GPS football players to watch revealed ahead of season opener this Saturday
GPS First XI football: Who were the Players to Watch this season? Ace youngsters from all nine schools highlighted here ahead of the first round of battle this Saturday.
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The time-honoured GPS First XI football season has arrived for 2024.
Last year Nudgee claimed the premiership, and look primed to challenge again this year with all nine schools in the competition boasting some promising young talent who look set to impress.
GPS FIRST XI CRICKET TEAM OF THE SEASON
HOW THE GPS SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS UNFOLDED
Ahead of round one, we highlight key players to watch from each school who will likely impact the competition beginning Saturday, April 20.
This weekend will feature an early season blockbuster between Nudgee and Ipswich Grammar.
What a game that promises to be.
ROUND 1 GAMES
Churchie v Brisbane Grammar
Brisbane State High v Toowoomba Grammar
The Southport School v Gregory Terrace
Ipswich Grammar v Nudgee
GPS First XI PLAYERS TO WATCH
IPSWICH GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Jack Pye
The Ipswich Grammar First XI captain Jack Pye will look to make the most of his final year playing football for his school.
The centre-half is renowned for his ability to break play down and turn defences around when needed.
We expect him to make an impact with his leadership and natural talent.
William Booth
A silky midfielder, Booth is a player who looks comfortable on the ball regardless of what situation he finds himself in.
His ability to maintain possession under pressure is sure to be an asset for IGS.
Lachlan Wendt
Standing between the sticks, the Year 12 student and goalkeeper will be a point of difference this season.
His ability to pick a target and remain calm under pressure will serve the boys in front of him well, and keep them in good stead.
CHURCHIE
Quinn MacNicol
The Brisbane Roar’s youngest player ever will continue his development at football finishing school Churchie this year.
Currently in Europe with the Australia Under 17 team, the emerging midfielder recently scored two goals in a 4-3 win over Switzerland.
From the famous Rochedale Rovers system, the Roar scholarship contract holder will hit the ground running when he returns.
Lucas Herrington
The tall Brisbane Roar NPL ace was a commanding centre back who will be match hardened after his first season playing First XI in 2023.
Great in tackles with an impressive passing range, Herrington will be looking to spearhead this Churchie side and bring them a premiership.
Their last one came in an impressive 2019 campaign.
THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL
Matthew Surgeon
The left-footed winger will embark on his final season with TSS after joining the school as a Year 9 student from Townsville.
He can finish goals with the best of them and weasel around defenders with his deft touch.
James Greenup
TSS’s school captain will also lead the First XI into the fray this season as skipper.
In what is his first year playing Firsts, Greenup’s defence is likely going to be his strongest weapon.
Max Peereboom
The Year 11 student is back for his second season in the First XI after debuting last year as a 15-year-old.
A Gold Coast Knights centre back, Peereboom has a mixed bag and will play a key role for a TSS outfit looking to improve on last year.
The right-footed Queensland representative selection and Academy Metro talent can stop attacking raids and also begin them with his passing sure to create counter attacking opportunities.
Hugh MacLeod
The TSS senior will look to add to his goal count this year, his 13th at the school.
His older brother Ewan captained the 2020 team, and now it is Hugh’s, a left-footed midfielder, time to shine.
Quick and good at finishing, watch for the Logan Lightning boy to strike.
BRISBANE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Kobe Griffiths
Brisbane Grammar’s right fullback, who will also captain this year’s team, is a Mr Versatile.
He can man multiple positions and is at his best going forward.
Young veteran Griffiths will set the standards high with his work ethic.
Teddy Calahan
The team’s vice-captain, midfielder Calahan will lead by example with his gritty defence, involvements, and ball security.
The Gold Coast Knights under-23s select is in his zone going forward.
Ben Forrester and Hudson Slater
Two youngsters coming through the BGS football program were these boom Year 10 students, balanced players across the paddock who will add some young flair to the side.
NUDGEE COLLEGE
Rylan Brownlie
The capped Brisbane Roar attacker will be a young veteran on the pitch this season after making his A-League debut late last year.
He will be eager to finish his time at Nudgee on a high note. A premiership note.
BRISBANE STATE HIGH
Charlie Kim
Watch for this technically excellent Year 11 student with an eye for beating players.
James Kim
Kim will be a reliable centre-back, someone who has grown in confidence since last season.
Returning as a Year 12 student, Kim has become more vocal and will be a leader on the field.
Johnnie Zervos
Brisbane State High’s captain this year, Year 12 student Zervos will be better for last year’s experience.
His sharp pre-season form suggests a big season ahead, a season where he could prove a vital player, and tackler, for BSHS.Comfortable on the ball.
BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE
Evan Msonga
BBC’s centre back will be one to watch across this year’s competition.
Originally from rugby league finishing school Ignatius Park College, Msonga raised eyebrows last year and will be a key cog in BBC’s side this year as a Year 12 student..
The Lions under-23s player will spearhead the side which have newcomers Trent Finta (Cairns) and Tighe Butt-Maguire (Gladstone) ready to rumble.
Lachlan Munchow
While Msonga could be preventing goals, Munchow will be the one scoring them.
A striker, he is returning for his second year of First XI football.
TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Kai Richardson
The physical defender is back for another season after a strong debut season in 2023.
A tireless player who enjoys snuffing out attacks, Richardson is ready and raring to help TGS have another positive season.
Tdonson Hammond
A big improver this year, Hammond has shown signs of exciting football to come.
He will be looking to ruffle some feathers and has some good form behind him to do so.
Matthew Jacob
The young giant has made the jump from year 10 straight into the First XI.
A man mountain who is set to make a big impression in defence this season.
Max Lomas
The young keeper commands his penalty area and is a great communicator.
A tremendous last line of defeat who will be hard to beat.
Joshua Zahra
Lining up again after a solid 2023 campaign, Zahra will captain the side this season.
A talented midfielder with pace and guile who will trouble opposition defenders.
GREGORY TERRACE
Callum Harris
A young gun, Year 10 attacker Callum Harris has found a home within this year’s First XI squad and has raw talent.
George Plusnin
A Year 11 student, Plusnin will have a big job protecting the net for Gregory Terrace but he is the man for the job.
His older brother Oliver was a tremendous player, and youngster George is the next in line to make his mark on the GPS competition.
Originally published as GPS football players to watch revealed ahead of season opener this Saturday
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