Round Ball Round-Up: Gallery of Queensland’s 54 grand final champion soccer teams of 2023
Re-live the action from the senior deciders and scroll through an avalanche of premiership celebration pictures as 54 teams are honoured in our galleries.
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Dozens of teams across the state of Queensland have been crowned champions of their division for 2023.
Re-live the action from the senior deciders and scroll through an avalanche of premiership celebration pictures as 54 teams are honoured in our galleries.
CAIRNS
Macca’s® FQPL Far North & Gulf Grand Finals
Women: Leichhardt Lions White 1 (6) vs. 1 (5) Southside Comets Halleys
Leichhardt Lions White defeated the Southside Comets Halleys in a thrilling penalty shootout to claim the 2023 Macca’s FQPL Far North & Gulf Women’s title.
After an even first half, underdogs Comets Halleys were the team to take the ascendancy in the second half, with livewire attacker Eliza Sailor-Tabuai outpacing the Lions defence to open the scoring in the 64’.
Lions White hit back in no time, earning a penalty in the 68’ which was confidently put away by Amy Walton to level proceedings at Endeavour Park.
The two sides couldn’t be split by the end of full-time and extra-time, with the Grand Final heading to a penalty shootout to determine the 2023 Champions.
Lions White held their nerve over nine penalties to see off Comets Halleys 6 – 5 in the shootout to secure their second piece of silverware for 2023.
Visit the Football Queensland YouTube channel to watch the highlights.
Men: Mareeba United 1 vs. 2 Leichhardt Lions
Leichhardt Lions claimed a famous Macca’s FQPL Far North & Gulf Grand Final victory over Mareeba United on Saturday night.
Mareeba hit the front in the 34’ courtesy of a tidy finish from Dylan Cummings, however the advantage didn’t last long, with Leichhardt hitting back less than 10 minutes later. Jean Assumani’s driving run down the right wing caught the Mareeba defence off-guard, with his penetrating cross met at the back post by Muhammad Baqir who tapped home the equaliser.
The match got the grandstand finish it deserved in the 87’, when Christopher Sullivan stepped up for Lions to nail the long-range matchwinning free kick which sent the Lions supporters into raptures at Endeavour Park.
The victory saw both Leichhardt Lions Men and Women claim Grand Final victories, the first time in their history that both Men and Women Senior teams have been Champions in the same season.
Visit the Football Queensland YouTube channel to watch the highlights.
Grand Final Champions
Check out a full image library of Grand Final Champions from last weekend.
Macca’s FQPL Men: Leichhardt Lions
Macca’s FQPL Women: Leichhardt Lions White
FQPL U23 Men: Marlin Coast Rangers
Division 1 Men: Atherton Eagles
Division 2 Men: Stratford Dolphins
FQPL U18: Edge Hill United
FQPL U16: Edge Hill United
U16 Division 1: Edge Hill United
FQPL U14: Edge Hill United
U14 Division 2: Marlin Coast Rangers
FQPL U13: Southside Comets
U13 Division 1: Atherton Eagles
U13 Division 2: Redlynch Strikers
FQ Academy players travel to Melbourne for State of Origin Cup
Players from Football Queensland’s statewide Academy program have travelled to Melbourne this week with Queensland’s Under 14 state team as they prepare to take on Victoria in the inaugural State of Origin Cup.
State team representatives were presented their jerseys by former Socceroo Robbie Kruse at Football Queensland headquarters, Meakin Park, before departing for Melbourne.
TOWNSVILLE
Macca’s® FQPL Northern Grand Finals
Macca’s® FQPL Northern Men Wrap-up – Brothers Townsville FC 1 vs. 0 MA Olympic FC
An arm wrestle for the ages unfolded at Paradise Park between two sides playing at an exceptional level.
Neither Brothers or MA Olympic could break the deadlock for 66 minutes when a ball was fizzed into the box by Brothers player Liam Phelps and was pounced on by the quick thinking substitute Sean Howe to take the lead.
MA Olympic attempted to mount a comeback and created a few chances but couldn’t deliver the final product and take the match into extra time.
Visit the Football Queensland YouTube channel to watch the highlights.
Macca’s® FQPL Northern Women Wrap-up – MA Olympic FC 0 (4) vs. 0 (3) Brothers Townsville FC
The season long battle between these two sides has been nothing short of captivating which continued right until the very end.
The leagues two most lethal sides in front of goal couldn’t find the back of the net in 120 minutes of play, with the Grand Final Champion decided by penalties.
Brothers stepped up to the spot first but MA Olympic shot stopper Chelsea Pastorello held firm to keep Kristy Hope’s shot out.
The goals rained in after that with neither goal keeper able to block any shots, putting all of the pressure on the final kick takers.
Brothers Townsville’s final kick taker blazed her shot over the crossbar to hand MA Olympic the Premiership-Championship double.
Visit the Football Queensland YouTube channel to watch the highlights.
Townsville’s Page Malau-Aduli officiates on state’s largest stage
Townsville match official Page Malau-Aduli officiated on the state’s largest stage on Sunday as the referee of the Maccas® FQPL 1 Women Grand Final between Brisbane City FC and SWQ Thunder at Suncorp Stadium.
A graduate of the FQ Referee Academy, Page’s appointment to one of the state’s premier Grand Finals was a fantastic showcase of Football Queensland’s referee pathway and the opportunities it delivers for match officials across the state.
Senior Grand Final Champions
Check out a full image library of Senior Grand Final Champions from last weekend.
Grand Final Champions
Macca’s FQPL Northern Men: Brothers Townsville FC
Macca’s FQPL Northern Women: MA Olympic FC
FQPL U23 Men: Brothers Townsville FC
Division 1 Men: Brothers Townsville FC
Division 1 Women: MA Olympic FC
Division 2 Men: Townsville Warriors FC
MACKAY
Macca’s® FQPL Whitsunday Coast Grand Finals
Macca’s® FQPL Whitsunday Coast Men Wrap-up – Whitsunday United FC 2 vs. 1 Magpies FC
Whitsunday United FC proved again why they’re a champion side two years in a row coming back from a goal down to snatch victory late in the match.
An unfortunate early hand ball in the box went against the Airlie Beach based side which Magpies FC’s Ezra Kennell calmly placed in the bottom left corner.
Whitsunday United couldn’t find an answer for the remainder of the first half but turned up the heat in the second 45 minutes scoring two goals in two minutes courtesy of Harry Hodgen and Ollie Mitchell.
Visit the Football Queensland YouTube channel to watch the highlights.
Image credit: Jessica Wilson Photography
Macca’s® FQPL Whitsunday Coast Women Wrap-up – Mackay Lions FC 2 (2) vs. 2 (4) Whitsunday United FC
The two best sides in the league went to battle in a thrilling affair which ended in a huge upset victory.
Whitsunday United FC went ahead in the 35th minute after a ball spilt out on the edge of the box which was coolly slotted into the back of the net. The Airlie Beach based side extended their lead in the 72nd minute to go two goals up, almost unheard of against a formidable Mackay Lions side.
Mackay Lions responded almost instantly working the ball to the edge of the box to take a goal back through a wicked deflection. The Lions levelled things up a short time later in the 83rd minute to take the match to extra time and penalties.
What ensued was a rollercoast of a penalty shootout with both sides missing their first shots at goal, with the final result ending with Whitsunday United ending Lions undefeated run four goals to two.
Visit the Football Queensland YouTube channel to watch the highlights.
Image credit: Jessica Wilson Photography
Grand Final Champions
Check out an image library of Grand Final Champions from last weekend.
Grand Final Champions
Macca’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Men: Whitsunday United FC
Macca’s FQPL Whitsunday Coast Women: Whitsunday United FC
FQPL U23 Men: Magpies FC
FQPL U23 Women: Dolphins FC
League 1 Men: Mackay Wanderers
League 1 Reserve Men: Mackay Lions
FQPL U15: City Brothers
U15 Division 1: Mackay Lions
FQPL U13: Mackay Lions
U13 Division 1: Country United
SUNSHINE COAST
Macca’s® FQPL 3 Sunshine Coast Grand Finals
Men Wrap Up: Noosa Lions 2 vs. 0 Kawana FC
The Noosa Lions sealed the 2023 Macca’s FQPL 3 Sunshine Coast title with a fantastic Grand Final display on Saturday evening.
Coming up against an in-form Kawana FC outfit, the Lions saw off some dangerous early attacking passages of play to keep the score at 0 – 0 at half time. The Lions earned a penalty in the 47’ after a handball shout which Cory Johnson struck into the bottom right corner, giving the Lions a 1 – 0 advantage.
The Lions struck again with just moments to go in regular time, with a brilliant counterattacking run from Harry Magee sending the Lions supporters in raptures as he iced the game in the 86’ for the Noosa based side.
Visit the Football Queensland YouTube channel to watch the highlights.
Women Wrap Up: Maroochydore FC 2 vs. 1 Noosa Lions
Maroochydore FC saw off a spirited Noosa Lions outfit to be crowned Macca’s FQPL 3 Sunshine Coast Champions on Saturday night.
Amelia Murphy struck first for Maroochydore in the Women’s decider, with a long-range effort catching the Lions goalkeeper off-guard as the ball found the bottom left corner of the net.
Noosa were able to compose themselves and settle into their style of play towards the end of the first half and the start of the second, before an unlucky own goal against Lions defender Paige Cardew gave the Swans a two-goal advantage with less than half an hour remaining.
The Lions kept pushing the Swans and earned themselves a penalty in the 77’ which Cairisjana Mitchell converted to cut the deficit to a single goal. Maroochydore FC were able to hold on over the last 10 minutes to secure their second Champions title in as many years.
Visit the Football Queensland YouTube channel to watch the highlights.
Grand Final Champions
Check out a full image library of Grand Final Champions from last weekend.
Grand Final Champions
Macca’s FQPL 3 Sunshine Coast Women: Maroochydore FC
Macca’s FQPL 3 Sunshine Coast Men:
FQPL U23 Women:
FQPLU23 Men: Caloundra FC
Division 1 Men: Kawana FC
Division 1 Women: Bribie Island Tigers
Division 2 Men: Baringa FC
Division 3 Men: Cooroora United
Over 35s Men Division 1: Coolum FC
Over 35s Men Division 2: Caloundra FC
U18 Division 1 Boys: Maroochydore FC
U18 Division 2 Boys: Kawana FC
U16 Division 1 Boys: Buderim FC
U16 Girls: Kawana FC
U16 Division 2 Boys: Coolum FC
U15 Division 1 Boys: Buderim FC
U15 Division 2 Boys: Noosa Lions
U15 Division 3 Boys: Kawana FC
U14 Division 1 Boys: Nambour Yandina
U14 Division 1 Girls: Maroochydore FC
U14 Division 2 Boys: Gympie United
U14 Division 2 Girls: Gympie United
U14 Division 3 Girls: Buderim FC
U13 Division 1 Boys: Noosa Lions FC
U13 Division 1 Girls: Maroochydore FC
U13 Division 2 Boys: Caloundra FC
U13 Division 2 Girls: Beerwah Glasshouse
BRISBANE
Suncorp Stadium played host to the National Premier League and Macca’s® FQPL 1 Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals this weekend, we preview the action ahead!
Match Review – NPL Men’s Grand Final – Gold Coast Knights vs Moreton Bay United
Gold Coast Knights have been crowned Champions of the National Premier League, edging out Moreton Bay United in an epic battle at the iconic Suncorp Stadium.
It has been a 2023 to remember for Scott McDonald’s side, who secured the inaugural Kappa Pro Series trophy earlier in the season, won the club’s first ever NPL Queensland Premiership and have now completed the treble with their Grand Final victory.
![Max Brown of Gold Coast Knights. Picture: Ian Judd - Aqua [PD]](https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/399ebb9ae88359d8d721e75796c5f0b1?width=650)
Star midfielder Max Brown scored the only goal of the game in a man of the match performance which saw him create 6 chances for the Knights.
Knights had to battle though periods of pressure from the Moreton Bay United Jets. Knights captain Austin Ludwik battled through a suspected foot injury to lead the Knights superbly at the back, winning a match high 19 duels and maintaining 98% pass accuracy.
Fellow defenders Jaiden Walker, Oskar Dillon and Shelford Dais all won most of their duels, with Oskar Dillon making a match high 19 recoveries and a match high 49 passes.
Aaron Reardon and Tyson Martin marshalled well in midfield, with Reardon making 17 recoveries.
Moreton Bay star striker Marquez Walters went close to equalising with a sensational bicycle kick in the 93rd minute from a chance with only 0.16xG.
You can watch the full match replay and highlights of all 4 finals staged at Suncorp Stadium on Football Queensland TV!
Match Review – NPL Women’s Grand Final – Eastern Suburbs vs Gold Coast United
Eastern Suburbs emerged 1-0 winners over Gold Coast United at Suncorp on Sunday in a tough fought match.
![Emma Starr of Eastern Suburbs. Picture: Ian Judd - Aqua [PD]](https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/8c69c223dcaac9b6da1f1bdb995e1ac9?width=650)
Plenty of the Easts and Gold Coast United fans turned out to witness a nailbiting match. Eastern Suburbs opened the scoring in just the 5th minute thanks to midfielder Emma Starr who tapped home from close range.
Emma Starr was adjudged player of the match in a performance that saw her complete 73% of her passes, and 2 successful take-ons.
At the back for easts, Holly Clarke made 14 recoveries and Harkana Tkatchenko made 18 recoveries. Kate Muscat was superb at the back for Easts, with a match high 23 recoveries and 16 duels won
United fought back well in what was an even game but could not find a way through to equalise, with the full time score ending 1-0 to Easts.
You can catch up on the highlights from all 4 matches played at Suncorp on Sunday via Football Queensland TV.
TOOWOOMBA
Match Review – Macca’s® FQPL 1 Women’s Grand Final – Brisbane City vs SWQ Thunder
It was a fantastic day out for SWQ Thunder Fans at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday for the Macca’s® FQPL 1 Women’s Grand Final, despite our South West Queensland Thunder unfortunately being defeated by Brisbane City.
There was plenty of dark blue in the stands as fans made their way east to Suncorp.
Despite a valiant effort, Brisbane City emerged 5-1 victors to cap a remarkable 2023 season, which saw them secure the Premiership and Grand Final Championship trophies undefeated.
Trailing 2-0 at half time, Thunder provided plenty of threat and looked poised to provide a strong response in the second half, but unfortunately the Thunder went down to 10 players in the second half after goalkeeper Liz Hollitt was sent off for a professional foul outside the box.
Despite losing a player, Abbey Lloyd rose from the bench and scored a spectacular goal to give the travelling fans something to cheer and remember for a long time to come.
Finishing the season in second place with 14 wins, 5 losses and 2 draws, Thunder knew they were up against the odds in the match.
Thunder’s thumping Semi Final win against Broadbeach was the highlight of a fantastic season for the Thunder girls which exceeded expectations.
Thunder coach Tim Taylor was full of praise for his side and the travelling support despite the loss.
“Firstly, I would like to say what an amazing experience it was to play a Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium,” Taylor said.
“What made it amazing was the support from the stands. We could hear you, and it meant we could keep fighting until the end.
“Sorry we couldn’t get the ‘W’ (win) for our fans, but you made the experience so much more memorable. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for getting behind these amazing ladies.”
Highlights from all 4 of the weekends Suncorp Stadium finals can be found on the FQ YouTube Channel.
GOLD COAST
Gold Coast Knights Complete the Treble!
Gold Coast Knights have secured a historic treble and have been crowned Champions of the National Premier League, edging out Moreton Bay United in an epic battle at the iconic Suncorp Stadium!
It has been a 2023 to remember for Scott McDonald’s side, who secured the inaugural Kappa Pro Series trophy earlier in the season, won the club’s first ever NPL Queensland Premiership and have now added the icing to the cake with the Grand Final trophy.
Star midfielder Max Brown was the standout yet again in a man of the match performance, with his 29th minute strike the only goal in a hotly contested match. Knights had to battle though periods of pressure from the Moreton Bay United Jets, with goalkeeper Josh Langdon required to make some crucial saves.
Knights captain Austin Ludwik battled through a suspected foot injury to lead the Knights superbly at the back alongside Jaiden Walker, Oskar Dillon and Shelford Dais.
Despite Knights strong defensive display, the Jets star striker Marquez Walters went perilously close to equalising with a sensational bicycle kick in the 93rd minute edging just wide of the post.
In the end, it was not to be for Moreton Bay, with Knights holding on to secure a famous victory.
You can watch the full match replay and highlights of all 4 finals staged at Suncorp Stadium on Football Queensland TV!
Match Review – NPL Women’s Grand Final – Eastern Suburbs vs Gold Coast United
Despite a valiant display at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, Gold Coast United unfortunately tasted defeat in the National Premier League Women’s Grand Final at the hands of Eastern Suburbs. Plenty of the Gold Coast United faithful made the trip up the M1 to Suncorp Stadium, and while the fans will be disappointed to see their team go home runners up, they will be undoubtedly proud of their team’s performance and season.
Gold Coast United finished the regular season in fourth place and defeated heavy favourites Lions FC in the Semi Final to book their place in the showpiece event at Suncorp Stadium. In the Grand Final, Eastern Suburbs opened the scoring in just the 5th minute thanks to midfielder Emma Starr who tapped home from close range. United fought back well in what was an even game but could not find a way through to equalise, with the full time score ending 1-0 to Easts.
You can catch up on the highlights from all 4 matches played at Suncorp on Sunday via Football Queensland TV
Photo: Gold Coast United at Suncorp Stadium
Photo credit: Ian Judd – Aqua [PD]
Junior Grand Final Winners Confirmed
We had 20 massive Junior Grand Finals played across the weekend in the South Coast, congratulations to all the Champions of their respective divisions!
Under 18 Div 1 Boys - Pacific Pines
Under 17 Girls - Magic United Black
Under 16 Junior League Boys - Palm Beach
Under 16 Div 1 Boys - Palm Beach
Under 16 Div 2 Boys - Pacific Pines
Under 15 Junior League Boys - Coomera
Under 15 Junior League Girls - Gold Coast United
Under 15 Div 1 Boys - Robina
Under 15 Div 1 Girls - Palm Beach
Under 14 Junior League Boys - Palm Beach
Under 14 Div 1 Boys - Mudgeeraba
Under 14 Div 2 Boys - Burleigh
Under 13 Junior League Boys - Palm Beach
Under 13 Junior League Girls - Magic United Blue
Under 13 Div 1 Boys - Nerang Red
Under 13 Div 1 Girls - Robina Blue
Under 13 Div 2 Boys - Tallebudgera Valley
Under 13 Div 3 Boys - Tweed United
South Coast FQ Academy players travel to Melbourne for State of Origin Cup
Players from Football Queensland’s FQ Academy program has travelled to Melbourne this week with Queensland’s Under 14 state team as they prepare to take on Victoria in the inaugural State of Origin Cup, with large representation from the South Coast.
State team representatives were presented their jerseys by former Socceroo Robbie Kruse at Football Queensland headquarters, Meakin Park, before departing for Melbourne.
Queensland Under 14 Squad – South Coast Reps
Flynn Mulley, Gold Coast Knights FC
Kade Kerry, Gold Coast Knights FC
Tano Miller, Gold Coast Knights FC
Wisam Adams, Gold Coast Knights FC
Arlo Manuel, Gold Coast United FC
Harrison Matthews, Gold Coast United FC
Keagan Kirkpatrick, Gold Coast Knights FC
Mason Bonnici, Gold Coast United FC
Orlando Falcetta, Gold Coast United FC
Zak Boyd, Gold Coast United FC
RESULTS: Football Queensland premier leagues
Central Coast
McDonald’s FQPL 3 WomenFQPL 3: Clinton FC FQPL Women 5 defeated Bluebirds United FQPL Women 1, Clinton FC FQPL Men 3 defeated Nerimbera FC FQPL Men 0.
Far North & Gulf
McDonald’s FQPL 3 MenFQPL 3: Leichhardt Lions FQPL Mens 2 defeated Mareeba United FQPL Mens 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 WomenFQPL 3: Leichhardt Lions QPL Womens White 1 drew with Southside Comets QPL Womens - Halleys 1.
Metro
FQPL 3 Men Promotion Play-Off Series: Southport 3 defeated Willowburn FC 1.
FQPL 3 Women Promotion Play-Off Series: Gold Coast Knights 6 defeated Springfield United 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 1 Men: Wynnum Wolves 1 defeated Surfers Paradise Apollo 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 1 Women: Brisbane City 5 defeated SWQ Thunder 1.
NPL Men: Gold Coast Knights 0 drew with Moreton Bay United 0.
NPL Women: Eastern Suburbs 1 defeated Gold Coast United 0.
Northern
McDonald’s FQPL Women_: MA Olympic FQPL Women 0 drew with Brothers Townsville FQPL Women 0, Brothers Townsville FQPL Men 1 defeated MA Olympic FQPL Men 0.
Sunshine Coast
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Men_: Noosa Lions FC 2 defeated Kawana FC 0.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Women_: Maroochydore Swans FQPL Women 2 defeated Noosa Lions FQPL Women 1.
Whitsunday Coast
McDonald’s FQPL 3 WomenFQPL 3: Clinton FC FQPL Women 5 defeated Bluebirds United FQPL Women 1.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 MenFQPL 3: Clinton FC FQPL Men 3 defeated Nerimbera FC FQPL Men 0.
Wide Bay
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Wide Bay Men_: United Park Eagles FQPL Men 3 defeated Across The Waves FQPL Men 2.
McDonald’s FQPL 3 Wide Bay Women_: Fraser Flames FQPL Women 4 defeated KSS Jets FQPL Women 0.
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Originally published as Round Ball Round-Up: Gallery of Queensland’s 54 grand final champion soccer teams of 2023
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