Race to the FQPL finals: Every club reviewed

THE majority of teams have now played half of their FQPL Far North Premier Men’s fixtures, and a clear leader has emerged. HAVE YOUR SAY >>

THE majority of teams have now played half of their FQPL Far North Premier Men’s fixtures, and Leichhardt looks to be the team to beat.

The Lions are on top with one hand on the trophy - and ending Edge Hill United’s three-season run of dominance.

With crucial games around the corner, we look at all eight teams and their runs home to predict how and where they will finish the campaign.

Scroll to the bottom to determine your finishing order.

LEICHHARDT

Pos: 1st Record (W-L-D): 6-1-0 F: 32 A: 14 Points: 18

Season so far: The Lions have one hand on the championship already, and could just about wrap it up with the right results this weekend.

And they have done it with out their best player and reigning league MVP Alex Russell for the most part.

The run home: If any team can end Edge Hill United’s stranglehold on the league silverware, right now its Leichhardt.

They looked the goods in the opening half of the season but have two games against Edge Hill United to come - which could determine where they ultimately finish.

Predicted finish: 1st

Leichhardt's Declan Macalister (right) battles Marlin Coast during the match at Trinity Beach Picture: Brian Cassey

SOUTHSIDE COMETS

Pos: 2nd Record (W-L-D): 4-1-2 F: 23 A: 12 Points: 14

Season so far: They have struggled in recent years to convert their opportunities but the addition of Kyle Nichol has given the Comets the finisher they needed.

Dropped points to teams outside the top four which has stifled their position, but looked good elsewhere.

The run home: Two dates with Edge Hill Utd and a clash with Leichhardt at the Lion’s Den shape as potential deciders, but they need to take maximum points against bottom teams.

Can claim their first trophy since 2018 if they beat Rangers for the league cup.

Predicted finish: 3rd

MARLIN COAST

Pos: 3rd Record (W-L-D): 4-2-2 F: 22 A: 13 Points: 14

Marlin Coast’s Jeffrey Lassche celebrates after scoring a goal. Picture: Brian Cassey

Season so far: Marlin Coast told anyone who would listen about how they had improved but few heeded the warning.

It’s been a brilliant return to contender status after two seasons in the doldrums.

The run home: Losses to the top two teams are the only real blemishes on what is a good record. Must reverse those in the second round to finish higher.

Can claim their first trophy in years if they beat Southside for the league cup.

Predicted finish: 4th

EDGE HILL UTD

Pos: 4th Record (W-L-D): 3-1-1 F: 26 A: 3 Points: 10

Jesse Casson of Edge Hill United. Picture Emily Barker.

Season so far: Have played fewer league games but more fixtures than any other team due to Australia Cup run.

The gap between Tigers and the rest appears to have closed, as they go through a campaign in which they’ve suffered more losses in the past month or so then they have in the past three years.

The run home: Boast the busiest schedule of the lot with two midweek fixtures and another rescheduled to the Cairns Show weekend.

Must overcome injury toll and refocus on the silverware if they want to be the first team to contest or win four straight Crad Evans Shields.

Predicted finish: 2nd

INNISFAIL UTD

Pos: 5th Record (W-L-D): 2-3-2 F: 16 A: 27 Points: 8

Season so far: The Cutters have proved to have a team which can compete with the top four, with two draws with Marlin Coast and a surprise 5-4 win against Southside.

The squad has shown glimpses of what their capable of with some top performances but have missed a bit of consistency.

The run home: Innisfail can still launch an unlikely assault on the top, which starts with back to back games against Stratford.

The majority of games left are at home so they’ll need to take full advantage of Steve Corica Oval.

Predicted finish: 6th

MAREEBA UTD

Pos: 6th Record (W-L-D): 2-4-1 F: 8 A: 20 Points: 7

Season so far: A tough run with two losses to leaders Leichhardt and went scoreless to Edge Hill Utd and Marlin Coast.

But a draw with Southside has shown they are a team which can make the top four.

They are a genuine

The run home: The Bulls play the majority of their remaining games at home which gives them a slight advantage in crunch games with Marlin Coast and Edge Hill Utd.

They must collect maximum points in four games with teams outside the top four to be a chance.

Predicted finish: 5th

STRATFORD

Pos: 7th Record (W-L-D): 1-4-2 F: 5 A: 15 Points: 5

Jack Baresic of Stratford. Picture Emily Barker.

Season so far: Lost four straight games to start the league campaign but have seemingly turned a corner in recent weeks.

A grinding win against Redlynch gave way to draws with top four sides Edge Hill Utd and Southside, but with the worst attack in the competition need some goals.

The run home: Two games against Innisfail in two straight weeks is make or break for this team.

But the attack needs to click - they’ve scored in just three of four league games, and no team can win if they don’t find the back of the net.

Predicted finish: 7th

REDLYNCH STRIKERS UTD

Pos: 8th Record (W-L-D): 0-6-0 F: 6 A: 34 Points: 0

Season so far: The Premier Men’s newcomers are yet to win a game since arriving in the league this year.

On the wrong end of some thrashings, this team has kept fighting through every week as they search for the breakthrough.

The run home: The new side faces a road-heavy schedule on the run home.

They went close to victory against Stratford the first time round, and as one of their only remaining home games will eye that fixture as a chance to register their first points.

Predicted finish: 8th

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Originally published as Race to the FQPL finals: Every club reviewed