GCPL Team of the Decade: Coomera coach Steve Macdonald picks his 11
Steve Macdonald has only been coaching on the Gold Coast for a handful of years and so picked his dream Gold Coast Premier League 11 based on recent times. SUBSCRIBE NOW TO READ THE WHOLE SERIES
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
STEVE Macdonald has only been coaching on the Gold Coast for a handful of years and so picked his dream Gold Coast Premier League 11 based on recent times.
His decision comes on the back of the Bulletin, with the help of experts, picking the Coast Team of the Decade.
COAST COACHES’ TEAMS OF THE DECADE
While he self-admittedly may have missed some stars from earlier in the decade, Macdonald selected a number of Broadbeach players to celebrate their dominance in the Coast’s top flight as well as rewarding a few of his own to ensure things didn’t get too prickly at training.
MORE COAST FOOTBALL
■ Coast footballers’ stunning call on 2020 season
■ ‘Give me flak’: Coach’s bold declaration
■ ‘Risky business’: Football Queensland’s takedown of Coast clubs
KEEPER
Perry Moore (Coomera)
“He’s the best keeper I’ve seen during my time on the Gold Coast so it was an easy enough selection.”
DEFENDERS
Connor Simpson (Gold Coast Knights/Broadbeach)
“I’ve been able to watch him for a few years now and obviously he’s stepped up another level to play in the QPL but while he was at Broadbeach, he was the best right back on the Coast.”
Robbie Smith (Surfers)
“I’ve known him from back in England and used to play with him over there. He’s a really good player and can play on everyone.”
Leon Bell (Broadbeach)
“He’s been a mainstay of the Broadbeach team and dominated the last decade so I’d probably put him in as captain as well.”
Ben Yates (Mudgeeraba, Palm Beach)
“He’s fairly experienced but a few years ago, he was one of the best defenders on the Gold Coast. He’s a very good player and boasts a good left foot.”
MIDFIELDERS
Rhys Saunders (Magic United)
“He’s probably playing a level below him and should be playing a lot higher. Between him and his brother, you probably won’t find better on the Coast”
Will Asante (Coomera)
“He’s one of my boys and probably the best player I’ve coached.”
Adam Powell (Broadbeach)
“Broadbeach were so dominant across the whole decade but Adam was probably technically the best.”
Morgan Saunders (Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast Knights, Southport)
“Like his brother, they both glide past people. They seem to only have one pace but they beat good defenders with ease. They’re probably the two best wingers on the Gold Coast.”
FORWARDS
Matt Hilton (Palm Beach/Surfers/Merrimac/Murwillumbah/Burleigh/Mudgeeraba)
“I’d be amazed if there wasn’t one coach who didn’t name him. He seems to get better with age. He’s the best player I’ve witnessed at a local level outside of those professional leagues.”
Mitchell Robinson (Coomera)
“He’s another Coomera lad who some might see as a surprise inclusion but I’ve witnessed what he can do at training. He’s been unlucky with injury but is a star on his day.”
‘Might never be done again’: Inside Knights’ extraordinary feat
The Gold Coast Knights women won every trophy available to them in a remarkable season. Inside their latest triumph and the magnitude of their achievements.
REPLAYS: Big day for Stretton at Queensland Schools Grand Finals
Varsity College had the numbers but Stretton College matched them for titles as one of the state’s top schools tournaments came to an exciting climax. Catch up on all five REPLAYS.