Bulletin picks its Gold Coast Premier League Underrated XI

AS the Gold Coast Premier League season reaches the business end, the Bulletin takes a look at the competition’s unheralded stars to deliver its Underrated XI.

AS the Gold Coast Premier League season reaches the business end, the Bulletin takes a look at the competition’s unheralded stars to deliver its Underrated XI.

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GOALKEEPER

Luka Zoric (Broadbeach United)

The 20-year-old has not missed a beat after returning to Broadbeach from Gold Coast United, helping the Dolphins rediscover their mojo in recent weeks.

Broadbeach goalkeeper Luka Zoric. Picture Glenn Hampson

HOW THE MATILDAS INSPIRED BROADBEACH

DEFENDERS

Brody Smith (Burleigh Heads)

The Bulldogs’ attacking pair of Matt Hilton and David Mutch often grab the headlines but Smith plays a crucial role at the other end of the park.

Burleigh’s Brody Smith.

Matt Hibbs (Mudgeeraba)

A Mudgeeraba junior, Hibbs has been a valuable addition at Sid Bigg Park after missing majority of the 2018 season with Murwillumbah through injury.

Mudgeeraba’s Matt Hibbs.

Jeremy Perkins (Tweed United)

Playing in a Marlins defensive line that has leaked goals throughout the campaign, Perkins has remained a shining light.

Tweed United’s Jeremy Perkins.

Brad Scott (Nerang)

Scott’s ability to get forward and provide an attacking threat for the Eagles has been a handy bonus to his solid defensive work.

Nerang’s Brad Scott. Picture: Luke Sorensen

MIDFIELDERS

Payden Pemberton (Coomera)

Brought to Viney Park in the off-season, the American midfielder has been one of the Premier League’s finds of the year.

Coomera’s Payden Pemberton.

Marcus Allison (Burleigh Heads)

Sidelined for the remainder of 2019, the absence of the hardworking midfielder has been noticeable for the high-flying Bulldogs.

Burleigh’s Marcus Allison. Picture: Jerad Williams

Andy Trotter (Broadbeach United)

The Dolphins veteran, who is also out with injury, is often overshadowed by the likes of Tomoki Asakawa and Shaun Robinson but his engine-room output is crucial.

Broadbeach’s Andy Trotter (right). Picture: Jerad Williams

ATTACKERS

Koki Miyasaka (Nerang)

A horrific facial injury brought a temporary halt to the momentum Miyasaka had built over the opening half of the season, but the Japanese star remains a key figure in Dave Benigno’s side.

Nerang's Koki Miyasaka. Picture: Luke Sorensen

Dan Smith (Palm Beach)

A member of the Hellenic Athletic outfit that reached last year’s FFA Cup Round of 32, Smith arrived at Duncan McKenna Field with little fanfare but has been one of the competition’s best this season.

Palm Beach’s Dan Smith.

Brandon Gomez (Surfers Paradise)

Gomez has been forced to play second fiddle to Apollo frontman Teddy Watson throughout the season, but has popped up with goals at key times.

Surfers Paradise’s Brandon Gomez (right). Picture: Mike Batterham

COACH

Steve Macdonald (Coomera)

The former Pacific Pines mentor has been an instant success in his two seasons in the Premier League, defying outside expectations to keep the Colts competitive.

Coomera coach Steve MacDonald.