North & Gulf Men Round Preview
With only four rounds remaining for the 2023 regular season, every point counts with only eleven points separating second to sixth on the McDonald’s FQPL Far North & Gulf Men’s ladder.
Sixth placed Marlin Coast Rangers are fighting for the season when they host the second placed Leichhardt FC, fifth placed Southside Comets travel to the Stratford Dolphins, fourth placed Innisfail United travel to newly crowned Premiers Edge Hill United, while the third placed Mareeba Bulls take on Redlynch Strikers.
The Rangers head into their home game against Leichhardt knowing only a win will do as they look to chase down the fourth placed Innisfail United who are seven points in front, but United are away to the undefeated Edge Hill and a win for the Rangers would boost their hopes of staying alive come September.
The fifth placed Comets will also have one eye on Innisfail’s away trip to face Edge Hill, as they also play away to the seventh placed Stratford Dolphins. The Comets currently sit four points adrift to fourth placed Innisfail and they know only the full three points will keep their season alive.
The Bulls head to Calanna Park on Saturday night and claiming all three points would all but lock in a finals berth for 2023, but with two games against the Leichhardt FC coming up, second place is not out of reach for the Mareeba based side.
McDonald’s FQPL Far North & Gulf Matches of the Round
Men
Stratford Dolphins vs. Southside Comets
7pm, Saturday July 29, Nick Brko Field
The Stratford Dolphins host a Southside Comets outfit gunning for fourth place on the McDonald’s FQPL Far North & Gulf ladder and the last spot in finals.
Comets sit just four points behind Innisfail United in fourth place with a game in hand. Having only recorded one point across their last four fixtures, the Comets will be pushing to get back to the winners list against a Stratford Dolphins outfit who have showed plenty but unfortunately had limited success this season.
Women
Southside Comets Levi vs. Edge Hill United
6.30pm, Friday July 28, Walker Road
Edge Hill United will be fighting to stay in the race for Premiership this weekend when they face a determined Southside Comets Levy outfit at Walker Road.
The Tigers have two games in hand over leaders Leichhardt FC White and will need keep a perfect record from here until the end of the season to give themselves a chance to claim the title.
Southside Comets Levy have had a tough season up until this point, but with their determined efforts each week a victory doesn’t seem too far away.
Come down to Walker Road to catch all the action from 6:30pm.
FIFA Women’s World Cup Live Viewing Site
Come down to the Western Event Lawn on the Cairns Esplanade this Thursday to catch our CommBank Matildas battle it out against Nigeria LIVE and FREE on the Optus big screen from 8pm.
Bring down the family from 7pm to secure your spot and be part of the electric atmosphere as our Matildas aim to start their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign with back-to-back wins.
Volunteer of the Month Winner
Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Month, Andrew Bennett from Redlynch Strikers FC! Andrew has taken to the role of canteen co-ordinator in his stride and with gusto. He puts in many hours each week conducting stocktakes, ordering supplies, managing the staff roster, and cooking and serving on match days. His hard work and dedication to the club have made the canteen an integral fundraiser for the club.
Gold Coast
Match of the Week Men – McDonalds FQPL 2 Men – Grange Thistle vs. Magic United
An enthralling top four battle in the McDonald’s FQPL 2 Men’s competition is set to unfold this weekend as fourth placed Magic United head to 3rd placed Grange Thistle knowing it is do or die time for both sides’ promotion and finals hopes.
With just four games left in the regular season, Magic know that a top two finish and promotion is still achievable but unlikely, but they will still need to be at their absolute best to maintain their hold on fourth place as Holland Park Hawks sit just three points behind the finals places.
The last time these two sides met we were treated to an exciting match in which Grange emerged 3-2 victors, and with both sides in strong recent goalscoring form, we are all set for a highly entertaining spectacle.
The action kicks off at 4pm on Sunday at Lanham Park, you can watch the action live on FQTV.
Sunday July 30, 5pm, Lanham Park, Grange
Match of the Week Women – NPL Queensland Women – Gold Coast United vs. Eastern Suburbs
Fourth placed Gold Coast United face off against high flying Eastern Suburbs in the NPL Queensland on Sunday, knowing that a victory would all but confirm United with a place in the finals.
Gold Coast face a tough test in Eastern Suburbs, who will be looking to bounce back after their narrow loss to league leaders Lions last weekend. While United are unlikely to catch the top three, they know they still need to be at their best to ensure they finish the regular season in the top four as Mitchelton sit closely behind in fifth.
The last time these two sides faced off, Gold Coast prevailed two goals to one thanks to strikes from Momo Hayashi and Astia Neckebroeck. United will look again to star forward Bronte Rose, who scored three consecutive hat-tricks in as many weeks to kickstart Gold Coast United’s current five game winning run.
The stage is set for a cracking fixture, head down to Coplicks Family Sports Park on Sunday to catch the action, or watch live on FQTV.
Junior Team of the Week – Merrimac FC U13
Merrimac FC is a community club whose main mantra is the development of players in a friendly and encouraging environment.
One of its standout teams this season is the U13’s Coached by Marcus Gibbs and Miguel Da Silva.
This team has demonstrated resilience on and off the pitch, hard work and a much more improved focus and dedication to their training and teamwork capabilities.
They have a “never give up” attitude that is most impressive and is what Merrimac FC embodies as a football family.
The team consists of Sebastian Rodriguez, Sidney Mangan, Cohan Hayward, Isaac Griffin, George Blake, Madison Cahill, Indra Whitton, Lilian Blake, Liam Cahill, Nathan Fale and Melia Constanzo-Vidot.
Volunteer of the Month
Scott Beattie – Crusaders Futsal Club
Scott has devoted over 8 years of his time to helping kids who are starting out on their futsal journey. He is a fun and friendly face for hundreds of children that have come through the Crusaders system and never misses a training session or game. Scott also is a full-time disability worker who devotes hours and hours to the local community.
FIFA Women’s World Cup
Get down to the Live Viewing site in Helensvale this Thursday to cheer on our Matildas in their FIFA Women’s World Cup match against Nigeria with fellow football fans.
Doors will open at 7pm, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.
To attend, you must register for tickets, which are free and can be obtained through Eventbrite.
The event will be held at the Helensvale Cultural Centre Sir John Overall Drive Helensvale.
Mackay Whitsundays
The McDonald’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Men’s competition is heating up, and this Saturday’s match between Mackay Rangers FC and City Brothers FC is of crucial importance to the home side.
Mackay Rangers are currently in fifth place on the ladder, while City Brothers are in sixth. Both teams are looking to win, but for different reasons. Mackay Rangers need to win to keep their hopes of making finals alive. They have already beaten City Brothers twice this season, and will be looking to make it a hat-trick.
The match will be played at Eric Homan Park, and kick-off is at 5pm.
McDonald’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Women – Country United FC Orange vs. Mackay Lions FC (8pm, Friday July 28, Lions Field)
We’re getting to the business end of the McDonald’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Women’s competition, and this Friday night’s match between Country United FC Orange and Mackay Lions FC could prove influential.
Country United FC Orange are currently in fourth place on the ladder, while Mackay Lions FC are in first. Country United FC Orange need to win to keep their spot in the top four, otherwise they are at risk of losing their spot to Dolphins FC.
Mackay Lions FC, on the other hand, are undefeated and are looking very likely to win the Premiership.
The match will be played at Lions Field, and kick-off is at 8pm.
Volunteer of the Month
Congratulations to the Volunteer of the Month, Mick Pisaniello from Proserpine Taipans Junior SC. Mick does an immense amount of volunteer work at the club and has stepped up to be President for the last few years. He sets up the fields for matches, line marks the fields and is always the first person to arrive and the last to leave. Volunteers like Mick are the reason football can be played in areas like Proserpine.
Watch the CommBank Matildas Live and Free in Mackay
Football Queensland is showing the CommBank Matildas vs. Nigeria game live and free on the big screen in Mackay this Thursday, 27 July at Red Dog Brewery Riverfront on Blue Water Quay.
The Mackay community is encouraged to wear their green and gold and come down to cheer on the girls. Mini games will be set up for the kids from 7pm.
Watch the CommBank Matildas Live and Free in Airlie Beach
Football Queensland is showing the CommBank Matildas vs. Nigeria game live and free on the big screen in Airlie Beach this Thursday, 27 July at Coconut Grove.
The Airlie Beach community is encouraged to wear their green and gold and come down to cheer on the girls. Food trucks will be available and mini games will be set up for the kids with kick off at 8pm.
Sunshine Coast
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Matches of the Round
Men
Gympie United vs. Woombye FC
6pm Sunday, July 30, One Mile Oval
Gympie United face a tough task hosting Premiership hopefuls Woombye FC on Sunday evening, with the Snakes determined to claim all three points to remain in the race for the title.
Gympie will be hoping they can build on their improved form recently which includes a draw against leaders Caloundra, with Woombye needing to be at their best to secure the three points and cut the deficit to leaders Caloundra to just two points.
In their previous encounter in Round 6, Woombye were too strong for Gympie and recorded a dominate 6-1 victory at home.
Head down to One Mile Oval this Sunday and catch all the action from 6pm!
Women
Maroochydore FC vs. Noosa Lions
8.30pm Friday July 28, Maroochydore FC
Get ready for a spectacle like no other when leaders Maroochydore FC host Noosa Lions in a Friday night McDonald’s FQPL 3 Sunshine Coast special.
Maroochydore have been a force to be reckoned with this season, currently sitting in first with twelve wins from their seventeen matches. Noosa have been roaring up the ladder over the past two months, claiming eight wins in a row to sit just two points behind leaders Maroochydore and one point behind second-placed Beerwah Glasshouse.
This shapes as a huge match in the context of the Premiership race, with Noosa potentially moving into first place for the first time this season with a victory on Friday night with just three games left in the season.
Get down to Maroochydore FC this Friday night and soak up the atmosphere.
Brisbane
NPL Queensland Men’s Player Spotlight
The NPL Men’s competition was full of exciting action this weekend, with some outstanding individual performances.
In the round’s top result, Sunshine Coast Wanderers conquered top four side Moreton Bay United, with star defender Marcus Worthington continuing his strong season by contributing with a goal to go with his 87% pass accuracy, 12 interceptions, 8 clearances and 15 successful duels.
Gold Coast Knights and Brisbane Roar Youth did battle in a thrilling encounter which saw the Knights emerge 3-2 winners.
The scoreline could have been significantly bigger, with the two goalkeepers combining for a massive 17 saves, with Langdon and Duke the clear stars of the show.
While Duke starred with 12 saves, it was Langdon’s heroic 90th minute stop which secured Knights all three points.
Redlands held Gold Coast United to a 1-1 draw while elsewhere Kye Bolton starred again to hand Brisbane City a 4-0 victory over Eastern Suburbs, condemning the East Brisbane side to relegation.
You can catch all the highlights from the NPL Men’s Competition on FQTV.
NPL Queensland Women’s Player Spotlight
It was a tense round of NPL Women’s action in a weekend highlighted by a huge win in the fight for survival from Olympic FC, who thanks to a stellar performance from Gabriella Francisco, who capped off a performance that included 10 recoveries and a 90% duel win rate by scoring two goals.
Elsewhere, star duo Sara D’Appolonia scored twice and Bonnie Davies netted a hat-trick as Peninsula Power defeated Capalaba FC in a five-star display.
Davies’ hat-trick was the highlight of the clash, but it was thanks to an all-round masterclass from D’Appolonia who bagged an assist to go with her staggering 12 key passes.
In the match of the round, first-placed Lions FC overcame second-placed Eastern Suburbs thanks to a well-taken goal from star striker Tegan Riding.
It was a tight affair at Heath Park, with Lions Defender Cannon Clough winning an impressive 12 duels and recovering the ball on sixteen separate occasions.
Highlights from across the NPL Women’s Competition can be watched on FQTV.
Toowoomba
Matches of the Round
McDonald’s FQPL 1 Men’s – Southside Eagles vs. SWQ Thunder
South West Queensland Thunder will look to continue their fantastic late season finals push this weekend as they travel to face relegation threatened Southside Eagles.
The Thunder made it 5 wins in a row last weekend, taking down their top four rival Brisbane Strikers in what was an exciting encounter at Clive Berghofer Stadium.
Thunder will enter the weekend confident but will be wary of the threat the Eagles pose despite them being without a win in their last 3 matches.
Thunder knows victory could move them within a single point of a potential finals football berth, while the Southside Eagles will be desperate to win if they are any hopes of avoiding the drop.
This is sure to be a thrilling encounter, you can catch it live on FQTV!
Saturday, July 29, 3.15pm, Memorial Park, Bulimba
McDonald’s FQPL 1 Women’s – Broadbeach United vs. SWQ Thunder
Promotion hopes are on the line this Saturday as second placed South West Queensland Thunder head to the Gold Coast to take on third placed Broadbeach United.
Thunder currently sits in the driving seat to secure the second promotion place in the McDonald’s FQPL 1 competition, holding a narrow four-point buffer between themselves and Broadbeach in third.
Victory for Thunder would see them open a near unassailable gap between themselves and the contenders, while Broadbeach know that a loss could see them potentially fall out of the top 4 all together.
Both sides head into the weekend in mixed recent form and know they will need to be at their best to take anything from this match.
The last time these two sides met, it was Broadbeach who were the winners by a single goal in a tense battle at Highfields Sport and Recreation Park.
The stage is set for an exciting match, you can watch all the action live on FQTV.
Team of The Week – Highfields FC Under 11 Kangaroos Green
It’s been a great season so far for this team with all players working hard to develop their skills and knowledge. The most pleasing aspect of all is seeing the players develop some friendships that will last a lifetime.
Volunteer of the Month
Steve Chapman – Garden City Raiders Football Club President
In his first year as Club President, Steve has been instrumental in re-establishing the Garden City Raiders Football Club in Toowoomba.
Steve has rallied several grades in the club and has built the club back up by creating a community of fun and friendship.
He does all the hard yards and goes out of his way to help all members within the club.
Townsville
McDonald’s FQPL Northern Matches of the Round
McDonald’s FQPL Northern Men – Estates FC vs. Townsville Warriors FC
7pm, Saturday July 29, Victoria Park
The pressure is piling on Estates FC after a loss last week has put their finals spot in jeopardy.
Estates FC are currently in fourth place on the ladder, while Townsville Warriors are in seventh. Both teams are looking to win to keep their respective finals hopes alive.
The last time these two teams met, Estates FC ran out 4-1 winners.
However, Townsville Warriors will be hoping to avenge that defeat and get their season back on track.
The match will be played at Victoria Park, and kick-off is at 7pm.
Junior Player of the Week
Ivy Francis from Wulguru United FC is the FQ Northern Junior Player of the Week.
Ivy received a fantastic prize pack thanks to our sponsors McDonald’s and Mitre football.
Volunteer of the Month
Congratulations to the Volunteer of the Month, Jessica Mason from Riverway JCU FC. Jessica is a huge asset to the club in her roles as MiniRoos Manager and Fundraising Coordinator. She does everything with high energy and passion for the game and club.
Fans back Matildas
Paradise Park was buzzing with spectators who witnessed the Matildas defeat the Republic of Ireland last week. Football Queensland Northern is showing the second CommBank Matildas game live and free on the big screen this Thursday, 27 July at Paradise (Brolga) Park.
The Townsville community is encouraged to wear their green and gold and come down to cheer on the girls.
The Paradise Park canteen and bar will be open and mini goals will be set up for the kids to enjoy.
RESULTS
Central Coast:
McDonald’s FQPL 3 WomenFQPL 3: Central FC FQPL Women 6 defeated Frenchville FC FQPL Women 0, Capricorn Coast FQPL Women 0 drew with Bluebirds United FQPL Women 0, Nerimbera FC FQPL Women 5 defeated Clinton FC FQPL Women 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 MenFQPL 3: Frenchville FC FQPL Men 2 drew with Southside United FQPL Men 2, Nerimbera FC FQPL Men 12 defeated Parkana FC FQPL Men 0, Clinton FC FQPL Men 9 defeated Berserker FC FQPL Men 0.
Darling Downs:
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Darling Downs Men: St Albans 3 drew with Gatton Redbacks 3, West Wanderers 1 defeated Rockville Rovers 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Darling Downs Women: Willowburn Black 1 drew with Garden City Raiders 1, Willowburn White 5 defeated Highfields Green 0, Chinchilla Honeybears 2 drew with Rockville Rovers Blue 2, Highfields Gold 6 defeated USQ FC 0.
Far North & Gulf:
McDonald’s FQPL 3 WomenFQPL 3: Edge Hill Tigers 11 defeated Douglas Dragons 0.
Metro:
FQPL 2 Men: Broadbeach United 5 defeated Souths United 1, North Lakes United 1 drew with Holland Park Hawks 1, Samford Rangers 3 drew with Grange Thistle 3, Maroochydore FC 2 defeated Ipswich Knights 1, St George Willawong 3 defeated Taringa Rovers 0, Magic United 3 defeated North Star 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 1 Men: Logan Lightning 1 drew with Wynnum Wolves 1, Sunshine Coast FC 2 defeated Albany Creek Excelsior 0, Surfers Paradise Apollo 1 defeated Southside Eagles 0, SWQ Thunder Men 3 defeated Brisbane Strikers 1, Capalaba FC 6 defeated Mitchelton FC 1, Western Pride 2 defeated Caboolture SFC 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 1 Women: Brisbane City 5 defeated SWQ Thunder 2, Logan Lightning 1 defeated Moreton Bay United 0, Western Pride 2 defeated Virginia United 1, Broadbeach United 2 defeated Robina City 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 2 Women: UQFC 1 defeated The Gap FC 0, Grange Thistle 1 drew with Pine Hills FC 1, Mt Gravatt Hawks 1 defeated Annerley FC 0, Ipswich Knights 3 defeated Caboolture SFC 1, North Lakes United 3 defeated North Brisbane 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Metro Men: Bayside United FQPL3 Men 3 defeated Newmarket FQPL3 Men 2, Virginia United FQPL3 Men 4 defeated North Pine FQPL3 Men 2, Pine Hills FQPL3 Men 0 drew with North Brisbane FC FQPL3 Men 0, Centenary Stormers FQPL3 Men 4 defeated Mt Gravatt Hawks FQPL3 Men 1, Redcliffe Dolphins FQPL3 Men 5 defeated Western Spirit FQPL3 Men 0, UQFC FQPL3 Men 4 defeated Acacia Ridge FQPL3 Men 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 4 Metro Men: Logan Metro 2 drew with New Farm United 2, Brisbane Knights 1 drew with The Gap FC 1, Brighton Bulldogs 4 drew with Ipswich City Bulls 4, Annerley FC 0 drew with Moggill FC 0, Tarragindi Tigers 1 drew with AC Carina 1, Springfield United 5 defeated Ripley Valley 2.
McDonald’s FQPL 5 Metro Men: Ridge Hills 2 defeated Oxley United 0, FC Old Bridge 3 defeated Kangaroo Point Rovers 2, Westside Grovely 2 drew with Bardon Latrobe 2, Pine Rivers Athletic 7 defeated Willowburn FC 1, Narangba Eagles 1 defeated Jimboomba United 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 6 Metro Men: Pine Hills Braza FC 3 defeated Deception Bay 0, Logan Roos 4 defeated Teviot Downs 0, Logan Village Falcons 1 defeated Bethania Rams 0, Park Ridge 3 defeated Mooroondu FC 1, Slacks Creek 1 drew with ACU 1.
NPL Men: Peninsula Power 0 drew with Rochedale Rovers 0, Gold Coast Knights 3 (Max Brown 5’, Bradden Inman 47’, Anthony Poljak 52’) defeated Brisbane Roar 2 (Ayom Majok 14’, Cher Deng 63’), Brisbane City 4 (Kye Bolton 50’, 68’, Ginjiro Chiba 55’, Braydon Doolan 87’) defeated Eastern Suburbs 0, Redlands United 1 (Fionn Reilly 52’) drew with Gold Coast United 1 (Jarrod Kyle, 73’), Lions FC 2 (Joe Duckworth 75’, Andy Pengelly 82’) defeated Olympic FC 0, Sunshine Coast Wanderers 3 (Marcus Worthington 28’, Matthew Nezval 58’, Kyan Vanderharst-Bryant 74’) defeated Moreton Bay United 2 (Jordan Farina 62’, Marquez Walters 89’).
NPL Women: Souths United 3 (Sarah O’Donoghue 48’, 63’, Sunny Franco 77’ defeated FQ Academy QAS 0, Gold Coast United 1 (Momo Hayashi 67’) defeated Sunshine Coast Wanderers 0, Lions FC 1 (Tegan Riding 25’) defeated Eastern Suburbs 0, Peninsula Power 5 (Bonnie Davies 4’, 87’ 92’, Sara D’Appolonia 30’, 44’) defeated Capalaba FC 0, Olympic FC 2 (Gabriella Francisco 52’, 65’) defeated Mitchelton FC 1 (Kallie Peurifoy 36’).
Northern:
McDonald’s FQPL Men_: Burdekin FC FQPL Men 3 defeated Estates FC FQPL Men 2.
McDonald’s FQPL Women_: Brothers Townsville FQPL Men 6 defeated Ingham FC FQPL Men 0, Saints Eagles South FQPL Men 2 defeated Rebels FC FQPL Men 0.
South Coast:
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Men South CoastFQPL 3: Kingscliff 1 drew with Palm Beach 1, Murwillumbah 5 defeated Nerang 0, Musgrave 2 drew with Tweed United 2, Robina City FC 4 defeated Gold Coast Knights 0, Southport 3 defeated Burleigh Heads 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Women South CoastFQPL 3: Broadbeach United 3 defeated Magic United 2, Surfers Paradise Apollo 2 defeated Palm Beach 1, Musgrave 4 defeated Runaway Bay 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 4 Men South CoastFQPL 4: Southport 2 drew with Legends Firsts 2, Broadbeach United 1 drew with Magic United 1, Ormeau FC 4 defeated Surfers Paradise Apollo 2, Pacific Pines 3 defeated Mudgeeraba 0, Palm Beach 1 drew with Pimpama City FC 1.
Sunshine Coast:
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Men_: Kawana FC 2 defeated Coolum FC FQPL Men 0, Caloundra FC 2 defeated Beerwah Glasshouse Utd FC 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Women_: Gympie United FC FQPL Women 2 defeated Caloundra FC FQPL Women 1, Noosa Lions FQPL Women 4 defeated Sunshine Coast Fire FC FQPL Women 0.
Whitsunday Coast:
McDonald’s FQPL 3 MenA: Mackay Rangers FC FQPL Men 4 defeated Mackay Wanderers FQPL Men 2, City Brothers FQPL Men 4 defeated Dolphins FC FQPL Men 2, Whitsunday UTD FQPL Men 5 defeated Mackay Lions FQPL Men 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 WomenA: Country United FC FQPL Women Black 7 defeated Sarina Saints FQPL Women White 0, Mackay Lions FQPL Women 9 defeated City Brothers FQPL Women 0, Whitsunday UTD FQPL Women 4 defeated Mackay Wanderers FQPL Women 0.
Wide Bay:
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Wide Bay Women_: KSS Jets FQPL Women 4 defeated Tinana FC FQPL Women 1, Fraser Flames FQPL Women 3 defeated United Park Eagles FQPL Women 0.
Originally published as Football wrap: Queensland’s best teams, players and volunteers
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