FNQ’s 30 under 30 most impressive sportspeople
From the next Dylan Alcott or Ian Thorpe to making stunning slam dunks in the pros, these 30 sportspeople under 30 are already making huge impacts in their respective codes in Cairns.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
REPRESENTING his country wasn’t what Joel Mundie first had in mind when getting into the pool as a kid, but now the 17-year-old speedster will be doing just that in Birmingham come July.
Mundie will swim in the S7 50m freestyle at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, held in Birmingham at the end of July, but he’s kept even tempered about the announcement despite its magnitude.
“It was pretty cool, I wasn’t 100 per cent expecting it but it was pretty cool to get announced,” he said.
“I don’t think it’ll sink in until I’m over there.”
The St Mary’s Catholic College student has been wheelchair-bound since birth due to a neurological disorder, but Mundie has been hard to stop in the water in his young career.
Originally using swimming as a therapy for his condition, Mundie soon realised he had a knack for competition.
“I wasn’t 100 per cent sure it would happen, but as soon as I started getting competitive it was one of my first goals: to make an Australian team,” he said. “It was finally nice to have that done.”
Thankfully for Mundie, he’s got one of the best para swimming coaches around in Cairns’ Herbie Howard, who famously coaches Paralympian Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson.
“Herbie’s really good, he’s been my coach for about six years now,” Mundie said.
“He’s obviously got the experience from Scooter, it’s good to have him in my corner.”
Winning plenty of golds at a state and national level, Mundie had a solid outing at the Australian Para Swimming National Championships in Adelaide in April.
“I swam okay but you can always do better, it was pretty average on par with where I’ve been at,” he said.
While Mundie’s strongest strokes are 50m fly and 200m individual medley, he said he was confident in his freestyle form.
“The host venue picks the events … it’s not one of my best events,” he said.
With only a little more than a month before Mundie heads to France for a staging camp in the lead up to Birmingham, he has plenty of work to put in.
Mundie said he’ll swim about five times a week and hit the gym in between, all in order to ensure every millisecond is accounted for.
“That’s what it comes down to nowadays, 0.1 of a second,” he said.
WENZEL IN A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN
He’s drawn comparisons to Australian tennis superstar Dylan Alcott in the past, but Far North teen tennis star Ben Wenzel has proved he is in a league of his own after making a personal slice of history.
The 15-year-old returned to Cairns late last week after representing Australia at the 2022 Wheelchair Tennis World Cup in Portugal.
He won a junior singles title, was runner-up in doubles, and climbed to a career-high world ranking of nine at the tournament, considered the wheelchair equivalent of the Davis Cup.
“When I first got on the world rankings, it was always a goal of mine to reach the top 10, and then eventually get to masters in the future,” he said.
“To reach world number nine this early in my career was just a huge realisation to me of how good I’ve actually gotten and how good I’ve continued to get over the last couple of years.”
Wenzel said the opportunity to travel overseas and represent Australia was a “huge goal”.
“I’m super happy to have Fred (Lay, coach) and all the guys coach me along the way,” said the St Andrew’s College student.
“To be able to travel with the rest of the guys is just such a cool experience.
“It was great to see all the players I’ve idolised over the years and being able to watch them up close.”
Wenzel has shown being wheelchair-bound is no barrier for success on the court.
150 most influential people under 30 in Far North Queensland
Coach Fred Lay said his pupil’s upbeat attitude had helped him succeed, as well as serve as a role model for younger athletes.
“We have worked on his mindset, and I think that helped him grow as a player,” Lay said.
The Clifton Beach coach has been overseeing Wenzel’s training for the last five years, and said his pupil’s self-determination has led him to international success.
“All the coaches and clubs in Far North Queensland - the acceptance, love, and support they’ve given him that’s put him through the mainstream has really helped his development,” Lay said.
“There’s been times where he’s felt uncomfortable with his environment, but for him to understand and adapt to that environment made him a stronger person.”
As for his own idol – Aussie tennis star Dylan Alcott AO – Wenzel said he helped him find his path to becoming a talented tennis player.
“He (Alcott) was (my idol) at the start, he definitely helped me find what I wanted to do in the start, my passion for playing tennis,” Wenzel said.
For now, Wenzel will take the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach to his game, as he eyes more success on the horizon.
“The next goal for me would be just keep doing what I’m doing,” he said.
“My closer goals would be to make the junior masters in the next couple of years.”
Wenzel is one of many athletes under 30 years old on the rise or in their prime in FNQ.
We’ve trawled through the various codes and award lists to bring you the top 30 athletes under 30 dominating in Far North Queensland*
Port Douglas’ most influential 30 under 30 revealed for 2022
Tahjere McCall, basketball
There was little to love about the Cairns Taipans’ NBL22 season, but McCall was a dazzling silver lining for the year.
The 27-year-old Philadelphia-born baller took the league by storm early in his debut NBL season, due mostly to his defensive athleticism.
Much like former Taipan Cam Oliver before him, McCall generated many “wow” moments for the Orange Army, including his signature no-look passes at the rim.
The pinnacle of his season came in the last game of the year against the Brisbane Bullets, where McCall dropped a ridiculous 42 points to top the league in most points scored in one game.
Ike Martinez, swimming
A speedster in the pool who’s hot on the heels of Ian Thorpe with just as bright a future, Martinez has been unstoppable.
At 14, Martinez came within 0.7 seconds of Thorpe’s record in that age group.
At the same event – the 2021 Australian Swimming Trials – he was the 14th fastest swimming overall among his competition, all of whom were more than three years older than Martinez.
The former Trinity Anglican School student already has a collection of national gold medals to his name, with plenty more on the horizon.
Amy Hunter, cricket
You’d be hard pressed to find a cricketer in Far North Queensland who’s been as dominant in their respective fields as Hunter.
The teenage cricketing superstar has already represented her state and region in multiple shields and cups.
The Atherton all-rounder plays in both the local girls’ and boys’ competitions due to her talents.
Chris Ostwald, rugby league
The Northern Pride co-captain has made a massive impact at the club since arriving at the end of 2020.
The hooker joined the club from Brisbane Tigers, but immediately entrenched himself at the club as one of the key proponents of the “Northern Pride Way,” and developed a deep appreciation for the role the Pride plays in FNQ.
REVEALED: 30 Cairns influentials under 30
Teyahna Bond, basketball
Bond has represented her state since she was 12, and is part of the Basketball Australia National Performance Program.
At just 15, Bond has established herself as one of the best shooters in FNQ.
Bond made another leap in her young career in 2022, jumping into the semi-pros with the Cairns Dolphins, where she has started to light up the scoreboard already.
Dylan Soares, football
The Southside Comets man dedicates an incredible amount of time to the World Game.
Not only does he play for the FQ Far North and Gulf Men’s team, but he has also been involved in coaching at the club, through Far North Queensland, Football Centre of Excellence, and the Brisbane Roar academy.
Brodie Deverell, AFL
A club man for the Cairns City Lions through and through, Deverell’s contribution to Aussie rules is sizeable.
The Lions co-captain, along with coach Aaron Davey, helped lead his seniors squad to their first premiership in 28 years.
When he’s not leading the boys onto Holloways Beach, Deverell also coaches the Cairns City women’s team.
When he’s not donning the maroon and gold, he’s also working with the AFL Cape York House.
Jacob Wallace, rugby league
The reigning Cairns District Rugby League Gold Medal winner has long been among the best and most consistent footballers in the competition.
The Ivanhoes hooker has played a key role in the club’s success, making the finals last year and helping the Knights to a good start to 2022.
Wallace recently signed a deal with the Pride to be part of the top squad.
Jess Fatnowna, hockey, AFL
While a talented hockey and footy player, Fatnowna’s true talents lie in her work in the Cairns community.
The 2022 Cairns young woman of the year has worked diligently in the Aspire to be Deadly program, taking charge in the Aspire Me mentoring program as well.
Fatnowna has been particularly in mentoring Indigenous youths through sport.
Bradyn Boske, rugby union
A reserve grade regular at JCU Mariners, it is off the field Boske has made his biggest impact.
He has served in numerous committee positions at both club and competition level, first as treasurer under John Pirie before succeeding “JP” as president ahead of the 2021 season.
Will Robertson, cricket
A spin bowler unlike any in the Far North, Robertson has been nothing short of superb for Mulgrave.
Robertson’s name has risen through the ranks of Cricket Far North across the last few years.
However, he remains just as deadly with the ball as always, leading the 1st grade competition in the 2021-22 season with 23 wickets across 13 games for just 298 runs including one five for innings.
30 young people making a difference in their regional community
Michaela Kadlecek, netball
Arguably the best netballer in FNQ, no mountain has been too tall for Kadlecek to overcome.
The 24-year-old plays locally for Sharks Netball, and has previously captained the Northern Mendi Rays in Queensland’s Sapphire Series.
Kadlecek made her full return to semi-professional netball this year after recovering from a hairline fracture to her patella in early 2021.
Portia Eden, BMX
“Podium Portia” didn’t get her nickname just because it rolls off the tongue.
BMX biker Eden has dominated tracks across the globe, with a couple of world championships under her belt already in her early teens.
The Gordonvale rider has been a staunch advocate for getting more kids involved in BMX in North Queensland.
Jake Johansen, AFL
South Cairns’ 2021 MVP makes the Cutters’ forward line run like a well-oiled machine.
Johansen, 24, stuffed the statsheet last season averaging 27 disposals, six marks and three goals per game.
The Cutters star is poised for another big season, and is already a candidate for the Crathern Medal.
Joel Mundie, swimming
Mundie has so many gold medals, he’s lost count.
Despite a neurological disorder that keeps him in a wheelchair on land, the 17-year-old swimmer has dominated most pools he’s swum in.
Mundie’s medal winning ways led to him being selected to represent Australia at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
At the Queensland State Swimming Championships earlier this year, Mundie won six golds from his six events he was entered in.
Tahlulah Tillett, rugby league
The Moa Island product finally got her opportunity to play in the NRLW this year after several serious injury setbacks.
Tillett suffered back-to-back knee injuries which delayed her entry to the top flight competition, but showed immense will and courage to fight her way back for an opportunity.
She made her NRLW debut with the Newcastle Knights, represented the Indigenous All Stars, and is currently playing for the North Queensland Gold Stars halfback in the state league.
Abby Toschach, cricket
Centuries come easy to the bat of Toschach.
The young Tolga cricketer has been one of the most consistently dominant cricketers in the region for the last five years.
Her talents have landed her a handful of region, and state, representations – the future is bright for Toschach.
Keanu Pinder, basketball
No player has had a bigger turnaround within one NBL season than Keanu Pinder.
The 26-year-old averaged 4.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game in his first season with the Adelaide 36ers in 2021.
In NBL22 with the Cairns Taipans, the tall averaged 10.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
Pinder’s athleticism has given the Orange Army cause to cheer in 2021-22, leaping to the rim and providing plenty of cheer-worthy dunks.
His elite season earned him the comeback player of the year in the 2022 NBL awards.
Seth McGinty, cricket
A rising star in the Cricket Far North competition, McGinty made huge strides moving up to 1st grade cricket.
The talented teen bowler ranked third in wickets taken for his club Rovers, going 12-229 during the one-day season.
The quick has represented North Queensland in under-16s, and helped the Designer Home Dare Devils win the Barrier Reef Big Bash in 2022.
Jesse Casson, football
The Edge Hill United talisman is the ultimate big game performer.
The winner of two Grand Final MVP awards in consecutive seasons, and a very close runner-up in a third, defender Casson is an underrated member of the all-conquering Tigers outfit.
Liam Brandt, AFL
A Port Douglas Croc with a motor that doesn’t quit, Brandt runs laps around the competition.
The 28-year-old joined with the AFL Cairns premiership powerhouse in 2021 after moving from Victoria, and has been an impact player for Port ever since.
Brandt’s superstar campaign last year resulted in him being named dual Crathern Medallist, as well as the coach’s MVP.
Cain Hastie, rugby league
One of the best young footballers coming through the ranks, the Mareeba Gladiators junior is part of the North Queensland Cowboys’ development program.
Hastie plies his trade for the Gladiators and in the Northern Pride’s junior teams and has repeatedly shown his talents regardless of the jersey he wears.
Ash Seivers, hockey
Already one of the top hockey players in the Cairns Hockey opens, Seivers has only just started to hit her stride.
The Brothers hockey player hit another level in 2022, lighting up the scoreboard for her side in numerous outings.
Seivers also took to the astroturf on behalf of the state for the Under-18 National Championships, winning silver and finishing runners up to the other Queensland team.
Bul Kuol, basketball
Kuol’s rise from obscurity to one of the most vital Taipans has been a storyline to watch for NBL fans this season.
The Sudanese-Australian player was plucked by Cairns head coach Adam Forde as the very last player to complete his roster for the 2021-22 season.
Kuol – 25 – quickly moved into a starting five roster spot, where he was able to showcase his defensive skill and shooting prowess from the three point line.
His efforts in 2022 culminated with him being named the NBL22 rookie of the year by a significant margin, making him a rising star to watch for Cairns fans going forward.
Annabelle Hutchings, golf
One of the best golfers in North Queensland, Hutchings has plenty of silverware in her young career.
The Cairns Golf Club member won back-to-back-to-back City of Cairns Women’s championships through to 2021 and was the Women’s Champions of Champions in 2021.
Jake Long, AFL
The former Essendon Bomber hasn’t lost a step since moving to Cairns years ago.
The 26-year-old has served as one of the major pieces in the Cairns City Lions rebuild across the last five seasons, which culminated in the team winning its first premiership in 28 years in 2021.
Described as ‘basically another coach on the field’ by teammates, Long’s impact on the midfield and at half forward are hard to equal.
So far in 2022, Long leads the competition in coach’s MVP votes and clearances.
Aerielle Hobbler, rugby league
You can throw any jersey on Hobbler and she will get the job done.
Hobbler played for the premiership-winning Kangaroos team in the CDRL in 2021, has been with the Northern Pride under-19s for the past two seasons – and has been among the best in both groups.
She has played her way into the North Queensland Gold Stars in 2022 and has shown plenty of potential to take her career further.
Andrew Phelps, cricket
As reliable a batter as you can get, Phelps defends his wicket like no other.
Phelps led the Cricket Far North competition in runs through 2021-22 with 664 across 17 matches, including finals.
The Barron ball sponge also clocked up 143 runs in T20 cricket last season.
Lachie Rhook, AFL
A relative newcomer to AFL Cairns, Rhook has dazzled so far in his brief time in the Far North.
Originally signed on with South Cairns, Rhook’s inaugural season was cut short by injury.
Since joining up with the Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs, the 24-year-old has been orchestral in his team’s victories early in the season.
*The athletes must currently reside and compete in Cairns or for an FNQ club to be considered for this roll call compiled by the Cairns Post.
DID WE MISS SOMEONE? Let us know in the comments below!
More Coverage
Originally published as FNQ’s 30 under 30 most impressive sportspeople
Cyclist suffers ‘significant injuries’ in solo crash south of Cairns
A Far North cyclist is recovering in hospital with “significant injuries” after crashing into a stationary vehicle.
‘Someone’s going to get killed’: Dire warning amid cop staff crisis
Police officers spread thinly throughout Cairns and a transferring of specialist officers on Cape York deployments is the reason for surging car thefts and a recent spike in break-in offences.