Sunshine Coast Wanderers key players to watch in 2023

Sunshine Coast Wanderers under-18s, under-23s and men’s NPL head coaches have uncovered their sides players to watch for the remainder of the 2023 season.

Sunshine Coast Wanderers action shots by The Hammer Creative.

The Sunshine Coast Wanderers have kicked off their 2023 campaign in an effort to establish themselves as powerhouse forces in the under-18s, under-23s and NPL competitions.

Last season the Wanderers NPL squad recorded seven wins, nine draws and six losses while the under-23s would hope to improve on their 10th placed finish in 2022.

The under-18s academy team finished in fourth position last season recording 12 wins, zero draws and 10 losses.

The list is in no particular order and each player identified has comments from their coach.

NPL Seniors

Head coach Paul Arnison has guided his team to a win and a draw in the first two matches of the season and said he was happy with the group of players he had been able to bring in.

“It’s not an easy sell when the budget is probably the lowest in the NPL, but I know there is lots of quality and talent in this squad to give any team a game on our day in this league,” Arnison said.

“My job is to keep this team and club in the NPL and I’ll be doing my best, along with the players, every week to do that.

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“It would be great if we can get the local community to come down and support us and that will make a big difference as teams hate coming to Ballinger Park.

“Any local businesses that might be keen to sponsor any of my senior men players for the 2023 season could please email on [e-mail] for more details.”

Guus Vaags – Goalkeeper

Sunshine Coast Wanderers player Guus Vaags.

“A visa player from the Netherlands who arrived on deadline day.

“Guus is a goalkeeper who has played in his homeland and trained with FC Twente.

“Guus comes to us on good recommendations and has fitted in very well in his first few weeks.

“He is a good talker, and a good all-round keeper.”

Matt Nezval – Winger

Sunshine Coast Wanderers player Matt Nesval.

“Matt is a tricky, fast winger who comes to us from Altona Magic where he played last year.

“Luckily for us Matt moved to the area with his family and once fully fit he will be a handful for defenders this season.”

Oli Williams – Midfield/Attacker

Sunshine Coast Wanderers player Oli Williams.

“Last year’s young player of the year in the QPL, Oli can play in various positions at the top end of the field and has the knack of popping up with different types of goals.”

Harry Sutherland – Defender

Sunshine Coast Wanderers player Harry Sutherland.

“This is Harry’s second season with us.

“After an okay season last time, I think Harry has come back this year with a more determined attitude and one that’s really looking to take his game to the next level.”

Daniel Cuttler and Chris Morseray – Strikers

Sunshine Coast Wanderers player Danny Cuttler.

“I can’t separate these two players.

“Danny was at Peninsula Power last season and didn’t really get much game time, so we are delighted to have him back with us.

“He’s recovering from injury but when fit will be a huge asset for us.

“Chris comes to us from Brisbane City where he went in search of senior football but for whatever reasons didn’t play.

“I have known Chris since the under-13s, so I know what he’s capable of.

“Hopefully both he and Danny will cause a lot of defences problems in 2023.”

Under 18s

Coach Matt Huston says he is delighted with the group of players he has at his disposal for this campaign.

“Our club-based philosophy with the 18s to 23s of transitioning players from juniors to seniors is a delicate position, yet one that brings high satisfaction when you see players given opportunities,” Huston said.

“We have an exciting mix of under-18 players available to bring the club’s game model to life.

“The depth of talent and desire to be challenged weekly is the perfect environment for these young boys to continue to set high standards for themselves and raise the bar in competitive match-day performances.”

Action from Sunshine Coast Wanderers games.

Zach Roulston – Striker

“A player who is capable of scoring 40 goals a season.

“He’s technically gifted and is a natural goalscorer.”

Lachlan Stenhouse – Striker

“Another who is more than capable of scoring a hatful of goals.

“Lachlan and his family moved down from Toowoomba and he is a quick, mobile striker who will cause problems for all defences.”

Tom O’May – Midfielder

“He played in the under-18s last year, so is experienced at this level.

“Tom is a holding midfielder who has a strong presence on the field and can tackle all day.”

Jordan Richardson – Midfielder

Jordan Richardson on the ball.

“A technical player with a good skill set thanks to him playing Futsal.

“Jordan is comfortable on the ball and creates good chances for our strikers.”

Harry White – Defender

Harry White lays a pass.

“Harry is playing an age group up and can play anywhere across the backline.

“He is good at reading the ball despite his age and is composed on the ball.”

Under-23s

Huston said the Wanderers were lucky to have a strong group of players at this level who were confident and capable of playing in the NPL side when called upon by Paul Arnison.

“We have seen in the past year the likes of Kyan Bryant, Marcus Worthington, Josiah Green, Dimitri Westwood-Prichard and Dyce Robertson all progress well and have improved the first team and squad depth,” Huston said.

“The role of the under-23s as such is to produce as many young players to the senior team as possible

“We are blessed in our region that we have players here that are as good as any region in our state, going younger this year gives players a longer aim of making that transition.

“We do have players who we believe are ready now, however, and the likes of Shaughn Lewis, who scored the winner in round one against Peninsular Power, have proved that.”

Shaughn Lewis – Striker

Sunshine Coast Wanderers player Shaughn Lewis.

“Has already shown what he is capable of by playing and scoring in NPL Queensland.

“Will be around the first team while other players are recovering from injury and will prove a big asset for the 23s too.”

Lucas Farrugia – Defender

Sunshine Coast Wanderers player Lucas Farrugia.

“A big centre-back who is a good communicator and is a no-nonsense defender.

“Has already trained with the senior side, so could be another who can help the NPL team this season.”

Herbie Allsopp – Winger/Wingback

“Herbie’s workrate each game is through the roof and he gives you exactly what is required in the wide areas.”

Action from Sunshine Coast Wanderers games.

Steele Wiltshire – Winger

“A left-footed player who loves running with the ball and dribbling.

“His one-on-one skills against defenders are great and will cause opposition problems down the left all season.”

Connor Lilley – Winger

Sunshine Coast Wanderers player Connor Lilley.

“Plays on the opposite wing to Steele and will provide huge problems for defences with his athleticism.

“His work rate is amazing and he never stops running. A great player to have if you are a coach.”

Originally published as Sunshine Coast Wanderers key players to watch in 2023