South West Queensland Thunder wrap up near perfect season with another major trophy

With a perfect six from six ‘silverware’ wins in the last two years, the SWQ Thunder U14 boys are proving themselves as a football dynasty. Here’s our look at the team’s latest grand final including how every player contributed this season.

The SWQ Thunder U14 boys squad celebrate their grand final win.

A football dynasty is being built in Toowoomba with the South West Queensland Thunder under-14 boys wrapping up a near perfect season at the weekend.

Lining up in the FQA League 3, the Thunder lost just one game all season on their way to winning the minor premiership and grand final.

The side were also crowned Regional State Champions at the Football Queensland State Championships in July.

“We’re absolutely stoked,” Thunder coach Darryl Burge said.

“Last year was the boys’ first competitive season and we won all three trophies on offer – the minor premiership, grand final and the regional champions – and we did the same this season.

“It’s a great result for everyone involved – they’re a great bunch of boys.”

The Thunder finished the regular season with 28 wins, 4 draws and a loss before advancing to the grand final with 3-0 defeat of Taringa Rovers in the semi-final.

The grand final against North Star was a thriller with teams finishing all square 0-0 at the end of regular time.

The Thunder scored first in extra time and had one hand on the premiership before a brilliantly struck free kick from North Star sent the game to penalties.

The Thunder prevailed from the spot, winning 8-7.

“I think I aged about 15 years in that game,” Burge said.

“The boys were amazing though.

“When it went to penalties I was pretty confident we’d get the job done.

“We’ve done the hard work all season including penalties and everyone who stepped up looked confident.”

Having watched his players prosper over the last few years, Burge said it obvious that their attitude was the reason behind their continued success.

A defence-first focus was also a contributing factor.

“I do focus all my teams around the getting the defence right first,” Burge said.

“We don’t concede many goals which is important and we take our chances.

“The big thing though is our cohesion and attitude.

“A lot of the boys have been playing together since they were nine or ten years old – they know each other’s games and trust each other.

“They all have a great attitude as well – they’re good, down-to-earth committed, humble players.

“They work hard in training, don’t take any shortcuts and leave no stone unturned in preparation.”

With the season wrapped up Burge heaped further praise on his players – helping identify how they contributed to the team this year.

COACH’S COMMENTS

Eli McBurney (goalkeeper)

Eli has been a key factor in our team’s strong defensive performance this season, playing a crucial role in keeping our goals conceded to a minimum.

He’s an outstanding shot-stopper, consistently making impressive saves that have kept us in

the game during critical moments.

His footwork is exceptional, allowing him to move swiftly and position himself perfectly to handle any threat.

Additionally, his excellent distribution skills enable us to transition smoothly from defence to attack, setting up plays with precise and well-timed passes.

Eli’s contributions have been invaluable, and he continues to be a reliable and confident presence in goal.

The SWQ Thunder U14 boys squad celebrate their grand final win.

Xander Lucido

Xander has been a formidable presence in our backline, proving himself as a tough and resilient defender who is exceptionally difficult to beat.

His superb tackling technique consistently disrupts opposing attacks, allowing him to win back

possession cleanly and effectively.

Xander also utilises his physicality and positioning to his advantage, making it challenging for opponents to find space or break through our defence.

His solid performances have been instrumental in maintaining our team’s defensive strength

and have significantly contributed to the low number of goals conceded this season.

Beyond

his defensive skills, Xander’s determination and leadership at the back inspire confidence in

the entire team.

Ethan Bachman

Ethan is an exceptionally quick and dynamic attacking player who has been a standout performer for us this season.

His speed and agility make him a constant threat to opposing teams, allowing him to break through defensive lines and create scoring opportunities.

Ethan’s ability to maintain control under pressure and his strength on the ball make it difficult for defenders to dispossess him.

His impressive goal tally this season is a testament to his precise finishing, and relentless work ethic in the attacking third.

Whether he’s taking on defenders one-on-one or finding space to shoot, Ethan’s presence

upfront has been crucial to our team’s success and overall performance.

Ruan Vosloo

Ruan has been a vital asset in the midfield, showcasing his defensive prowess and ability to read the game effectively.

He excels at breaking up opposition plays, intercepting passes, and applying pressure to regain possession, making him a solid defender in the midfield.

His movement off the ball is equally impressive, as he consistently makes intelligent runs to support both defence and attack.

Ruan’s positioning and work rate allow him to be in the right place at the right time, providing crucial outlets and creating opportunities for his teammates.

His reliability and consistency make him a dependable presence in the heart of the field, contributing significantly to the team’s stability and overall performance.

Finn Campbell

Finn is a dedicated and versatile player who has consistently demonstrated exceptional character and determination on the field.

Whether positioned in midfield or defence, he contributes significantly to both our defensive solidity and attacking plays.

Finn’s commitment to the game is evident in his tenacious defending.

With his attacking, he’s equally impactful, often pushing forward to support attacks and link

up with the forward line.

One of Finn’s standout attributes is his remarkable throw-in ability, which has proven to be a valuable asset in gaining ground and creating scoring opportunities.

His skill, combined with his positive attitude, have contributed to the teams success.

Aseel Eisa

Aseel is an incredibly hardworking and energetic presence in the midfield, consistently displaying a tireless work rate that sets the tone for the team.

He effectively uses his body to shield the ball, maintain possession, and outmanoeuvre

opponents, making it difficult for them to disrupt his play.

Aseel’s physicality, combined with his tactical awareness, allows him to break up opposition attacks and transition swiftly into attacking play.

His ability to cover ground and maintain intensity throughout the game is invaluable, as he not only supports the defence but also contributes significantly to the attaching build up

Jacob Fox (midfield)

Jacob is a well-rounded and skilled midfielder who excels in both attacking and defensive roles.

His versatility on the field allows him to contribute effectively in all phases of the game.

With his keen ability to read the play, Jacob anticipates the movement of the ball and opposing players, positioning himself strategically to intercept passes and disrupt the opponent’s rhythm.

He uses his vision and intelligence to create opportunities, finding space to link up with teammates and drive the attack forward.

Defensively, Jacob is reliable and resilient, providing crucial support in breaking up plays and

regaining possession.

His awareness and quick decision-making make him a vital asset to the team, ensuring that he is always in the right place at the right time to make a positive impact.

Bashar Al-Nasih

Bashar is a dynamic and versatile player who excels in both attacking and midfield roles.

He is particularly effective when driving towards goal, showcasing a powerful and precise left foot.

His ability to take on defenders and unleash accurate shots from various angles has proven invaluable in creating and converting goalscoring opportunities.

In addition to his attacking prowess, Bashar has demonstrated strong capabilities in the midfield, where he works tirelessly to link up play, distribute the ball effectively, and support his teammates in both attacking and defensive situations.

Xavier Burge

Xavier is an exceptional midfielder known for his outstanding footwork and technical ability with both feet, making him a versatile and unpredictable player.

His agility and control allow him to navigate through tight spaces and effortlessly beat

defenders, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Xavier’s skill in dribbling with the ball makes him a constant threat to the opposition, as he can change direction quickly and maintain possession under pressure.

His ability to take on players one-on-one and emerge victorious is a testament to his confidence and composure on the ball.

Whether orchestrating attacks or supporting defensive efforts, Xavier’s creativity and flair make him a key playmaker.

James Scutt

James is an outstanding and versatile player who excels in both attacking and midfield roles. His speed and agility make him a formidable force in the attacking third, consistently putting pressure on opposing defences with his quick runs and ability to find space.

James is known for his exceptional ball control, allowing him to maintain possession even under intense pressure from defenders.

His quick footwork and precise dribbling enable him to manoeuvre through tight areas, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Whether he’s breaking through defensive lines, linking up play, or taking on defenders one-on-one, James is a dynamic presence who brings energy and creativity to the team.

Goy Yous

Goy is an exceptionally versatile player who can seamlessly adapt to various positions on the field, including defence, midfield, and attack.

His physical presence commands respect from opponents, as he uses his strength and athleticism to dominate in challenges and assert control during the game.

Goy’s speed is another key asset; he possesses explosive pace that allows him to cover ground quickly, making him effective in both defensive recoveries and fast breaks.

Whether he’s breaking up opposing plays, contributing to midfield dynamics, or making powerful runs into the attacking third, Goy’s adaptability and determination make him a crucial player in any role.

His ability to influence the game from multiple positions adds significant depth to the team, making him an asset on and off the ball.

The SWQ Thunder celebrate a tournament win.

Ryan Irvine

Ryan is an outstanding midfielder known for his tenacious playing style and physical presence on the field.

He excels at making solid tackles, demonstrating a keen sense of timing and positioning that allows him to effectively disrupt opposing plays and regain possession for his team.

Ryan’s ability to break up attacks is complemented by his impressive driving runs in the attacking half, where he pushes forward to support attacking plays.

His strength and determination enable him to navigate through defenders, making him a key player in transition and a valuable asset in the final third.

With a strong work ethic and a relentless pursuit of the ball, Ryan not only contributes defensively but also helps drive the team’s attacking momentum, consistently creating opportunities and putting pressure on the opposition.

His combination of physicality and skill makes him a crucial component of the midfield and a leader on the pitch.

Iskcon Gyawali (captain)

Iskcon is an exceptionally reliable and solid defender whose contributions have been instrumental to the team’s overall success.

Known for his strong defensive skills and tactical awareness, he consistently reads the game well, anticipating the movements of opposing players and positioning himself effectively to stop there attacks.

His physical presence and ability to win aerial duels make him a formidable barrier against opposing forwards.

Beyond his technical abilities, Iskcon is a natural leader on the pitch.

He guides and motivates his teammates with confidence and encouragement during matches. His communication skills foster a sense of unity and cohesion within the team.

Iskcon’s commitment to his role and his unyielding determination to defend his goal make him a cornerstone of the defence, earning him the respect of both teammates and opponents alike.

His contributions go beyond just stopping goals; he embodies the spirit of teamwork and

resilience, making him an asset to the squad.

Xavier Smith

Xavier is a highly reliable player known for his exceptional ability to read the game, whether in an attacking or defending role.

His keen awareness of both phases allows him to anticipate plays effectively, positioning himself strategically to intercept passes and disrupt the opposition’s attacks while also supporting his team’s defending movements.

In addition to his defensive abilities, Xavier is fantastic at ball distribution, showcasing his vision and passing accuracy.

He has a remarkable ability to transition quickly from defence to attack, distributing the ball with precision to create opportunities for his teammates.

His decision-making under pressure ensures that he maintains possession and facilitates smooth transitions throughout the game.

Xavier’s versatility enables him to contribute meaningfully in both midfield and defensive capacities.

His consistent performances and understanding of the game foster a sense of stability and

confidence among his teammates.

Pat McDonald

Pat is an impressive attacker known for his immense physicality and remarkable stamina on the field.

His ability to maintain high energy levels throughout the match allows him to consistently apply pressure to opposing defences, making him a constant threat in the attacking third.

Pat’s size and strength enable him to win aerial duels and hold off defenders, allowing him to create space for himself and his teammates.

His aggressive playing style, combined with his tireless work ethic, ensures that he is always in the mix during critical moments of the game.

Overall, Pat’s combination of stamina and physical presence makes him an asset to the team, capable of influencing the game with his relentless drive and determination.

His ability to challenge defenders and contribute to the team’s attacking efforts has been great to watch.

Mustafa Hussen

Mustafa is a dedicated midfielder. His relentless drive on the field is evident as he consistently applies pressure to opponents, making it difficult for them to settle on the ball or execute their plays.

Mustafa’s ability to close down spaces quickly and engage in tackles demonstrates his determination to regain possession for his team, contributing significantly to their defensive efforts.

In addition to his defensive capabilities, Mustafa possesses a solid understanding of midfield dynamics, allowing him to support both attacking and defensive plays.

Mustafa’s work ethic sets a positive example for his teammates, inspiring them to maintain high levels of intensity and focus throughout the game.

Oliver Wells

Oliver’s remarkable progress has been evident as he has developed into a significant contributor to both the attacking and defensive aspects of the game.

Oliver has shown a commitment to improving his performance, which has resulted in a substantial enhancement of his skills and confidence on the field.

As a midfielder and defender, Oliver has become increasingly effective in reading the game and making crucial interceptions, helping to break up opposing plays and regain possession for

his team.

His defensive instincts are complemented by his ability to transition quickly into attack, demonstrating a growing understanding of when to push forward and support attacking manoeuvres.

His improved ball control and distribution have also become assets in creating goalscoring opportunities.

Oliver’s willingness to engage in the attack has added depth to the team’s midfield and has provided valuable support to the forwards, showcasing his versatility.