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FOOTBALL WRAP: As more competitions across the Sunshine State return to action the Golden Boot race is heating up. Check out our list of top goal scorers and star players here.

Football Queensland

12 min read

May 1, 2024 - 10:55AM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

The Beerwah Glasshouse United BeeGees U11 Kangaroos (back from left) Abbie Topfer, Asher Jones, Darcy Craven, Lucas Milburn, Jackson Ingleton, Jacob Harrison, Remington Klein, Emily Gripske, (middle) Cody Anderson, (front left) Zac Armour, Harry Mosbauer and Quintin Fitzerald are the Sunshine Coast MiniRoos Team of the Week.

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From Cairns in the north down to the Gold Coast the goals are flowing as more grassroots competitions return to action across the state.

Here is Football Queenland’s look at the big matches the stars leading the goal scoring charts.

Information in this column is provided by the Football Queensland Media Team.

Far North

What an incredible opportunity for our FQ Academy Far North & Gulf Youth girls, as our 2024 academy players had the privilege of training alongside the Junior Matildas squad as they prepare for the upcoming AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 in Indonesia.

Our players gained valuable insights and enjoyed every moment.

The FQ Academy is Football Australia’s only recognised and approved advanced pathway program in Queensland for state team selection and progression to national teams.

An extensive range of services are provided to regional players including on-field technical and tactical sessions delivered by advanced coaches, classroom based learning, access to performance and wellbeing technology, nutritional guidance, custom Kappa teamwear and unique opportunities such as training with the Junior Matildas and Joeys squads.

FQ Academy Far North & Gulf players work with Junior Matildas players and staff.

Rae Dower delivers a coach workshop at Endeavour Park.

Coaching workshop

Football Australia Women’s Technical Director and proud Queenslander Rae Dower delivered workshop on player wellbeing and physical care to eager coaches at Endeavour Park this week.

Coaches were invited to attend an open training session with the Junior Matildas squad in preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 in Indonesia.

Members of the Junior Matildas made a special appearance at Endeavour Park, pending time coaching and working with junior players.

Members of the Junior Matildas made a special appearance at Endeavour Park, spending time coaching and working with junior players.

Junior Matildas surprise football community

The Junior Matildas made a special appearance, spending time coaching and joining in with Far North girls across the park.

It was an incredible opportunity for the young players to learn from these talented athletes.

Alex Srhoj to step down

After four years of supporting the growth and development of football across the Far North & Gulf region, Alex Srhoj will formally step down from the position of Football Queensland Manager – Far North & Gulf (Cairns).

Under his leadership and as an active member of the North Queensland football community for the past 20 years across multiple aspects, including his role at FQ, the Far North & Gulf region has witnessed a significant boost to its programs, competitions and engagement opportunities available for participants at all levels wanting to be involved with the game.

“During his four years at Football Queensland in the role of Manager – Far North & Gulf, and his many years of service to the game prior, Alex’s unwavering dedication to developing and advancing our beautiful game in the Far North & Gulf region was evident through his accomplishments both on and off the pitch,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.

“His commitment and drive to further the growth of football will be greatly missed, however we understand and support Alex’s decision to focus on new opportunities to suit his growing family and look forward to seeing him remain involved in the game in a coaching capacity.

“As we bid farewell to Alex, an exciting opportunity arises as Football Queensland begins the search for a new Manager – Far North & Gulf (Cairns).

“We encourage applications from high-quality candidates within the region and across the broader Northern conference who are passionate about contributing to our beautiful game.”

Alex’s time in the role produced many accomplishments and highlights, including the successful relaunch of the John Bomben Carnival in 2023 after a four-year hiatus and the introduction of an all-girls competition for female footballers aged from under-11 to U15 that aligns with the U23 and FQPL teams.

In 2019, Alex oversaw a visit from the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s side Sydney FC to Barlow Park in Cairns for a pre-season match against a Far North & Gulf select XI team, giving regional players the opportunity to compete against some of the nation’s best.

Beyond his dedication to advancing the opportunities available to players on the pitch, Alex also prioritised strengthening the game’s off-field capabilities to sustain its rapid growth.

This resulted in an increase of staffing numbers to meet demand, as well as the launch of more school programs aimed at giving all children across the region access to the game.

Alex also played a pivotal role in guiding the Far North & Gulf community through the transformative period of the Future of Football 2020+ reforms, which restored financial stability to the local game and created stronger opportunities for local players through the introduction of the connected football pyramid.

The development of advanced clubs in the region has also gone from strength to strength under Alex’s watch, with the most recent FQ Club Assessment update seeing two Far North & Gulf clubs successfully screened to join the statewide FQ Tier 2 assessment framework.

This accomplishment reflects Alex’s dedication and efforts within the region, demonstrating the appetite and capability of regional clubs to advance the standard of football and coaching expertise.

Among his many successes, Alex also led his team and the region through some challenges, with one of the most prominent periods being the Covid pandemic, which significantly disrupted the football calendar and threatened the sport’s regional growth.

Following the pandemic, Alex and his team’s commitment to the game and the Far North & Gulf community ensured a quick recovery and the continuity of pre-existing football programs.

In the years since the pandemic, the region witnessed significant boosts from delivered infrastructure, funding, and commercial targets, along with year-on-year increases in participation and grand final attendances across every age group, highlighting the positive impact of Alex’s leadership and dedication to football development.

All accomplishments aside, Alex said the biggest highlight of his time was the relationships built with the Far North & Gulf club members, presidents and coaches, as they worked together to give everyone in the region, from Mt Isa to Port Douglas, west to Dimbulah and north to Weipa, the opportunity to play the game we all love.

“I will be forever grateful for the support from the football family over the past four years while at the helm,” Srhoj said.

“The smiles on the kids’ faces and their enjoyment of the game made all the hard work worth it.”

On behalf of Football Queensland, we would like to thank Alex for his dedication to football in Queensland and wish him all the best in the future.

Round 8 Results

Men

Marlin Coast Rangers 5 def Redlynch Strikers 2

Innisfail United vs. Mareeba United (abandoned)

Leichhardt FC 0 drew with Southside Comets 0

Stratford Dolphins 2 def by Edge Hill Tigers 3

Women

Leichhardt Lions 3 def Southside Comets 2

Innisfail United 0 def by Mareeba United 6

Brisbane

Football is saying farewell to one of Queensland’s finest referees, as stalwart Nathan MacDonald calls time on his refereeing career after his 173rd and final men’s appointment last Friday between the Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United.

Nathan began officiating the A-League Men in 2009/10 and was appointed to the 2013, 2014, and 2021 grand finals, and 2016 Australia Cup final.

He was a FIFA Assistant Referee between 2012 and 2023, joining the AFC Elite Panel in 2013, and regularly officiated AFC Champions League matches and qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup.

His dedication, professionalism, and passion for the game have left an incredible mark not only within Queensland but across Australia.

Veteran referee Nathan McDonald has called time on his career.

Female Football Week

From grassroots to the top level of our game, Football across Australia will be celebrating Female Football Week May 3-12.

FFW aims to capitalise on the success and momentum of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and acknowledge the contributions of women and girls across the football community.

In 2024 FFW is being celebrated in conjunction with ‘Our Game’ which aims to cultivate a community of energised and passionate beliefs to confidently and unapologetically create the future of Women’s Football.

Football Queensland’s Women’s Football Round will kick off the weekend of Friday, May 3 and wrap on Sunday, May 12 coinciding with Mother’s Day and delivering memorable moments across the state.

Matt Hilton of Burleigh Heads FC. Picture: Surfers Paradise Apollo

South Coast

Two of the National Premier Leagues Queensland’s biggest clubs go head-to-head at Coplick Family Sports Park this Saturday night as Gold Coast United host Lions FC.

Sitting in third and fourth place respectively, three points in this match would do wonders for either side’s title and finals hopes.

United played out an entertaining 0-0 draw against ninth placed Olympic last time out and know that they will need to be sharper in front of goal if they are to take points off Lions.

Lions enter the weekend off the back of a 3-0 loss to second placed Eastern Suburbs and will be looking to prove a point after a wobbly start to their premiership defence.

United will look to forwards Bronte Rose and Dee Quirk to lead the line.

Zoe Corbett will look to continue her strong recent form, as Gold Coast United wait for the return of the 2023 NPL Player of the Season Momo Hayashi at the back.

Round review and star players

It was another high scoring weekend in the men’s and women’s FQPL South Coast competitions, look at the players who performed best for their teams over the weekend, as voted by the coaches.

Men

Runaway Bay vs. Robina (6-0)

Robina: Joshua Koloski 3, Jayden Sonter 2, Kai Thelwall 1.

Palm Beach vs. Kingscliff (0-3) Kingscliff

Kingscliff: Johnson Slotemaker 3, Souleymane Junior Diallo 2, Oliver May 1.

Surfers Paradise Apollo vs. Southport (2-2)

Gold Coast Knights vs. Ormeau (3-3)

Ormeau: Gilles Dams Eelen 3, Nick Whitehouse 2, Mathew Hewitt 1.

Tweed United vs. Musgrave (1-2)

Tweed United: Keegan Staff 3, Zak Aspery 2, Harris Mclean 1.

Coomera vs. Burleigh Heads (0-10)

Burleigh: Matt Hilton 3, Matthew Deehan 2, Gabriel Oliveira 1.

Dee Quirk from Gold Coast United. Picture: Tim Martorana – TMP Media

Zoe Corbett from Gold Coast United. Picture: Tim Martorana – TMP Media

Women

Musgrave vs. Runaway Bay (0-2)

Musgrave: Savanah Novello 3 Annabelle Lyndon, 2 Joni Nedeljak, 1

Runaway Bay: Kayla Fraser 3, Emily Sams 2, Angelina Hurley 1

Palm Beach vs. Magic United (1-5)

Palm Beach: Kimberly Hart, 3 Mia Bowers 2, Elli Steel 1.

Magic United: Georgia Terry 3, Scarlett Terry 2, Anya Nazaroff 1.

Coomera vs. Northern Rivers (4-1)

Coomera: Syraih Smith 3, Luiza Costa 2, Rachel Solomon 1.

Northern Rivers: Sienna Rooney 3, Hayden Afflick 2, Erin Green 1

Whitsunday Coast

Round 7 of the FQPL Whitsunday Coast brought a flurry of goals and standout performances. Olivia Garnett’s hat-trick drove her team to a 4-2 victory over City Brothers, while Mackay Lions and Magpies enjoyed convincing wins against Mackay Rangers and Mackay Wanderers. Notably, Katrina Parry of Mackay Lions netted an impressive five goals, earning her the player of the match award, while Ella Jackson and Shikira Elliott both scored hat-tricks for Magpies FC.

In the men’s competition, Magpies FC emerged victorious with a hard-fought 3-1 win over City Brothers.

Meanwhile, the match between Mackay Wanderers and Whitsunday United saw a total of 12 goals scored, with Whitsunday prevailing 8-4, thanks to Alan O’Donnell and Sam Blake’s hat-tricks.

Mackay Lions also secured a 4-2 victory against Mackay Rangers.

Round 7 top performances

Men

City Brothers v Magpies FC (1-3)

Magpies FC

Harry Hodgen 3

Harley Dickerson 2

Malachi Kennel 1

Mackay Wanderers v Whitsunday United (4-8)

Whitsunday United

Sam Blake 3

Jake Kenna 2

Alan O’Donnel 1

Mackay Lions v Mackay Rangers (4-2)

Mackay Rangers

Angus McKenzie 3

Lachlan Watkins 2

Maliki Giblett 1

Women

City Brothers v Dolphins (2-4)

Dolphins

Maddison Ross 3

Lilliana Knight 2

Kylie Lopez-Duncan 1

Mackay Lions v Mackay Rangers (8-0)

Mackay Lions

Katrina Parry 3

Teagan Coates 2

Sarah Evens 1

Magpies FC v Mackay Wanderers (8-1)

Mackay Wanderers

Keeley Hamilton 3

Kelsey Waldon 2

Renee Andrea 1

Whitsunday United v Country United (3-0)

Country United

Kelly Horsford 3

Kalea Stanieg 2

Keeleigh Paul 1

FQPL Whitsunday Coast Golden Boot (as of 30 April)

Men

1. Angus McKenzie (Mackay Rangers) 8 goals

2. Alen O’Donnell (Whitsunday United) 6 goals

Isaac Challal (Magpies FC) 6 goals

Jayden Conner (City Brothers) 6 goals

3. Jacob Pace-Ruggeri (Mackay Lions) 4 goals

4. Harry Hodgen (Magpies FC) 3 goals

Jack Taylor (Magpies FC) 3 goals

Maliki Giblett (Mackay Rangers) 3 goals

Sam Blake (Whitsunday United) 3 goals

Women

1. Olivia Garnett (Dolphins FC) 7 goals

2. Katrina Parry (Mackay Lions) 6 goals

Takoda Sellar (Mackay Lions) 6 goals

3. Katrine Sellar (Mackay Lions) 5 goals

4. Ella Jackson (Magpies FC) 4 goals

Larrisa Rudken (City Brothers) 4 goals

Keira Volker (Mackay Lions) 4 goals

5. Akema Greenaway (Whitsunday United) 3 goals Zayna Balfour (Magpies FC) 3 goals

Willow Gaffney (Whitsunday United) 3 goals

Sunshine Coast

The weekend fixtures are headlined by a cracking top four women’s clash between fourth placed Woombye Snakes and third place Beerwah Glasshouse in Woombye.

Beerwah have squared the ledger at three wins and three losses after a slow start, with Woombye two points behind.

With the Snakes Georgia Dixson leading the Golden Boot tally with seven and Beerwah’s Melissa Weckert hot on her heels with five, this promises to be a highly entertaining clash between two contenders.

Women

Friday May 3

Noosa Lions vs. Kawana FC, Girraween Sports Complex, 6.30pm

Woombye Snakes vs. Beerwah Glasshouse, Woombye Snakes FC, 8.30pm

Men

Saturday May 4

Noosa Lions vs. Baringa FC, Girraween Sports Complex, 5pm

Kawana FC vs. Nambour Yandina, Kawana Western Sports Precinct, 6pm

Buderim Wanderers vs. Beerwah Glasshouse, Ballinger Park, 6pm

Round 8 Results

Men

Caloundra FC 6 def Noosa Lions 3

Beerwah Glasshouse 0 def by Woombye Snakes 1

Nambour Yandina 5 def Gympie United 1

Baringa FC 5 def Coolum FC 0

Kawana 1 drew with Buderim Wanderers 1

Women

Beerwah Glasshouse 3 def Kawana FC 1

Nambour Yandina 2 def by Maroochydore FC 3

MiniRoos Team of the Week

This little team sums up what our club is all about. Resilience, teamwork and fun.

To see the growth that has been made by our U11 Kangaroos team has been fantastic.

While they haven’t brought home many wins, they have brought home the ability to work as team, support each other and grow as individuals.

They are very lucky to have two female coaches in Emily Gripske and Abbie Topfer, who combined, have more than 30 years of playing experience between them.

The Kangaroos team are very thankful that these two ladies give so much of their time to help develop the growth of our players.

Abbie has been a part of BeeGees for more than 20 years and it’s something our juniors wish to achieve.

Both Emily and Abbie are a part of our FQPL3 Women’s squad, who are on fire presently.

To develop great sportsmanship and friendship is important to us, and we feel our U11 Kangaroos reflect this.

Willowburn's Courtney Morris. Picture: DSL Photography

Darling Downs

The Darling Downs is kicking off Female Football Week with a bang this Sunday morning, as first placed Willowburn White take on second placed Highfields Green in a blockbuster FQPL Darling Downs Women’s matchup.

The league’s two best attacking and defensive units, Willowburn and Highfields, have set new standards in the competition this season, scoring 53 and 34 goals respectively.

Last time out Willowburn smashed fourth placed USQFC 5-1 thanks to a five goal blitz from talismanic figure Courtney Morris, while Ameleah-Paige Miller, Marlia-Rae Pern, Hayley Warner and Bridget Peden all contributed with goals as Highfields Green put seven past Willowburn Black.

Both teams enter this one in top form, and the winner will be hard to pick.

Make sure to head down to Commonwealth Oval at 11am on Sunday to watch this one unfold.

Willowburn's Zoe Doyle. Picture: DSL Photography

Weekend review

The Darling Downs FQPL competition resumed last weekend.

In the Women’s competition, Sarah Sheridan and Sienna Lockwood both scored four each for Rockville Rovers and Courtney Morris scored all five for Willowburn White.

In men’s competition Ameer Sulaiman scored four in Rockvilles 6-3 win over Gatton and Highfields and West Wanderers secured important wins.

There were plenty of other top performances from the weekend recognised by their coaches, catch up on the 3-2-1’s from the weekends action!

Men

Warwick Wolves vs. Highfields (0-2)

Highfields: Thomas Jeffcoat 3, Jack Reeves 2, Chase Miller 1

West Wanderers vs. Willowburn (2-0)

West Wanderers: Caelen Richardson 3, Kurt Kohlbach 2, Saher Khidir 1.

Rockville Rovers vs. Gatton Redbacks (5-3)

Rockville Rovers: Ameer Sulaiman 3, Jase Sampson 2, William Gibson 1.

Women

Chinchilla vs. Warwick (4-0)

Warwick Wolves: Caitling Fisher 3, Angela Smith 2, Lucy Waldron 1.

USQ v Willowburn White (1-5)

USQ: Ainsley Dennis 3, Hannah Maag 2, Jasmin Mclean 1.

Willowburn White: Shandell Doro 3, Shannon Tyrrell 2, Courtner Morris 1.

Highfields Gold vs. Rockville Rovers (0-10)

Highfields Gold: Jessica Carnell 3, Emma-Louise Bonham 2, Shayla Milsom 1.

Rockville Rovers: Karla Hadzich 3, Sarah Sheridan 2, Dawn Holden 1.

Highfields Green vs. Willowburn Black (7-1)

Highfields Green: Chloe Green 3, Marlina-Rae Pern 2, Savannah Moon 1.

Willowburn Black: Penny Warner 3, Dannielle Davis 2, Dakota Jones 1.

Northern

In the latest action from the FQPL Men’s competition, Estates FC pulled off an impressive 2-1 victory against Riverway JCU, moving them to third place on the ladder.

Meanwhile, Saints Eagles Souths secured their second win of the season by defeating Townsville Warriors, while Brothers Townsville and MA Olympic battled it out to a 2-2 draw in the highly anticipated match of the round.

Rebels FC were on the brink of securing their first victory of the season with a 3-2 lead until the 87th minute, when Burdekin FC was awarded a penalty, resulting in a dramatic 3-3 draw.

Over in the FQPL Women’s, Estates’ 3-1 win elevated them to third place on the ladder, marking their second consecutive victory, while Townsville Warriors secured their first win of the season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Saints Eagles Souths.

Top performances

Men

Estates FC v Riverway (2-1)

Estates FC

George Coleman 3

Ibrahim Bechard 2

Simeon Malahoff

Saints Eagles Souths v Townsville Warriors (4-1)

Saints Eagles Souths

Matthew Mitchell 3

Lachlan Ross 2

David Payne 1