Queensland’s next generation of potential Australian Matildas representatives
Australia’s stunning World Cup run may have ended but there is a conveyor belt of talent ready to chase the same dream. Meet the next generation of Queensland football stars looking to emulate their heroes.
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The Matildas history-making World Cup run has ended in the semi-finals but the next generation are already waiting in the wings to try and win the globe’s greatest prize.
Australia lost 3-1 to England on Wednesday night but their feats have inspired a conveyor belt of talent looking emulate their heroes.
Gold Coast teen Shelby McMahon is leading the charge in Queensland, with players from every corner right behind her.
The 15-year-old had her first taste of football in a local club team when she was just 6-years-old.
Since then, McMahon has taken every step possible and reached the highest level of junior representative duties, including captaining the under-17 Matildas at this year’s AFC Championships.
McMahon is part of a conveyor belt of junior female footballers in Queensland, all listed below, who could play in World Cups to come.
Despite being years younger than her teammates and opponents, the teen sensation is humble about her title.
“It’s a big honour and it’s not every day that it happens, but I know we are all just one team,” she said
“It doesn’t matter how old we are, we’re all together and that is what makes us the best team we could be.”
Her extraordinary talent stems from more than just a will.
McMahon gains most of her experience and tenacity from training and playing in the men’s division at her club, the Gold Coast Knights, where she has been playing since Under-9s.
“They’ve been really supportive of her and pushed with Football Queensland to have her there,” said McMahon’s mother, Amy.
“They really want her there and want to develop her skills.”
“The club as a whole is really supportive,” she said.
McMahon says the opportunity to play in a boy’s competition has taken her game to a new level.
“I’ve always loved it … I feel like I become a better footballer every time I step on the pitch.”
It only adds to the family-feel that she and her family adore at Knights, which McMahon describes as an ‘awesome, supportive community.’
“They’ve been really supportive of me ever since I joined,” she said.
What separates this star from much of her cohort is a passion for not just winning, but the training it takes to get there.
“I’m lucky I honestly love training, it’s my favourite part,” McMahon said.
“I train with the under-16 boys and they drive me even more than anyone so it’s awesome to be in that group and get pushed every week.”
When she isn’t on the football pitch, McMahon manages to catch the eyes of other sporting codes.
In 2022 she was part of the Queensland Australian rules side, and was soon-after approached by the Gold Coast Suns Academy with a proposition to switch fields.
Despite showing promising talent in the sport, McMahon declined their offer and has stayed on her path towards being a fully-fledged Matilda.
“I love AFL because it helps me grow as a person and see different sides of sport, plus Oz-Tag is great for the off-season to keep fit.
“But this is all I’ve ever wanted to do for so long,” she said.
“I look up to all of them, especially the ones from Queensland … They’re massive role models.”
On her return from the AFC in Mongolia in April, McMahon suffered a stress fracture in her right fibular.
The wear-and-tear injury put her on the sidelines for two months, forcing her to miss a trip to Korea and several club games.
She has since made a full recovery and is glad to be back to full capacity.
“It’s been a great recovery and I was lucky to have good people around me that supported my recovery and got me back,” she said.
“I have so much love for the sport and nothing really tops it … All the people you meet, friends and coaches.
“All of Australia loves the Women’s World Cup and it’s a real drive to see that you can make a difference in Australian women’s sports.”
NEXT GENERATION MATILDAS
South East Queensland
Tully Heatley
Club/school: QAS, Kelvin Grove State College
Position: Midfielder
A Future Matildas select, Heatley is renowned for her silky skills, someone with great vision who is all the while hard working. She is a respectful young woman.
An Edge Hill United junior from FNQ, she was recently selected for the under-18 Queensland schoolgirls team.
Jonti Fisher
Club/school: QAS, Kelvin Grove State College
Position: Winger or midfielder
The versatile Fisher is a focused youth player who is a part of the Future Matildas squad.
She is a great finisher and extremely hard working. She has made the Australian under 18 Women’s Championship team and also made this year’s Qld schoolgirls under 18s.
Layla Adams
Club/ school: Gold Coast United Football Club
Position: Goalkeeper
She has just been named in the U17 Matildas squad at age 16 and is working hard to immerse herself in the opportunity, fundraising through GoFundMe.
The year 11 student has already donned the Queensland jersey in both football and futsal and has represented the South Coast School Sport region for three years.
Keep an eye on Adams, because she is sure to continue her path to Aussie success.
Shelby McMahon
Club/School” Gold Coast Knights, Southport SHS
Position: Centre, midfield
A Junior Matilda squad member and Australian under 17 select, McMahon is athletic, has speed and is technically very sound. She is also a respectful student who has a positive influence on her peers. The humble McMahon with a high work ethic is also a renowned goal scorer and creator of attacking raids.
Charlie Gibson
Brisbane Roar
Position: central defender and fullback
The winner of the esteemed 2022 Sue Monteath Award for 2022 FQ Academy QAS Player of the Year, the Mt St Michael’s old girl made her debut for the Junior Matildas at the AFF U18 Women’s Championship in Indonesia.
Renowned for her perseverance, the Mitchelton FC junior is a member of the Brisbane Roar Womens A League squad.
AKIRA BOOTH
Club: Magic United
Position: Attacking midfielder
A versatile talent who plays for the under13 boys academy and Magic United under-15 team. Booth represented Queensland’s under-12 team in Western Australia last year.
Ella O’Grady
Club: QAS
Position: Attacker
A Future Matildas class of 2023 scholarship winner, the Wynnum Wolves FC junior is a terrific forward who has been named in the Queensland schoolgirls under 18 side.
She is one of Queensland’s most exciting prospects, having represented the CommBank Junior Matildas squad at the Asian Football Federation (AFF) U18 Women’s Championship in 2022.
Chloe Parker
Club or school: Narangba Valley State High School
Position: Defender
The Sunshine Coast rising star has been selected in the CommBank Junior Matildas squad to compete at the 2024 AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Margaret Barrett
Club: QAS, Western Pride
Position: Forward
The Junior Matildas player rose from the Western Pride after coming through QAS systems since the under 13s in 2018.
Daisy Brown
Club. school: Brisbane City/QAS
Position: Forward
A 2022 Junior Matildas AFF under 18 Women’s Championship team member, she was identified by QAS scouts as early as the under 13 age group and continues to go from strength to strength.
Isabella Hoyos
School: St Augustine’s College, Springfield Lakes
Position: Defender
A CommBank Junior Matildas squad invitee for 2024, the Australian under 17 Women’s Asian Cup representative is a white hot talent on the pitch – and highly respected off it.
Last year she was awarded Football Queensland’s under 14s QAS Standards and Behaviours Award. She hails from the same district – Springfield – as another renowned good sport, retired tennis legend Ash Barty.
Ellen Gett
Club: QAS
Position: Midfield, forward
A QAS captain and Young Matildas training camp member, Stuartholme School old girl Gett is a renowned leader who made it into the Brisbane Roar’s top squad.
Stella Campbell
Position: Goalkeeper
Campbell is a member of the CommBank Junior Matildas training toward the 2024 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers and there is little wonder why.
The goalkeeper is dominant, and a game-saver.
Grace Kuilamu
School: QAS, Souths United, Brisbane State High School
Position: Forward
The young striker is a versatile attacking player who can also swing to win. She grew up playing against the boys and was first identified at a school carnival in Wide Bay in 2017, joining the QAS program from Souths United in 2019.
She is a member of the CommBank Junior Matildas squad 2024 and was named the 2022 QAS under 16 Players’ Player Award winner.
MacKenzie Nielson
Club, school: QAS, Kelvin Grove State College alumni
There’s little wonder why Nielson is so good when she has been honing her skills at Kelvin Grove.
Nielsen has Junior Matilda experience, and is elite with a capital E.
Aleeah Daverne
Club: Brisbane Roar
Position: Midfielder
Originally from sporting rich Cairns, the fluent midfielder with a big motor has had her skills polished under the watchful QAS system, making the youth Matildas side.
After moving from North Queensland, she finished her schooling at sporting rich Marsden SHS.
Alyssa Borodin
Club, school: QAS
Position: Midfielder
Winner of the 2022 Football Queensland’s under 15 Players’ Player Award, Borodin is a member of the CommBank Junior Matildas training toward the U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Sarah Bonifant
Club: Lions FC
Bonifant is a 2023 Queensland Schoolgirls representative and a futsal gun who has a knack for scoring.
Sian Costigan
School: Ipswich Girls Grammar School
Costigan, a Year 12 student at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School, is a Queensland Schoolgirl and Queensland state representative in the elite QAS pathway system.
Chelsea Fairbairn
Club: QAS, Capabala FC
After two years of impressive form for Capabala FC Fairbairn was invited to trial, then was later selected in the QAS program. She hasn’t slowed down as proven by her Queensland selection for last year’s NTC Challenge.
Don’t forget she is a Queensland Schoolgirls representative.
Steph Hallas
Club: Moreton Bay United
Position: Forward
The Queensland Schoolgirl is a Moreton Bay United forward who would have to be one of the best strikers going around in Brisbane.
The Jets would not trade her for anyone in their FQPL1 set up.
Mia Bailey
Club: Brisbane Roar
Position: Goalkeeper
A Cairns local and JCU Strikers junior, Bailey made her NPL debut aged just 15 and her professional debut with the Brisbane Roar in 2021.
The Cavendish Road State High School alumni is a past Sue Monteath award for the QAS Player of the Year recipient.
Lilly Simpson
School: Narangba Valley SHS
Position: Forward
Named the 2022 Football Queensland U14s Players’ Player Award recipient for the season, Simpson is brimming with talent and was in the Australian squad that played in the Group B 2024 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Round Qualifiers held in Mongolia earlier
Majellah Cedric
Club, school: Souths Utd; Marsden SHS
Position: Midfielder or Forward
A terrific athlete, Cedric has acceleration, technical skills and a high work ethic. She is a genuine goal scorer. Cedric makes her teammates better players.
Khelistar Kumitau
Club or school: Olympic FC; Marsden SHS
Position: Midfielder or Defender
Technically elite, she is two footed, quick, composed and renowned for being an unselfish player.
She has a high work ethic, is very good at defending one-on-one, and has an ability to read the game.
Holly Bonertz-Benn
Club, school: QAS, Kelvin Grove State College
Position: Midfielder
The QAS women's schoolgirl ace is a great finisher and composed passer who has a high football IQ.
She is a Queensland schoolgirls under 18 side selection.
Kate Bonertz-Benn
Club, school: QAS, Kelvin Grove State College
Position: Fullback
Hard working and super fit, Bonertz-Benn can run all day.
The 2023 Queensland schoolgirls selection has a great delivery into the box.
Daisey Bateman
Club: QAS Womens/Kelvin Grove State College
Position: Winger/fullback
Smart with great skills, Bateman is an elite finisher who is very respectful among her peers.
Xiana Ludwig
Club/school QAS, Kelvin Grove State College
Position: Midfielder
An admirer of Matildas star Mary Fowler, Ludwig is one of the younger members of our list.
The QAS under 14 select has a big motor – and it is not surprising given her cross country and athletic background. She is a real natural football talent, gifted but a hard worker. Ludwig has vision on the football pitch.
Violet McKee
Club: QAS, Kelvin Grove State College
Position: Centre Back
Yet another from the Kelvin Grove State College Football Excellent program, McKee is calm in a crisis, strong with good vision. She is a respectful young woman among her teammates.
She made the Football Queensland Academy under 18 Girls National Training Centre girls state side which competed at the National Challenge last month, and also made the Queensland schoolgirls under 18 side.
Hayley Campbell
Club, school: QAS under 15s, Kelvin Grove State College
Position: Centre Back
Campbell is a wonderful passer, a dream teammate of players given her ability to deliver the goods.
She is calm and a renowned strong player.
Issy Anderson
Club: Brisbane City under 23 women's
Position: Midfielder
Anderson is a great touch footballer with terrific vision. She also works hard on and off the pitch to improve herself.
Ashleigh Adamson
Club, school Palm Beach Currumbin SHS
Position: Attacking midfielder
The attacking midfielder that has the ability to unlock defences and score important goals.
She was recently named in the under 19 Queensland schoolgirls team.
Amali Kinsella
Club or school: QAS, Beerwah State High School
Position: Unknown
The QAS academy member attended last year’s Junior Matildas training camp which followed on from her Queensland Schoolgirls and Queensland Under 18s National Training Centre Girls side selection.
Chloe Murray
Club or School: Sunshine Coast Wanderers, Sunshine Beach State High School
Position: Unknown
At the age of 15 Murray had been selected to represent the Sunshine Coast women’s under 23s side in the NPL competition. All you need to know about Murray is here.
Rosie McMahon
Club or school: QAS, Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Position: Midfield
The young star has already donned the green and gold jersey for the junior U17 Matildas after top string performances for the QAS under 15 girls team in the NPL Women’s U23 competition.
McMahon, who has also played cricket at a state level, is certainly one to keep an eye on for years to come.
Read more here.
Mia Green
Club or School: Brisbane City, Redcliffe State High School
Position: Midfield
The Redcliffe youngster has been on many coaches and club radars for a few years now as she continues to overcome whatever challenges are placed in front of her.
Green has indeed been called into a Matildas under 17s squad in the past and at just 16. She is also a Qld schoolgirls selection for this season.
Amber Faherty
Club or School: QAS, Kawana Waters State College
Position: Midfield
A strong and demanding player in the centre midfield, Faherty has starred for Queensland at the Youth Nationals and in the futsal arena.
She is a technically gifted player and can escape high pressure situations using her sublime ball skills – and her Queensland Maroon Under 14s selection is proof of her talent.
Abbie Lutton
Club or School: Sunshine Coast Fire, Kawana Waters State College
Position: Midfield
Lutton is another Sunshine Coast junior that is soaring in the junior divisions but has also stamped her feet in the senior divisions. Her vision on and off the ball as a defensive midfielder has allowed her to excel and is not afraid of going toe-to-toe with the opposition. Only 14 but is a true rising star, Lutton is the perfect number six who could be a Matilda if she continues on this trajectory.
Lanni McDougall
Club: Brisbane Roar
Position: midfield
McDougall has soared ahead to play for the Brisbane Roar after impressing for her junior club Moreton Bay United.
Molly McLennan
Club: Gold Coast United
Position: Centre midfield
With lovely deft touches, the former Queensland Opens Schoolgirls Team selection can unlock defences.
Sierra McCaffrey
Club: QAS
Position: Centre back or mid
A Kelvin Grove State College product, she is a natural talent who, believe it or not, can nail outrageous goals from around halfway.
Maddison Teakle
Club: Lions
Position: Defender
A Harristown SHS product who has now left school, the 19-year-old year has been a Queensland representative throughout her junior days.
Sonali Singh
School: BSHS
FQ Academy QAS
A Lions FC junior, Singh is an exciting talent who has made the Queensland Schoolgirls with schoolmate Ari Skeers.
Ari Skeers
Club: Lions FC
School: BSHS
The Queensland Schoolgirls representative who last month secured third place for Samoa with two goals in their playoff match against the Cook Islands at the Under 19s Women’s Championships.
The Year 11 Brisbane State High student is fearless with a lionsheart.
Sara Solomon
Club: Camden Tigers FC
Solomon is a 2023 south coast Queensland Schoolgirls representative which includes players such as Sarah Bonifant and Violet McKee.
The Gold Coast product can play both football and futsal at the highest level.
Anjelina Ujdur
Club: south coast Gold Coast United
Position: Attacking-midfield
The Queensland schoolgirls under 18s select who may not be a Matilda but she has every chance of being a New Zealand international after she impressed at an Under 17s World Cup training camp in Cambridge (New Zealand) early last year.
She knows how to find the back of the net better than anyone.
She has fantastic strength and is in her element with the ball at her feet.
A fierce competitor
Lauren Vaschina
Club: QAS
Like many others on this list, QAS member Vaschina was elected in Queensland’s NTC Challenge squad last year. She is also a talented equestrian athlete from the Downs.
Sarah Birchall
Club: QAS, BSHS
Birchall is an all-rounder sportswoman, now specialising in football. She has helped BSHS to two premierships with the Open team, and helped them to the state championship Bill Turner Cup title.
Outside of school, Birchall plays in the WNPL with Olympic, was a part of the QAS team in 2021, and was short-listed for the Junior Matildas.
A talented athlete and true leader.
Sarah O’Donoghue
Club: Alemein Football Club
The Queensland schoolgirls under 18 team select who was named the QAS under 17 Players’ Player Award winner for 2022.
A QAS player, O’Donoghue took part in the Junior Matildas training camp last year, and this year earned a scholarship in the Future Matildas Program. She currently plays for the Alemein Football Club in Victoria.
Kira Richards-Bassett
Club/school: Gold Coast United
Position: Wing
The 17-year-old midfielder is a scorer, exciting and brimming with potential.
She was of course the youngest player (15 years) to debut for the Gold Coast United Women’s team.
Tia Appoo
Club/school: Lions FC
Position: Forward
The Bundamba State Secondary College old girl who as a Year 11 made the Queensland School Sport under 19s football team. Now with the Lions FC, Appoo was indeed a Queensland shadow player at the NTC Challenge.
Kaitlin McCormack
Club: QAS
Position: Goal keeper
The QAS Academy member was selected in the U16s Queensland Maroon squad in 2022 for the National Youth Championships and later that year received the Goalkeepers award at FQ’s awards night.
But she is also a freakish futsal player who represented Queensland’s Under 17s side at the National Futsal Championships in January.
Macey Edwards
Club: Lions FC
Position: Forward
The 18-year-old Lions FC forward who was once a Sunshine Coast Wanderer and budding Futsal talent where she represented Queensland in 2020.
She joined Lions FC teammate Zara Kruger in the Queensland team at this year’s U18s National Training Centre Challenge in Victoria.
Georgie Dean
Club: QAS
School: Stretton State College
Dean has long been a highlight reel footballer and the proof is in the pudding. That pudding would be her selection in the QAS program which came as early as 13.
Halle Nielsen
Club: QAS
A Darling Downs junior, Nielson is a high achiever within the QAS and last year was awarded the prestigious Standards and Behaviours Award winner for 2022 in the under 17 age group.
Darcy Heffernan
Club: QAS
The Gold Coast United junior is mixing it with the best of them within the QAS, and last year claimed the QAS Standards and Behaviours Award, a significant achievement given the quality of young Queensland footballers.
From the Darling Downs, aside from Zara Kruger and Maddison Teakle, comes:
Macey Eiser
Age: 17
Position: right back or right wing
Macey’s tenacity in defence has earnt her a regular starting spot for the in the SWQ Thunder senior women’s team. Her ability to create space and her overlapping runs makes her a threat in attack and her determination to chase her opponent’s in defence make her an integral part of the backline.
Sienna Williams
Age: 17
Position: Left back
A brilliant two-way player who will chase down her opposite number and then almost immediately turn back into attack and bomb down the left edge. Williams times her runs perfectly and patiently waits for her opportunity in attack before striking in the blink of an eye.
Other outstanding young Queensland female footballers who represented Queensland so far this decade from the SEQ include: Eloise Hopwood Moreton Bay United, a Grace Lutheran College student who still plays football for Moreton Bay United and was recently selected from school futsal to represent Australia.
Then there is Sophie Holbeck QAS, Sunshine Rutch, QAS, Sophie Wood, QAS, Jade Uhlmann, QAS, Zara Stone, Moreton Bay United, Georgia Dean, QAS, Macey Edward, Sunshine Coast Wanderers, Mia Vie, QAS, Emelia Meli, QAS, Heidi Dennis, QAS, Kiera Godeby, QAS, Emily Clark, Logan Lightning, Tamar Levin, QAS, Tonia-Marie Rantucci, Olympic, Morgan Stanton, QAS, Dani Casey Poila, QAS, Lila Falchetti, QAS, Ashlee Hummel Brisbane City, Layla Adams, Gold Coast United, Katie Sherar, Peninsula Power, Libby Latimer, QAS, Cleo Trevett-Lyall, QAS, Emily Clark (GK), Lions FC, Chloe Parker, QAS, Charlie Shanahan, Sunshine Coast Wanderers, Halle Trevett-Lyall, QAS, Marli Danger, QAS, Emily Haines, QAS, Ashley Lam, QAS, Mia Gleeson, QAS, Lilli Dunn, QAS, Ciara Evans, QAS, Arabella Ryan, QAS, Greta Howard, QAS, Mackenna Magill, QAS, Amber Faherty, QAS, Rosie McMahon, QAS, Olivia Morris, Moreton Bay United, Lily Simpson, QAS, Lily Punch, QAS, Shayla Williams, QAS, Emily Doring, QAS, Alyssa O’Grady, QAS, Sophie King, QAS, Michaela Foster, QAS, Kayla Murcutt, QAS, Mia Afoa, Moreton Bay United, Huntah Wilson, QAS, Georgie Zerbst, Gold Coast United, Jesse Levenson, Sunshine Coast Wanderers
CAIRNS
Hayley Campbell
Age: 15
Club: QAS (previously FNG FQA/Edge Hill Utd)
Position: Central Defender
Details: Currently in the QAS program in Brisbane.
She has always been a player that’s stood out from her days in junior football in Cairns.
A commanding central defender with a good presence complimented with her technical ability to play out and has great composure for someone very young.
A leader in the making.
Emily Carless
Age: 14
Club: Redlynch Strikers United FC
Position: Winger
Emily is a player with great speed and agility and has proven to be a great asset in her team.
Emily secured a spot in the U15 Peninsula School Girls team competing in Brisbane earlier this year.
Lila Falchetti
Age: 16
Club: QAS (previously FNG FQA/Edge Hill Utd)
Position: Central Midfielder
Details: A talented player who has left Cairns in the last few seasons to take up a position in the QAS program.
A central midfielder that covers the pitch well with her work rate and energy from midfield.
Tully Heatley
Age: 16
Club: QAS (previously FNG FQA/Edge Hill Utd)
Position: Attacking Midfield
Details: Current scholarship holder in the Future Matildas program.
Tully, the younger sister of former Brisbane and Melbourne City defender Winonah, is a player with a bright future in the game, and is also, in the QAS playing senior NPL football in Brisbane.
Technically gifted, the former Cairns State High School star is able to change the game with her brilliance.
She has always been a standout in the region and is deserving of her current form at the moment playing in Brisbane.
National Honours at Youth level are not far away.
Taryn Knight
Age: 16
Club: Edge Hill United
Position: Attacking Midfield
Details: Taryn, has great potential to succeed further in the game. A natural attacking player, she has a good eye for goal but has complimented this with work ethic. Her ability to also play in multiple roles as an attacker or midfielder, is an added bonus.
Tanay Martin
Age: 15
Club: FNG FQA/Edge Hill Utd
Position: Central Defender
Details: Tanay, has always showed great ability and talent. Her natural athletic ability gives her a strong presence as a central defender. Together with her strong passing range and reading of the game, she is one to keep an eye on. Injuries have been a bit of an Achillies heel for her, but she has great determination to succeed.
Valentina Oberdan
Age: 15
Club: Leichardt FC
Position: Attacking Midfield
Details: Athletic attacking player with plenty of speed. Compliments this with her goal scoring ability. Currently leading the gold boot race in the FQPL-FNG Womens competition.
Loraine Paguiligan
Age: 17
Club: Edge Hill United FC
Position: Central Midfield
Details: Composed and great distribution as a central defender and midfielder. Like a lot of talented youth players in the region, Loraine has been playing senior football for quite some sometime. A talented player that needs to possibly may look at further opportunities outside of the region to continue her development to play at higher levels.
Payton Rose
Age: 13
Club: FNG FQA/Marlin Coast FC
Position: Central Midfield
Details: Payton has been a standout performer all throughout junior age groups. It’s only a matter of time before we get to see her on the State Representative scene. Composed ballplayer from midfield. For someone so young, she reads the game well and always seems to have a lot of time on the ball. If she can continue to develop and improve, the future looks bright for Payton.
Caydence Russell
Age: 14
Club: Redlynch Strikers United FC
Position: Attacking Midfield
Caydence is an explosive player going forward, with great foot skills and shows great strength and accuracy when striking the ball. Caydence has worked hard on her improving her kicking style and this has paid off this season. She was selected in the U15 Peninsula School Girls team and also represents her school in her JSS School Team.
Eliza Sailor-Tabuai
Age: 15
Club: Southside Comets FC
Position: Left Wing/Right Wing/Striker
Sailor-Tabuai was selected for the Australian Indigenous Koalas squad in early 2023. She has
also represented the U19 Peninsula team and the U16 FQ Academy TSP squad.
At club level she has scored 11 goals in 11 games so far for Southside in the FQPL Far North Women’s league.
Eliza is known to get the crowd on their feet. She’s dazzling and explosive with the ball at her feet who can tear apart any defence with her dribbling abilities.
Eve Stuart
Age: 18
Club: Redlynch Strikers United FC
Position: Centre Back, Midfield
Eve made selection in the U19 Peninsula School Girls team, and recently competed at the OFC U19 World Cup with the Samoan National Squad where the team won bronze.
Eve, displays great composure and strength in her defensive roles with her Redlynch Strikers team.
Leitu Wallwork
Age: 16
Club: Edge Hill United FC
Position: Central Midfield
Details: A composed player in the midfield with good passing range, play making ability and gives a lot for her team. A calm presence and hard worker.
TOOWOOMBA
Ashlee Parravicini
Age: 17
Club: SWQ Thunder
Position: Centre back.
Parravicini has not only established herself as a top player in the Thunder senior women's’ team, she is also one of the best centre backs in the FQPL competition. Her ball distribution and 1v1 defensive skills are second to none and she is an integral part of the senior ladies team.
Ameleah-Paige Miller
Age: 15
Club: Highfields
Despite being just 15 Miller has been a standout performer in the FQPL3 Darling Downs senior women's’ competition.
The talented left-footer loves to get in behind opposition defences and has found the back of the net 14 times this season.
A star for the Darling Downs schoolgirls under-15 team at the state titles, Miller is committed to honing her skills and has a bright future.
Chloe O’Rourke
Age: 15
Club: Highfields
O’Rourke is a box-to-box midfielder who works tirelessly in the middle of the park to support her teammates.
In her first season of senior football, Corky, as she is more well known, has established a reputation as a midfielder who is cool and composed under pressure.
O’Rourke has exceptional vision – shutting down opposition attacking raids and creating opportunities for herself and teammates in attack.
The midfielder has ‘football smarts’ and is already showing great leadership qualities.
O’Rourke, who played for the Darling Downs Schoolgirls team at the U15 state titles, is set to tour Brazil with an Australian futsal team later this year.
Chloe Green
Age: 16
Club: Highfields
A stunning combination of speed, ferociousness in defence and commitment.
In the blink of an eye ‘Greeny’ can shut down opposition raids and launch a brilliant counter-attack.
The young defender has been a standout in U16/17 Mixed Team and is one the first names on Highfields senior women's’ team list each weekend.
Honourable Highfields mentions
April Mammino (16): Darling Downs Schools and futsal rep, FQPL3 Women’s and U16/17 player.
Lucy Dyson (15): Darling Downs Schools and futsal rep, FQPL3 Women’s and U14/15 player
Sienna Schmaling (14): Darling Downs Schools rep and U14/15 player
Khloe Greentree
Age: 13
Club: West Wanderers
Patrolling the midfield, Greentree has featured in every game for the Wanderers U13A squad this season.
The defensive midfielder is determined, fast, strong and reads the game beautifully.
A standout player in a standout team Greentree is a star of the future.
Stephanie Geary
Age: 15
Club: West Wanderers
A talented all-rounder with great skills, determination and focus.
Geary’s biggest strength is her willingness to support her U14/15B teammates and work hard for her team.
Charlotte Weinand
Age: 17
Club: SWQ Thunder
Position: Centre back.
The Thunder under-17s skipper leads through her action and words. Her ability to read the game combined with her ball distribution makes her an unstoppable force in the backline. Weinand does her best work at the back but can slot in anywhere on the field and was recently selected as a QLD shadow player at the U19 State titles.
Charlie Botham
Age: 16
Club: SWQ Thunder
Position: Centre midfield, winger or striker.
Can and will get the job done anywhere on the field thanks to her great skill set. Her ability to read the game and know when to push forward in attack makes her a huge threat to opponents. With great footwork, ball distribution and the ability to hit the back of the net, Charlie is one of the Darling Downs’ best attackers regardless of age.
Sienna Williams
Club: SWQ Thunder
Age: 17
Position: Left back
A brilliant two-way player who will chase down her opposite number and then almost immediately turn back into attack and bomb down the left edge. Williams times her runs perfectly and patiently waits for her opportunity in attack before striking in the blink of an eye.
Zara Kruger
Club: Lions FC, QAS, Scots College (Warwick)
Position: Forward
Polished by Junior Matilda training camps, Kruger was awarded a scholarship for the initial Future Matildas class of 2023.
Kruger is a member of the Queensland Schoolgirls team in 2023.
Maddison Teakle
Club: Lions
Position: Defender
A Harristown SHS product who has now left school, the 19-year-old year has been a Queensland representative throughout her junior days.
Sienna Lockwood
Club: Rockville Rovers
Following in her older sister Madison’s footsteps, Sienna has shown a knack for finding the back of the net.
Sienna is in a rich vein of form this year scoring 19 goals in 21 games and has 44 goals from just 37 games for Rovers.
The football gene runs deep in the Lockwood family and there is no doubt Sienna will be force to be reckoned in the FQPL 3 Darling Downs as she grows into her game.
Madison Lockwood
Club: Rockville Rovers
Madison has had a quiet season by her standards but that is only because work commitments have limited her playing time.
The fleet-footed striker is still good for nearly a goal a game, scoring 11 in 12 matches this season, but it is a far cry from her last two seasons.
In the 2021 and 2022 seasons found the back of the net 111 times in 38 games at a strike rate of 2.92 goals a game.
Madison is near unstoppable with the ball at her feet, can score from anywhere on the park and has a brilliant football mind.
Mackay
Willow Gaffney
Club: Whitsunday United
Position: Striker
Gaffney just turned 18 and is kicking goals – plenty of them – having scored 10 against Sarina in the women’s age bracket on the weekend. Is the topscorer in the league in the Whitsunday Coast Premier League and has played North Queensland Schools rep level.
Claire Larden
Club: Whitsunday United
Position: Defender
Larden’s an aggressive defender, even playing socially or against men. Has played North Queensland Schools rep level.
Alice Wheeler
Club: Whitsunday United
Position: Defender
Wheeler’s on the smaller side but takes no prisoners with her defence. Has played North Queensland Schools rep level.
Charlie Myers
Club: City Brothers
Position: Goalkeeper
City Brothers’ women’s keeper in the Whitsunday Coast FQPL. Has represented Queensland Country under-16s at the National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour in 2022, is also apart of the Football Queensland Academy. Unfortunately broke her wrist recently and will be out of action for a while.
Tameeka Casey
Club: Sarina Saints
Position: Goalkeeper
Casey’s a bright young talent, making around 15-20 saves every game. The 17-year-old is quite athletic and puts her body on the line.
Kelsey Waldon
Club: Mackay Wanderers
Position: Midfield
The 15-year-old already has plenty of experience under her belt, having played for Wanderers since under 6’s. She’s also been playing women’s football since she was just 13. A creator, Waldon’s Very mature for age, has a very good passing range and can cover an array of positions.
Keira Falzon
Club: Mackay Wanderers
Position: Defender
Aged 17, Falzon’s also been playing women’s football for upwards of three seasons. Is a solid defender that reads the play well, while she also has a nice passing game and can play out from the back.
Abhijita Naidu
Club: Mackay Wanderers
Position: Defender
Played women’s football for the first time this season at just 14 years of age at premier level, which is a big step for a player her age. Is a part of the FQ Academy for the Whitsunday Coast region.
Addison Plath
Club: Mackay Wanderers
Position: Goalkeeper
The under-12s goalie was recently selected in the schoolgirls Capricornia team, testing her showstopping skills against some of Queensland’s best young talents.
Lily Treloar
Club: Mackay Wanderers
Position: Striker
Another under-12, Treloar joined her clubmate Plath lining up for the schoolgirls Capricornia team.
Rubie McNamara-Day
Club: Clermont Tigers
Position: Midfield/forward
A very skilled 13-year-old who could find herself playing as a midfielder or forward in the future.
Alyssa Lagman
Club: Clermont Tigers
Position: Defender/wing
Another very skilled player who’s dedicated, determined, and competitive. Is currently playing in a mixed team, but will shine once she gets the opportunity to play all girls. Turning 12 this year.
Charlise Werner
Club: Clermont Tigers
Position: Goalkeeper/defensive midfielder
The versatile Werner could be the next Mackenzie Arnold or the next Katrina Gorry in the eyes of her coach. She has great skill, good ability to strike the ball, and a great engine. Made the Capricornia trials.
Takoda Stephens
Club: Mackay Lions
Position: Midfielder
Takoda is an explosive right-winger who loves to run in behind the opposition’s defence using her pace and power. She was selected as a shadow for the Queensland U16 Country team last year.
Olivia Garnett
Club: Dolphins FC
Position: Forward
Olivia is an intelligent attacking player with an eye for goal. She is comfortable receiving with her back to goal, but really shines in/around the penalty area.
Lilliana Knight
Club: Whitsunday United/Dolphins FC
Position: Defender
Lilliana has taken enormous strides in her development this year in the Football Queensland Academy. . Lilliana is a committed defender who is very capable of covering the ground quickly to intercept, block and tackle.
Sarah Chilton
Club: Whitsunday United
Position: Midfielder/forward
Sarah is in her first season in the Football Queensland Academy and her work with the Football Queensland Academy has really accelerated her development this season. A versatile attacker, she combines very well with teammates in attack and is developing the skills to test the opposition keeper and score goals herself.
Evie Saye
Club: Mackay Magpies
Position: Midfielder/forward
An under-10, Evie is currently in her 2nd year with the Football Queensland Academy. Evie has great potential. A versatile player who is capable of playing anywhere, she has great speed and stamina as an attacker and is capable of going past players with ease to create chances for others or score herself.
ROCKHAMPTON
Makayla Scales
Club: Capricorn Coast
Position: Centre back
At just 15, Scales is a natural athlete who excels on the football field. She is an incredible defender and her ability to dribble at pace and work past opposing players is something that sets her apart. She also has one of the biggest throw-ins in the women’s game. Her game has come on leaps and bounds in her first year in the senior ranks and she has developed into a 90-minute player for Cap Coast.
Tegan Early
Club: Clinton
Position: Central defender
The 18-year old is in her second season with Clinton in the FQPL Central Coast women’s competition. Early is a central defender who has plenty of pace which always helps in the backline. She can make some goal-saving tackles and can score a cracking goal from just after the halfway line. She is a good communicator on the field and has the makings of a future leader. She is football crazy, always putting in 100 percent and looking for ways to improve herself.
Bianca ‘BJ’ Petersen
Club: Bluebirds United:
Position: Goalkeeper
Transitioned into the women’s ranks after about 10 years as a Blueys junior. An exceptional utility player, Petersen was a competent keeper throughout her junior years but her on-field prowess has cemented her position in the midfield. A recent trip to Germany with a development squad has given her the inspiration to strive to wear the green and gold.
Charlotte Poyser
Club: Bluebirds United
Position: Midfield
The talented teen is relishing her debut season in the FQPL Central Coast women’s competition. Poyser is a vital part of the Bluebirds’ midfield, defending in front of the back line and connecting with the attack. She is a member of the FQ Academy and has a great understanding of the game, not only as a player but also given her duties as a referee.
Jemima James
Club: Frenchville
Position: Defender
The 16-year-old is playing her first season in the FQPL Central Coast women’s competition. JJ, as she is affectionately known, plays in the back line as a sweeper or centre back. She has the ability to watch and read a player and is able to stop most attacks. She is involved in representative programs in the region, is well-respected by her teammates and opponents and is definitely a player of the future.
Jessica White
Club: Frenchville
Position: Midfield
The 17-year-old midfielder has not taken a backward step in her debut season in the FQPL Central Coast women’s competition. She is confident in her ability, strong in her tackles and enjoys the challenge of taking on older players. She does the little things incredibly well and loves finding space. She has a great work ethic and always plays to the final whistle.
TOWNSVILLE
Layne Chapman
Age: 17
Club: Brothers FC FQPL
Position: Goalkeeper
Chapman is a talented goalkeeper who has played for Queensland and represented Australia with the Australian School Sport U18 Girls team earlier this year in Texas.
She said she enjoys the unique perspective she gets from playing in front of goal.
“Being goalkeeper I can see the whole game and it helps me take leadership trying to help my team in guiding them around the field,” Chapman said.
“I take my training seriously and the time my coaches put in I try give that back on the field.”
Lilly Hannay
Age: 16
Club: Warriors FC
Position: Wing back
A Premier League player for Warriors who has been playing senior football for a number of years, Hannay is off to Germany in November this year to go to the Borussia Dortmund Academy after she was selected while playing for the NQ schoolgirls – one of 10 players selected from Queensland.
Hannay has been with the Warriors’ Premier League team as their ‘baby’ and has matured into a very talented player and valuable member of the team.
Her quality, ball speed, control and strength make her a formidable opponent.
Flora Wormi
Age: 16
Club team: Estates FC U17 youth girls
Position: Centre back or anywhere in the midfield
Playing her first year of competitive football this year, Wormi’s academy coach Emile Damey – a former international footballer who played for Liberia in 2016 – said she was a dedicated player who was always on time for training and pushing her teammates to show up.
Wormi always gives her all on the field and although she’s still in her first season of football, she plays and carries herself like a seasoned veteran.
Damey said Wormi is one of the loudest voices and main encouragers helping other African girls to play, even encouraging her friends to get together to casually kick a ball around outside of training.
Emme Fitton
Age: 15
Club: Warriors FC
Position: Wing, front three, attacking midfielder
Fitton made the NQ schoolgirls team in 2023 and played on a number of other school football teams.
A talented young player who is very quiet but always willing to learn and improve.
Fitton has great feet and ball control and she is a very valuable player in her Warriors team.
Emme Fitton and Elise Williams compete in the U14/15 Girls Semi Final. Picture: Sharon Woodward Images.
Tess Neary
Age: 11
Club: Estates FC
Position:
Tess has been playing football since she was three years of age and loves every part of the game. Her coach has lost count of how many goals she has scored.
She has a fantastic understanding of the game and a wonderful first touch, each week she is learning new parts of the game and is challenging herself by playing with other age groups.
Tess likes to play as winger, but is fond of scoring a goal or two and her coach can see her being a talented no.9 (striker) when she gets older.
Finnlay Clark
Age: 10
Club: Estates FC
Position: Midfielder
Finnlay (Finn), is an awesome young talent. This is her first year playing in her current Estates team and she has been a big part in their success.
Every day Finn and her family are out in Victoria Park practising, which is fantastic to see.
Finn is also playing representative football with NQ schools and had one of her goals on the FQN goal of the month reel.
Her coach said it was fantastic to see players with so much love and passion become better players.
Finn loves playing as a no.6 (defensive midfielder) and enjoys taking on the bigger kids and assisting her teammates to score. She doesn’t score many goals herself but when she does they are spectacular, normally into the top corner.
Tia O’Neill
Age: 15
Club: Warriors FC
Position: Defender
O’Neill has got a lot of grit and muscles up to any challenge.
She is an extremely strong defender and is very athletic, surprising no one when she was selected for the NQ schoolgirls team in 2023
O’Neill is very tough on herself and hates to disappoint anyone in the team but she is a very valuable player and is bonding well with all the Premier League ladies.
Elise Papageorge
Age: 18
Club: Brothers FC FQPL
Position: Midfield
Papageorge is a valued member of Brothers that constantly gives her complete effort for the team. She said the support she gets from her family and friends is what pushes her to become better.
Alyssa Felix
Age: 12
Club: MA Olympic
Position: Centre midfield or left wing
Felix has shown a capability to play above her age and weight for a while now – she has played for the NQ under-12 Schoolgirls for the past three years and a part of the FQ Northern Academy since under-9s – but her latest step up into the youth girls league playing against 17-year-olds is perhaps most impressive.
Born wearing MA Olympic colours with her father, uncle and grandmother all being life members of the famous Townsville club, the brilliant midfielder has a penchant for assisting teammates but is also a more than capable goalscorer.
Strong, tall and fast, Felix’s physical attributes allow her to be a dominant player when playing in the under-12 mixed comp. When playing under-17s, she makes good decisions on and off the ball against players much more experienced than her.
Mia Wicks
Age: 10
Club / teams: Burdekin Football Club: Crusaders U10-12 Girls, FQ Academy U9-11 Girls, NQ Schoolgirls
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Mia is a competitive player blessed with speed. Her technical ability gives her an edge over opponents as she passes with accuracy and possesses a great first touch. She adds character to her team on the training pitch with her great attitude.
Darci Colls
Age: 10
Club / teams: Burdekin u10/11 Panthers (girls), Burdekin JDS u10, FQ Academy u12/13 Girls Northern, Burdekin Schoolgirls 10-12, North Queensland Schoolgirls 10-12
Position: Centre Midfield
Darci is one of only two girls who play in the Burdekin JDS team with the boys, holding their ground playing alongside and against the boys.
She was selected in the NQ representative school Football team as a 10-year-old in her first year eligible for trials. Darci is known as a bit of a ‘sheep dog’ when on the field for her fierce and competitive nature alongside her ability to read the play both offensively and defensively.
She’s a hard working player who competes for every play and supports her teammates whenever needed.
Tahlia Hedley
Age: 14
Club: MA Olympic FQPL
Position: Midfield
MA Olympic’s Junior Female Player of the Year 2022, Hedley has an extensive representative history with the NQ Schoolgirls and last year made the NYC QLD U16 team.
She’s a smart footballer that is already excelling playing against much older women and girls, and her passion for the game will take her far in the sport.
“I love the game,” Hedley said. “The people in my team not only make it fun but support me to play my best.
“I love reading the game and doing killer passes that put other people in positions for scoring opportunities.”
Lacey Benson
Age: 13
Club: MA Olympic
Position: Midfield
A member of the NQ Schoolgirls under-15 team, Benson’s skill and competitiveness has helped her club team and representative teams compete to the best of their ability locally and against teams from around the state and Brisbane.
Benson is the type of player that gives their all on the field and constantly works on improving their skill level with dedicated training.
Keira Trovato
Age: 13
Club: MA Olympic
Position: Right wing, midfield, anywhere
Trovato is a versatile player that could probably play anywhere on the field – maybe even goalkeeper – and still excel.
Another player within the NQ Schoolgirls pathway and FQN Academy, Trovato has a team-first mentality and loves supporting her teammates, not giving up and always trying to improve her game.
Sienna Lago
Age: 14
Club: Burdekin Panthers
Position: Midfield
Started playing in the Burdekin comp in under 5/6 and continued playing all ages and playing rep football for the Burdekin team from under-10s to present. She currently plays in the Townsville comp for the Burdekin panthers under-14 team.
In 2023 she joined the TSP Townsville girls under-14 girls team which has played in two Brisbane carnivals this year including the State Championships. This year Sienna was selected in the under-15 NQ Schoolgirls football team which played the Queensland Schoolgirls Titles in Brisbane in June.
Sienna plays in the midfield and right wing and loves to give it to the boys with skill and speed. Her favourite Matildas players are Sam Kerr, even dressing as her for her school fancy dress ball in primary school, and Ellie Carpenter.
Holli Mythen
Age: 13
Club: Brothers
Position: Centre fullback
Still just 13 and captaining Brothers’ 14-17 years fillies team, Mythen has already made the step up the playing reserve grade matches in the senior women’s competition.
She is always encouraging her teammates on and off the field and has lofty goals for her future.
“I think being selected as captain at a young age has given me the push to be the best role model and leader I can for my team and other girls,” Mythen said.
Miley Widt
Age: 15
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