Football Queensland highlights big matches and players across state
Catch up on the best regional football action from Cairns to the Gold Coast and see which players starred as the competition for finals places heats up. All in this week’s round ball round up.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
From Townsville and Cairns in the north to Toowoomba and the Gold Coast – the race to secure finals spots is heating up across Queensland.
Here’s Football Queensland’s look at the big results, key matches and star players who will shape the trophy hopes of their clubs.
On the NPLQ front we’ve finalised our top 100 male and the female players of the season to date.
Find out who from your club cracked the list here.
Information in this article is provided by Football Queensland Media Team
Far North and Gulf
The recent holiday clinics hosted by Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC at Endeavour Park, Innisfail United and Mareeba United were a resounding success.
A total of 89 girls and boys participated, enjoying sessions that were both fun and educational. Led by qualified coaches, the clinics focused on essential game skills such as 1v1 play, first
touch, striking the ball, and running with the ball.
The event fostered a supportive environment for young players to develop their abilities and make new friends.
The next round of clinics is set for September.
Results
Women
Southside Comets 8 def Innisfail United 0
Edge Hill United 2 def Leichhardt Lions 0
Mareeba United 1 def by Redlynch Strikers 4
Men
Marlin Coast Rangers 8 def Stratford Dolphins 1
Postponed: Edge Hill United vs. Leichhardt Lions
Southside Comets 3 drew with Innisfail United 3
Mareeba United 6 def Redlynch Strikers 0
Fixtures
Women
Friday, July 12
Edge Hill Tigers vs Southside Comets at Edge Hill Tigers, 8.30pm
Redlynch Strikers vs Leichhardt Lions at Calanna Park, 8.30pm
Saturday, July 13
Stratford Dolphins vs Women Mareeba United FC at Nick Brko Field, 7pm
Men
Saturday, July 13
Stratford Dolphins vs Mareeba United at Nick Brko Field at Stratford, 5pm
Marlin Coast Rangers vs Innisfail United at Pennell Field-Trinity Beach, 7pm
Redlynch Strikers vs Leichhardt Lions at Calanna Park, 7pm
Sunday July 14
Edge Hill Tigers vs Southside Comets at Tiger Park, 5pm
Gold Coast
This Sunday, the Gold Coast Knights will be looking to continue their winning form in the
National Premier League Men’s following a shock exit in the Kappa Pro Series.
The Knights suffered their first defeat in almost two months, after Lions secured a 4-2 victory against them in the Pro Series semi-final.
Despite what this recent performance suggests, Knights enters this match three points clear atop of the ladder with a game in hand, proving they are still one of the frontrunners for this year’s competition.
This weekend’s matchup will see the Knights face off against the Sunshine Coast Wanderers for the first time since meeting in the Kappa Queensland Cup earlier this season.
A game where Sunshine Coast were able to pull off the upset victory, knocking out the Knights on penalties.
Another Sunshine Coast victory could see them climb into a top six spot on the table.
With finals fast approaching, this weekend’s result could prove to be crucial for both teams at the end of the season.
If the history between these two teams is anything to go by, this game will not be one to miss.
Gold Coast Knights will host the fixture on Sunday, July 14 from 4pm at Carrara’s Croatian Sports Centre.
South Coast weekend review
Last weekend was an opportunity for previously postponed fixtures to be played during the
FQPL 3 South Coast competitions ‘catch up round’.
Despite only few matches taking place over the weekend, there were plenty of top individual performances. Take a look at the best players from the weekend as voted by the coaches.
Men
Ormeau vs. Robina City (2-4)
Ormeau
Rhys Buick, 3
Ricardo Magalhaes, 2
Courtney Smith, 1
Robina City
Ethan Leighton, 3
Adam Endean, 2
Ryan Hawken, 1
U23 Men
Ormeau vs. Robina City (1-2)
Women
Palm Beach vs. Magic (2-2)
Whitsunday Coast
The FQPL Whitsunday competitions are heading towards the pointy end of the season.
This means those three points for a win become even more crucial, especially in deciding the top four.
In the women’s competition, Whitsunday United FC and Magpies FC are sitting second and third respectively, equal on points, with goal difference separating the two teams.
Fourth-placed Dolphins are just one point behind.
In the men’s competition, Magpies FC are comfortably at the top of the table, more than two games clear of second place.
Whitsunday United are sitting in second on 27 points, with Mackay Lions three points behind. There is a large gap between third and fourth, with Mackay Rangers holding that position.
Hot on their heels are City Brothers in fifth, just two points behind.
If Brothers win their next game, they could move into fourth.
This weekend’s matches of the round will be interesting, with the women kicking off first this Friday night.
Current ladder leaders, Mackay Lions, host third-placed Magpies FC at home.
Mackay Lions remain undefeated this season, while Magpies are currently on a three-game winning streak.
In the men’s competition, third-placed Mackay Lions host second-placed Whitsunday United at home.
A win for Whitsunday will see them move one game clear and hold onto second place a little more comfortably.
A win for Mackay Lions will see them equal on points with Whitsunday but hold onto third due to points difference.
Fixtures
Women
Friday, July 12
Mackay Wanderers vs City Brothers, Wanderers Park, 8pm
Mackay Lions vs Magpies FC, Lions, 8pm
Country United vs Dolphins, Tiger Park, 8pm
Saturday, July 13
Whitsunday United vs Mackay Wanderers, Whitsunday United FC, 6pm
Sunday, July 14
Whitsunday United vs Dolphins FC, Whitsunday United FC, 4.30pm
Men
Saturday, July 13
Magpies FC vs Mackay Wanderers, Magpies FC, 7pm
City Brothers vs Mackay Rangers, City Brothers, 7pm
Mackay Lions vs Whitsunday United, 7pm
Top players
FQPL Whitsunday Coast Results and top performers from the weekend recognised by their coaches
Women
Country United 1 – 2 Magpies FC
Kristy Muscat – 3
Shikira Elliot – 2
Shelby Harding – 1
Mackay Rangers 3 – 2 City Brothers
Macy Rudken – 3
Matilda Wiggins – 2
Sarah Stemm – 1
Dolphins FC 0 – 7 Whitsunday United FC
Willow Gaffney – 3
Hazel Farrell – 2
Monique Francis – 1
Men
Whitsunday United 0 – 4 Magpies FC
Jayden Balarezo – 3
Warrick Jansen – 2
Felipe Jimenez
Mackay Rangers 1 – 2 Mackay Lions
Tristan Smith – 3
Daniel Gardner – 2
Angus McKenzie – 1
Sunshine Coast
The recent holiday clinics hosted by Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC at Woombye FC and Caloundra FC were a resounding success.
More than 140 girls and boys participated, enjoying sessions that were both fun and educational.
Led by qualified coaches, the clinics focused on essential game skills such as 1v1 play, first touch, striking the ball, and running with the ball.
The event fostered a supportive environment for young players to develop their abilities and make new friends.
The next round of clinics is set for September.
Fixtures
Men
Saturday, July 13
Noosa Lions vs Beerwah Glasshouse Utd at Noosa Lions FC, 5pm
Maroochydore FC vs Caloundra FC at Maroochydore Swans FC, 6pm
Woombye Snakes FC vs Gympie United FC at Woombye Snakes FC, 6pm
Nambour Yandina Utd FC vs Coolum FC at Nambour Yandina Utd FC, 6pm
Buderim Wanderers FC vs Baringa FC at Ballinger Park, 6pm
Women
Friday, July 12
Maroochydore FC vs Beerwah Glasshouse Utd at Maroochydore Swans, 8.30pm
Woombye Snakes vs Noosa Lions FC at Woombye Snakes FC, 8.30pm
Gympie United FC vs Kawana FC at Gympie Field, 8.30pm
Results
Men
Postponed: Beerwah Glasshouse vs. Buderim Wanderers
Postponed: Gympie United vs. Coolum FC
Postponed: Baringa FC vs. Maroochydore FC
Nambour Yandina 1 drew with Noosa Lions 1
Postponed: Caloundra FC vs. Kawana FC
Women
Maroochydore FC 6 def Nambour Yandina 1
Darling Downs
Darling Downs FQPL Men’s league offers an exciting matchup between St Albans and West Wanderers.
With spots in the top four in tight contention, this weekend’s matchup could prove to have big implications for finals.
St Albans enter this matchup looking to continue their winning ways, after recording wins in
both of their last two games.
Since this run of form, St Albans currently sit fourth on the table and three points ahead of fellow finals challengers Highfields.
With finals spots in tight contention, a victory against the league leaders will announce to the rest of the competition that St Albans are formidable contenders come finals.
Their opponents West Wanderers are the frontrunners for this year’s competition, narrowly leading the table as it stands.
Wanderers enthralling style of football has been the catalyst for their success, being the league’s most proficient attacking and defensively sound team.
Another victory on Sunday will extend their unbeaten run to five games, further asserting
their dominance atop of the league.
This weekend’s matchup is set to be a belter.
Make sure you get to Middle Ridge Park, 3pm this Sunday to catch all the action.
Weekend review
Plenty of exciting games took place over the weekend providing a plethora of goals to boot. The FQPL Darling Downs competitions player votes were hotly contested, take a look at the players who performed best for their teams, as voted by the coaches.
Men
Gatton vs. Highfields (2-3)
Gatton
Daniel Cronin, 3
Justin Newby, 2
Adam Halstead, 1
Highfields
Joshua Green, 3
Thomas Jeffcoat, 2
Chase Miller, 1
Warwick vs St Albans (0-7)
Warwick
Saxon Charles, 3
Alexander Dwan, 2
Tarj Willmot, 1
Rockville vs. West Wanderers (1-1)
Rockville
Ameer Sulaiman, 3
William Gibson, 2
Connor Simpson, 1
West Wanderers
Callum Zadow, 3
Caelen Richardson, 2
Jeapson Peter, 1
Women
Chinchilla vs. USQFC (0-1)
Chinchilla
Sally Carroll, 3
Annie Johnson, 2
Jorja Keating, 1
USQ FC
Peppa Hoare, 3
Samantha Joyce, 2
Joyce De Wit, 1
Willowburn Black vs. Highfields Gold (2-0)
Willowburn Black
Jade Gaske, 3
Danielle Kena, 2
Catherine Cann, 1
Highfields Gold
Emma-Louise Bonham, 3
Rebecca van Zyl, 2
Shayla Milsom, 1
Rockville vs Willowburn White (0-2)
Rockville
Steffi Wilson, 3
Sheniya Bell, 2
Emmersyn Ranford, 1
Willowburn White
Courtney Morris, 3
Chloe Clarke, 2
Penny Dukes, 1
Warwick vs. Highfields Green (2-4)
Warwick
Charlotte Goodwin, 3
Kaitlyn Newley, 2
Laura Wyvill, 1
Highfields Green
Chloe Green, 3
Bridget Peden, 2
Brooke Baldwin, 1
Roar clinic
The recent holiday clinics hosted by Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC at Captain Cook Fields were a resounding success.
A total of 44 girls and boys participated, enjoying sessions that were both fun and educational. Led by qualified coaches, the clinics focused on essential game skills such as 1v1 play, first touch, striking the ball, and running with the ball.
The event fostered a supportive environment for young players to develop their abilities and make new friends. The next round of clinics is set for September.
Northern
What a weekend of FQPL Northern action. The men’s competition saw two major upsets, while the women’s featured some tight tussles.
In the women’s match of the round, Brothers Townsville hosted Townsville Warriors and secured a comfortable 2-0 win.
Meanwhile, Riverway JCU recorded their fifth straight loss against Saints Eagles Souths.
In the men’s competition, there were some unexpected results.
MA Olympic recorded their first loss of the season against Burdekin FC.
A double by Jay Leckenby was enough for the Panthers to secure a 2-1 win, giving them a massive confidence boost heading towards the pointy end of the season.
The second upset of the round was between Brothers Townsville and Townsville Warriors. Second placed Brothers hosted seventh-placed Warriors at Hi Vista Park, but the home advantage didn’t help.
Warriors, determined to win, secured an impressive 4-3 victory.
Saints Eagles Souths handed Riverway JCU their third straight loss, and Estates FC secured a comfortable win over Rebels FC.
Here are the top performers from the weekend recognised by their coaches:
Women
Brothers Townsville 2 – 0 Townsville Warriors
Darcy Bailey – 3
Carrie Pittman – 2
Isabella Duiker – 2
Riverway JCU 1 – 3 Saints Eagles Souths
Ariadne Brodmann – 3
Hannah Jones – 2
Rachel McMahon – 1
MA Olympic FC 3 – 0 Burdekin FC (Forfeit)
Men
MA Olympic 1 – 2 Burdekin FC
Mason Matthews – 3
Ryan Scodellaro – 2
Jay Leckenby – 2
Brothers Townsville 3 – 4 Townsville Warriors
Jai Duxbury – 3
Brody Lejarraga – 2
Gabriel Richards – 1
Rebels FC 1 – 5 Estates FC
Travis Mackenzie – 3
Ramadhan Pascal – 2
Sadiki Mwinyi – 1
Riverway JCU 1 – 2 Saints Eagles Souths
Trent Grant – 3
Christopher Mayo – 2
Daniel Gregory – 1
Fixtures
Women
Saturday, July 13
Estates FC vs MA Olympic FC at Burt St Football Park, 3pm
Burdekin FC vs Brothers Townsville at International Park, 5pm
Men
Saturday July 13
Saints Eagles Souths vs Rebels FC at Aitkenvale Park, 7pm
Estates FC vs MA Olympic at Burt St Football Park, 7pm
Burdekin FC vs Brothers Townsville at International Park, 7pm
Townsville Warriors vs Riverway JCU at Melrose Park, 7pm
Roar clinic
The Football in the Community holiday clinics have been a roaring success.
The recent holiday clinics hosted by Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC at Burdekin FC and Paradise Park were a resounding success.
A total of 76 girls and boys participated, enjoying sessions that were both fun and educational. Led by qualified coaches, the clinics focused on essential game skills such as 1v1 play, first touch, striking the ball, and running with the ball.
The event fostered a supportive environment for young players to develop their abilities and make new friends. The next round of clinics is set for September.
TRL TALK: What your A-grade club needs to improve on in 2025
REVEALED: We’ve run the rule over every Toowoomba Rugby League A-grade side ahead of the 2025 pre-season to determine what you need to shine. Find out what should be on your club’s wishlist here.
NAMED: The stars of Darling Downs junior football
From Amy Higgins, to Zara Kruger and Daniel Bowles, there have been some elite footballers from the Darling Downs who made their mark. We are now shining a light on the next generation of football stars who could follow in their footsteps.
REVEALED: Darling Downs’ best senior sports coach of 2024
After weeks of nominating and voting, we can now reveal who you crowned as the Darling Downs’ best senior sports coach of 2024. See who won here.
REVEALED: The stars of the Khukuri Football Carnival
The annual Khukuri Toowoomba Football Carnival was held over the weekend and we are shining a light on the stars of the competition. See who made the list from your team here.
ON YOUR MARKS: We look at every run of the Postle Gift
FLASHBACK: From local heroes and NRLW stars to Australia’s sprinting elite – the Postle Gift has produced some lightning quick racing. Here’s our look at every running of the event since its 2018 debut. Did we catch you in action?
Tiny Queensland town to host dual Olympian in sprint showdown
A small country Queensland town is ready to host a sprint carnival that will rival one of Australia’s most prestigious events – the Stawell Gift. Here’s where you can see a dual Olympian in action against some of the nation’s best sprinters.