Football Qld names its grand final heroes and star players of year
With another round of premierships winners decided, Football Queensland names its star players, teams, officials and volunteers. See who made the list and a gallery of images of champions here
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Finals football is here with teams across the Sunshine State lacing up their boots in pursuit of premiership glory.
Here is Football Queensland’s look at the big match-ups, key players and their Teams of the Week.
Content in this story has been provided by Football Queensland.
Cairns
Macca’s FQPL Far North & Gulf Preliminary Finals
Men
Edge Hill United vs. Leichhardt Lions (Saturday, 9 September | Tiger Park | 7:30pm)
Premiers Edge Hill United face third place Leichhardt Lions in the Preliminary Final this Saturday evening at Tiger Park.
Edge Hill will have to take the long route to the Grand Final after their shock loss to Mareeba United last weekend, sending the Tigers into an elimination clash against Leichhardt. Leichhardt bounced back from a tough last three weeks to the home and away season by defeating Innisfail United 4 – 1 to earn a place in the Prelim Final.
The Tigers have the advantage over the Lions in league form with three wins against them in three matches, but Leichhardt did get the better of Edge Hill in their Mitre FQPL Champions League meeting earlier this season, with Leichhardt winning 2 – 1.
Get down to Tiger Park this Saturday from 7:30pm to catch all the action from what promises to be a thrilling contest between Edge Hill United and Leichhardt Lions.
Women
Edge Hill United vs. Southside Comets Halleys (Friday, 8 September | Tiger Park | 7:00pm)
Edge Hill United host Southside Comets Halleys in the Women’s Preliminary Final this Friday night at Tiger Park.
Comets Halleys come into this clash with three wins and a draw from their last four matches, hitting form at the perfect time for a charge towards the Grand Final. Edge Hill suffered defeat at the hands of league powerhouses Leichhardt Lions White in their Semi Final and will need to bounce back at home against Comets Halleys to lock in another Grand Final berth in 2023.
The ledger is all square between the two sides this season, with Edge Hill winning their first encounter 6 – 0 before Comets Halleys returned fire with a 4 – 1 win in June.
Get down to Tiger Park this Friday night, get behind your club and soak up the Finals atmosphere.
FQ Holiday Clinics
Kids can’t get enough football after watching the Matildas? FQ Holiday Clinics are returning to Cairns and Mareeba in just under three weeks’ time!
Delivered by FQ qualified coaches, the clinics are a great way for boys and girls aged 4 – 14 to learn new skills, stay active and have fun with their friends.
Spots are limited, so get in quick and secure your child’s place now!
Visit footballqueensland.com.au/holiday-clinics to sign up.
Gold Coast
Match of the Week Men – NPL Men’s Preliminary Final – Gold Coast Knights vs. Peninsula Power
The first National Premier League Men’s Preliminary Final kicks off on Friday Night, as Premiers Gold Coast Knights play host to Peninsula Power FC for a spot in the Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium.
Gold Coast Knights enter the weekend with an extra week of rest and will be refreshed and determined to make it to a second consecutive NPL Grand Final.
Standing in the Knights way are an impressive Peninsula Power side, who pulled off a huge upset last weekend as they knocked out 3rd place finishers Gold Coast United in the Semi Final.
It has been a remarkable second half of the season for the Redcliffe outfit, who rose into the last Finals place on the final day of the season thanks to a remarkable 15-game unbeaten run.
Gold Coast Knights have undeniably been the standout Queensland side this season, backing up their 2022 NPL Grand Final victory by claiming the Kappa Pro Series Cup in August, as well as making an impressive run into the Australia Cup Round of 16 in which they were narrowly beaten by A-Leagues opposition Western United.
The Gold Coast Knights are eyeing the end to a potentially historic season, will be determined to make the Final and finish the season the League, Cup and Grand Final Champions.
Will the favourites Gold Coast Knights advance to the Final?
Make sure to head out to The Croation Sports Centre from 7:30pm on Friday evening to watch this one unfold!
Gold Coast Knights vs. Peninsula Power Friday, 8 September 7:30pm kick off Croation Sports Centre, Carrara
Match of the Week Men – NPL Women’s Semi Final – Lions FC vs. Gold Coast United
The NPL Women’s Semi Finals are upon us, with Gold Coast United making the trip up the M1 this Sunday night to face Premiers Lions FC for a spot in the Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium.
It’s been a fantastic turnaround from Sarah Evans’ side, who bounced back from a mid-season wobble to head into the weekend undefeated in their last 10 matches! United will need to be at the top of their game if they are to knock out Premiers Lions, who have lost just 2 of their 27 matches in the league this season. The last meeting between the two sides ended as a 0-0 stalemate, suggesting we are in for an intriguing Semi Final battle between two teams on top of their game.
Gold Coast will be looking to their stars in such a crucial match to make the difference. Striker Bronte Rose, who has scored four hat-tricks so far this season will be an important player for United, while the defensive partnership of Mary Craven and Momo Hayashi will be key for their chances of progressing to the final.
Will Gold Coast United upset the odds and march on to the Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium.
Lions FC vs. Gold Coast United Monday, 3 September 7:00pm kick off Croation Sports Centre, Carrara
Community Grand Final Winners
Congratulations to Broadbeach United, Southport Soccer Club, Nerang Eagle Blue and Tweed United Football Yellow on their Grand Final wins last Wednesday night.
Referee of the Month Winner
Congratulations to South Coast Referee of the Month for August, Hannah Roughley.
Hannah has put in a huge effort in August. Refereeing at a higher level than she was used to, Hannah was thrown into the deep end and did an excellent job.
She is always putting her hand up to help whenever she can, which helps drive the sort of culture we are creating on the South Coast. Keep up the great work Hannah.
Mackay Whitsundays
Preliminary Final: Macca’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Men – Mackay Wanderers FC vs. Magpies FC (7:00pm, Saturday 9 September | Mackay Football Park)
Mackay Wanderers FC suffered defeat at the hands of 2023 Premiers Whitsunday United FC in their Semi Final and now have a second chance to progress to the Grand Final.
Magpies FC have taken the more difficult route defeating fourth placed side Mackay Lions FC in a confident 3-1 victory.
The Wanderers have enjoyed success against Magpies this season defeating them twice and drawing once.
The stakes have never been higher so get down to support your team this weekend.
Preliminary Final: Macca’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Women – Whitsunday United FC vs. Country United FC Orange (5:00pm, Saturday 9 September | Mackay Football Park)
The stage is set for the women’s Preliminary Final between two sides hungry to make the big dance.
A spirited Country United FC Orange side secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory in their Semi Final against Magpies FC, edging them out 4-2.
Whitsunday United FC enjoyed many entertaining battles against invincible Premiers Mackay Lions this season but couldn’t get the job done going down 3-1.
They have a second chance to progress to the Grand Final but will have their hands full against a Country United side full of confidence.
Get down to Mackay Football Park for this high stakes battle.
Sunshine Coast
Macca’s FQPL 3 Sunshine Coast Preliminary Finals
Men
Caloundra FC vs. Kawana FC (Saturday, 9 September | Ballinger Park | 7:00pm)
Caloundra FC face Kawana FC this Saturday evening for a place in the Grand Final alongside the Noosa Lions.
The Eagles will be ruing their missed opportunity to move straight through to the Grand Final after their loss to the Lions and are now on the verge of elimination from finals if they suffer their second loss in two weeks, after only losing two matches for the whole home and away season.
Kawana FC have recorded three wins in a row on their way to a Preliminary Finals berth and don’t look like slowing down anytime soon.
You won’t want to miss a minute of the action this Saturday evening so get down to Ballinger Park and soak up the final’s atmosphere!
Women
Beerwah Glasshouse vs. Noosa Lions (Friday, 8 September | Kawana Western Sports Precinct | 8:45pm)
Premiers Beerwah Glasshouse suffered defeat at the hands of their rivals Maroochydore FC in their Semi Final on Friday night and now face the tricky task of defeating Noosa Lions to meet the Swans in the Grand Final.
The Noosa Lions have now won four in a row, scoring 12 while conceding just two goals as they hit peak form at the right time for a charge towards the Premiership. Beerwah were on their own four game winning streak heading into their clash against Maroochydore but fell short against the league heavyweights.
Catch all the drama unfold at the Kawana Western Sports Precinct from 8:45pm this Friday evening.
FQ Holiday Clinics
Kids can’t get enough football after watching the Matildas? FQ Holiday Clinics are returning to the Sunshine Coast in just under three weeks’ time!
Delivered by FQ qualified coaches, the clinics are a great way for boys and girls aged 4 – 14 to learn new skills, stay active and have fun with their friends.
Spots are limited, so get in quick and secure your child’s place now!
Visit footballqueensland.com.au/holiday-clinics to sign up.
Macca’s FQPL 3 Sunshine Coast Coaches of the Month
Congratulations to our August Coach of the Month winners:
Men – Trent Kelly (Caloundra FC) and Brad Lloyd (Kawana FC).
Women – Amy Higgins (Beerwah Glasshouse United) and Oli Williams (Noosa Lions)
All four coaches led their sides to unbeaten finishes in their league campaigns, with Kelly’s Caloundra securing the Men’s Premiership, Higgins’ Beerwah securing the Women’s Premiership on the final matchday, while Lloyd’s Kawana and Williams’ Noosa both clinched finals football.
Kelly’s Caloundra secured victories over Buderim FC (4 – 1) and fellow top four side Noosa Lions (2 – 1) to seal the title, while Lloyd guided his Kawana side to finals football with wins over Woombye FC (5 – 1) and Buderim FC (3 – 1).
Higgins’ Beerwah timed their Premiership run to perfection, with a final matchday win over Gympie Untied (4 – 0) securing the title and capping off an impressive final month that included wins over Woombye FC (3 – 0) and Nambour Yandina (4 – 0). Noosa Lions, led by Williams, enjoyed a fruitful month leading into finals with victories over Caloundra FC (6 – 1), Woombye FC (1 – 0) and Nambour Yandina (3 – 1).
August Statistics:
Caloundra FC (Trent Kelly): Played 2, Won 2, Scored 6, Conceded 2
Kawana FC (Brad Lloyd): Played 2, Won 2, Scored 8, Conceded 2
Beerwah Glasshouse (Amy Higgins): Played 3, Won 3, Scored 8, Conceded 0
Noosa Lions (Oli Williams): Played 3, Won 3, Scored 10, Conceded 2
TOWNSVILLE
Macca’s FQPL Northern Preliminary Finals
Preliminary Final: Macca’s FQPL Northern Men – MA Olympic FC vs. Estates FC (7:00pm, Saturday 9 September | Paradise Park)
A second chance for one of the giants of Townsville football and a history making clash for an underdog side.
MA Olympic have been somewhat of an invincible team over the past few seasons but have recently endured some tough matches to find themselves in a fight to save their Grand Final hopes.
They have defeated Estates FC in all three meetings this season and should put in a strong performance against the Knights.
Estates FC have had a record breaking season progressing to the top flight men’s finals for the first time in 30 years.
While they haven’t defeated MA Olympic this season they will take confidence from their previous match against a strong Saints Eagles Souths FC side.
Make sure you get down to Paradise Park to catch the action this weekend.
Preliminary Final: Macca’s FQPL Northern Women – Brothers Townsville FC vs. Townsville Warriors FC (6:30pm, Friday 8 September | Paradise Park)
The stakes have never been higher for these two sides with a top two side now in a fight to save their Grand Final hopes.
Brothers Townsville have been a title contender and top performing side all season but couldn’t get past 2023 Premiers MA Olympic in the Semi Final.
Townsville Warriors have endured a tough season but have kept pushing and are now reaping the rewards with a golden opportunity presented to them to make the Grand Final.
Brothers have defeated Warriors three times this season but were held to a goalless draw in their last meeting setting up this match to be a nail biting fight to the end.
Darling Downs
Macca’s FQPL 3 Darling Downs Men’s Grand Final
Willowburn FC vs. St Albans
The highly anticipated FQPL3 Men’s Grand Finals took place over the weekend, with the matches living up to its pre-game excitement.
The Men’s Grand Final match was between Minor Premiers Willowburn FC and the second placed St Albans.
Willowburn’s Finlay Gregg opened the scoring in the 13th minute, followed by a spectacular 35-yard goal by Beau Partridge in the 21st minute giving Willowburn a comfortable lead into halftime.
St Albans only goal came in the 83rd minute, thanks to an own goal.
It was a fiery encounter at Clive Berghofer, with the match seeing eight yellow cards being handed out.
The final whistle blew with Willowburn defeating St Albans 2-1 to claim the Premiership and Grand Final double.
Willowburn FC has concluded a remarkable season by securing back-to-back titles as the McDonald’s FQPL3 Darling Downs Champions.
The Magpies gleefully add yet another title to the cabinet alongside their 2023 Premiership trophy.
Congratulations to Jamie McMillan and his team on what was a fantastic season, as well as to St Albans for a great season which narrowly pipped to the post!
Macca’s FQPL3 Darling Downs Women’s Grand Finals
Willowburn White vs. Highfields Gold
The FQPL 3 Women’s Grand Final took place on Saturday afternoon, with the Minor Premiership winners, Willowburn White overcome by second-placed Highfields Gold.
Highfield got off to a quick start, with Rahni Pritchard finding the back of the net just 5 minutes into the game. Highfields’ impenetrable defence was on song throughout the whole game, only conceding one goal to the seasons highest scoring team, which came in the 34th minute thanks to Nina King.
Highfields extended their lead just before halftime with an unbelievable long-range strike, and Brittany Menzies secured the third goal in the 63rd minute. A comfortable 4-1 win for Highfields Gold was sealed with a fourth goal by Bridget Penden in the 89th minute.
Congratulations to Highfield Gold FC for claiming the title of McDonald’s FQPL3 Darling Downs Women’s Champions. A well-deserved recognition to Cameron Watt and his team for their amazing performance and season.
OTHER RESULTS
Darling Downs Division 1 Men Grand Final: Warwick Wolves Div 1 Men 4 defeated USQ FC Div 1 Men 3.
Darling Downs Division 2 Men Grand Final: Roos Goondiwindi Div 2 Men 3 defeated Highfields FC Div 2 Men 1.
Darling Downs U13 Division 1 Grand Final: SWQ Thunder U13 Div 1 2 drew with South Toowoomba Hawks U13 Div 1 Vipers 2.
Darling Downs U13 Junior League Grand Final: Willowburn FC U13 JL White 6 defeated Willowburn FC U13 JL Black 2.
Darling Downs U14/15 Division 1 Grand Final: Rockville Rovers U14/15 Div 1 Rockets 4 defeated Willowburn FC U14/15 Div 1 1.
Darling Downs U14/15 Division 2 Grand Final: Rockville Rovers U14/15 Div 2 Rebels 0 drew with Garden City Raiders U14/15 Div 2 0.
Darling Downs U14/15 Junior League Grand Final: South Toowoomba Hawks U14/15 JL Hurricanes 4 defeated Rockville Rovers U14/15 JL Reapers 1.
Darling Downs U16/17 Junior League Grand Final: Highfields FC U16/17 JL Green 4 defeated West Wanderers U16/17 JL Black 0.
FQPL 3 Darling Downs U23 Men Grand Final: Gatton Redbacks U23 5 defeated Willowburn FC U23 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Darling Downs Men Grand Final: Willowburn FC 2 defeated St Albans 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Darling Downs Women Grand Final: Highfields Gold 4 defeated Willowburn White 1.
Award Winners
FQPL3 Golden Boot
Ian Nagle (Gatton Redbacks) – 19 goals
Sophie Fuller (Rockville Rovers) – 38 goals
FQPL3 Coach of the Year
Chantal Frohloff – Willowburn FC
Jamie McMillan – Willowburn FC
FQPL3 Player of the Year
Matthew Eilers – Willowburn FC
Sally Carroll – Chinchilla FC
FQPL3 Goalkeeper of the Year
Matthew Eilers – Willowburn FC
Katlin Peterson – Highfields Gold FC
FQPL3 Men’s Team of the Year
Goalkeepers: Matthew Eilers (Willowburn) & Brayden Lobwein (St Albans)
Defenders: Adnan Alharoni (Willowburn); Ryan Knight (West Wanderers); Beau Partridge (Willowburn); Brendan Willmot (Rockville Rovers); Dominic Woodland (St Albans)
Midfielders: Callum Zadow (West Wanderers); Dan Weber (St Albans); Finlay Gregg (Willowburn); Callum Hart (St Albans); Trent Ingleton (Willowburn)
Attackers: Ian Nagle (Gatton); Ameer Sulaiman (Rockville Rovers); Ky Richardson (St Albans); Tahssin Al Qaso (Rockville Rovers)
FQPL3 Women’s Team of the Year
Goalkeepers: Katlin Peterson (Highfields Gold) & Kirsty O’Toole (Rockville Rovers Blue)
Defenders: Steffanie Goodwin (Garden City); Beth Watt (Highfields Gold); Danah Gaske (Willowburn White); Karla Hadzich (Rockville Rovers Blue); Chloe Green (Highfields Green)
Midfielders: Sally Carroll (Chinchilla); Bridget Peden (Highfields Gold); Kiama McMillan (Willowburn White); Ayva Clark (Chinchilla); Steffi Wilson (Rockville Rovers Blue)
Attackers: Sophie Fuller (Rockville Rovers Blue); Courtney Morris (Willowburn White); Rahni Pritchard (Highfields Gold); Maddison Lockwood (Rockville Rovers Blue)
Regional Community & Service to Football Awards
Community Coach of the Year – Male: Brendan Stibbard – Rockville Rovers FC
Community Coach of the Year – Female: Apat Arok – USQ Football Club
Community Junior Team of the Year: Highfields FC U16/17 Junior League Team
Community Senior Team of the Year: Warwick Wolves Men Div 1 Team
Volunteer of the Year: Karla Hadzich – Rockville Rovers FC
Protect our Game Service Award (Person): Marc Thorneycroft – Highfields FC
Protect our Game Service Award (Club): USQ Football Club
Service to Football Platinum Award – 20 years: Doug Spinks – West Wanderers
Service to Football Gold Award – 10 years: Danielle Maudsley – Kingaroy Seniors / Football South Burnett
In Support of Young Referees (Mentor): Andrew Eiser
Assistant Referee of the Year: Xuechen Zhang (Chen)
Originally published as Football Qld names its grand final heroes and star players of year
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