We reveal the stars of Darling Downs junior football
With the new year upon us, we are shining a light on the Darling Downs junior football stars who were unstoppable in 2024 and those who are set to make their mark in 2025.
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With 2024 now in the rearview mirror, we take a look back at the young Darling Downs footballers who shone last year as well as the ones to watch in 2025.
Whether it was with their elite talent, or their unrivalled work ethic, we are shining a light on some of the young stars of football in the Darling Downs.
See which junior guns have starred for your club below.
MaCalla Pearson (SWQ Thunder)
After three years with Rockville, Pearson made the switch to the Thunder in 2024 in a move which paid dividends.
Despite being in the under-10 age group, she played in the under-11 side which consisted of mostly male players.
She showed great tenacity and resilience throughout the campaign with her dribbling and game IQ standout attributes of hers.
Willow Thompson (SWQ Thunder)
Thompson was a member of the inaugural under-11 girls’ Thunder team in 2024 and proved herself to be one of the most versatile talents in the squad.
She is an outstanding goalkeeper but is also a very capable outfield player and possesses lethal power in her right boot.
Harry Dow (SWQ Thunder)
Following an outstanding 2024 season, Dow continues to shine as a strong and physical left fullback.
His speed and agility makes him a formidable opponent, often frustrating attackers with his ability to shut them down.
Jordan Choi (SWQ Thunder)
Known for his speed, dynamism, and physical presence, Choi is a midfielder who can adapt quickly to any situation, making him a pivotal player in both attack and defence.
His combination with Xavier Bowdler in the middle creates football worth watching.
Xavier Bowdler (SWQ Thunder)
Now entering his fifth season with SWQ Thunder, Bowdler is a young midfielder with an exceptional ability to read and direct play.
His knack for creating opportunities for his teammates and his skill in switching the ball make him a standout in the midfield.
Charli Potter and Holly Millar-Slater (SWQ Thunder)
After the Matildas’ heroics at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Potter and Millar-Slater had their sights set on following in their footsteps and took up the sport for the first time last year.
Between the efforts of the Matildas and those in the senior Thunder women’s program, the duo were inspired to swap dancing and gymnastics for football and immediately made an impact in the local under-11 competition.
Potter starred as a left-winger, finding the back of the net more than 30 times, while Millar-Slater was rock solid as a centre defender.
Rhys Bailey (SWQ Thunder)
A fantastic shot stopper with amazing reflexes.
Bailey has grown in size physically as well as in his leadership and is a standout goalkeeper with a bright future ahead of him.
Jarryd Dolan (SWQ Thunder)
Dolan is a central midfielder who is a Strong tackler, great distributor and always provides support for his forwards and defenders.
He is a great role model on and off the pitch as well.
Ramez Al Nasser (SWQ Thunder)
An extremely gifted and technical attcker who has great vision and a powerful sho which constantly keeps his opponents on their toes.
Arlo McDonald (SWQ Thunder)
McDonald participated in the Elevate program in 2024 and impressed with his dribbling skills.
At such a young age, he’s already demonstrated exceptional potential as a maestro with the ball at his feet.
Malachi Fischer (SWQ Thunder)
Fischer will be one to watch in the under-9 ranks at the Thunder as he caught the eye of coaches during the trials.
He displayed excellent strength and speed on the ball.
His well-rounded defending and attacking skills will make him a key asset in 2025.
Issa Khalaf (SWQ Thunder)
Khalaf showcased exceptional skill and determination in the local soccer competition throughout 2024, consistently standing out with his impressive performances.
His ability to adapt, create opportunities, and influence games has earned him recognition as a top player in the league.
With this strong foundation, Khalaf now has an exciting opportunity to step up and represent SWQ Thunder, where he can further develop his talent and make an impact.
Oliver Wells (SWQ Thunder)
Wells had an outstanding first season with the Thunder last year, showcasing his talent and adaptability on the field.
His hard work and determination made a him a key player on the field and his growth throughout the season was remarkable.
Thunder officials are excited for what lies ahead with Wells’ bringing impressive potential to take his game to another level in 2025.
Cameron Strong (SWQ Thunder)
Strong is set to return to the Thunder in 2025 after his time away last year.
His dynamic playing style and natural talent make him an exciting player to watch.
He is a key contributor and brings great energy to the team.
Beth Gollan and Bec Clarke (SWQ Thunder)
2025 sees a relatively new Thunder under-15 girls’ team of local girls ready to take on the Brisbane teams.
With only five players carrying over from last season there is a lot of excitement about this team and their raw potential.
A couple of key players to keep an eye on would be Beth Gollan and Bec Clarke.
With the inexperience among the squad, the duo are will likely flourish on an individual level while also being leaders on the pitch.
Tyler Cameron (South West Thunder/Warwick Wolves)
Cameron’s technical skills and calmness under pressure make him a key player in midfield.
His ability to control the tempo of the game and make intelligent passes consistently contributes to his team’s success.
With a strong 2024 behind him and great advancement in the acceleration program, Cameron is poised to have a standout 2025 season.
Sidak Bhullar (South West Thunder/USQ)
Bhullar’s physicality and athleticism make him a dynamic force on the field.
With his speed, tenacity and ability to disrupt opposition attacks, he excels in driving the ball forward and creating opportunities.
Lincoln Danaher (South West Thunder/South Toowoomba Hawks)
A promising player from a strong club team in 2024, Danaher has shown exceptional ability in both attack and defence.
His strength on the ball and tactical awareness make him a key asset to the team.
He is a coach’s dream, with his eagerness to improve and his leadership qualities are already shining through.
Oliver Tuvukica (South West Thunder/Stanthorpe Carlton United)
Tuvukica is a versatile player with a natural flair for creativity.
His dribbling skills and vision on the field allow him to make a significant impact in the attacking third.
Aayan Khatiwada (USQ)
Khatiwada has good co-ordination with a football and has impressive playmaking skills to create goalscoring opportunities for the team.
Maneet Brar (USQ)
A very talented player with a lot of potential and impressive football skills.
Eli Wheeler (USQ)
Wheeler is an impressive all-round talent and a great team player. He is the player that every team needs.
Diego Ryan (USQ)
Ryan has a rare combination of speed, work rate and skill.
He has a bright future in the game and is a real asset to the club.
Ashton Breese (USQ)
Breese’s first year of football was a success, he is a natural left winger with skills to burn.
Rezan Biso (USQ)
Biso is the creative heart beat of the team.
He combines silky ball skills with a passing vision beyond his years.
Aaron Rijal (USQ)
Rijal is a ball magnet and has impressive natural ability.
He is fast, has great ball control and has the back of the net in his sight at all times.
Astro Mackie (USQ)
Mackie lives and breathes football.
He is coming off his first year at USQ and is continually improving and works hard every game.
Georgia Grohn (USQ)
Grohn is one of the rising stars within the USQ ranks and will be one to watch for years to come.
She has talent, fast feet and is a beast in all positions.
Crue Butler (USQ)
Butler’s high work rate and control of the play and press forward is a huge asset to the team.
Liam Buckle (USQ)
Buckle’s great control of the ball and work with defenders is impressive.
His press with attackers from midfield and ability to get back and help defend makes him one to watch.
Paxton Burstow (USQ)
Burstow’s durability as goalkeeper and an impact on the field in centre midfield is impressive. He has a strong ability in winning the ball back.
Luay Khudher (USQ)
Khudher made an instant impact in his first season of football, winning the golden boot with 24 goals.
Korin Wagner (USQ)
Wagner was his team’s player of the year.
He is an impressive player who worked hard every time he stepped on the pitch.
Felix Smith (USQ)
Smith was the player that the team looked towards in all games.
His team work and can do attitude, mixed with fast feet made him the player to beat.
Barrakat Khudher (USQ)
Khudher was the team and club’s golden boot winner with 25 goals in 2024.
With his eye on the prize at all times, he is the player the opposition constantly want to stop.
Ryan Hahn (USQ)
Hahn was the heartbeat of the team.
His combination of team work, skills and communication made him a worthy winner of player of the year.
Elijah Entwistle (USQ)
Entwistle is a mighty player who never gives up.
He listens to his coach and has improved tremendously over the season.
Callum Zull (USQ)
Zull was the team captain this year and took great pride in leading his teammates each game. He never gives up and always works hard for the team which earned him Player of the Year honours for his side.
Ihab Barakat (USQ)
Barakat is a player who lives for the game.
His skills and communication with the team when on the field make him a huge asset.
Skylar Magaono (USQ)
Magaono was a late addition to the Uni line-up last season but he made his impact felt and as he continues to develop, will be one to watch in 2025.
Riley Chandler (USQ)
Chandler went above and beyond for USQ in 2024, winning the golden boot award in his own age group as well as one of the club’s senior teams is an impressive feat.
As the rising star winner for 2024, he is going to hit the FQPL scene full time in 2025 and be the player the opposition will work hard to try and catch.
Aidan Manning (USQ)
No matter where the coach needs him, from goalkeeper to defence to attack, Manning puts in 100 per cent effort at all times.
He is a fabulous utility player who came away as the team’s player of the year.
Joel Campbell (USQ)
A team player with skills to match, Campbell is impressive to watch on the field.
Despite an injury interrupted 2024 campaign, he hit the ground running in his return to action and will be one to watch in FQPL in 2025.
Flynn Hombsch (South West Thunder)
A central attacking midfielder or striker who is confident dropping in to receive the ball under pressure.
He can distribute to the wingers or take on defenders in one-on-one situations to create opportunities for teammates or to score himself.
Defensively he puts defenders under pressure, pressing high to win the ball back in dangerous positions.
Hombsch scored 59 goals in the 2024 regular season and is deadly when given some space in front of goal.
He has a great mindset, drives high standards and is continually looking to improve as he prepares for the 2025 season with the under-11s.
Jackson Fisher (South West Thunder)
An all-round player who is very strong and loves to run with the ball into space, aiming to drive into attacking areas to create goal scoring opportunities, while also working hard in defence.
Fisher is extremely fit and is committed to continually improving his performance, both on the ball as well as off the ball.
He is a great teammate who drives high standards, continually supporting and encouraging his fellow players.
Aiden O’Neil (South West Thunder)
An extremely fast winger who uses his speed to run into space to receive the ball.
He thrives when given the opportunity to use his skill and speed to take on defenders to cross the ball centrally to teammates or cut inside to create space for himself to shoot.
O’Neil doesn’t shy away from his defensive responsibilities, using his speed to track his opponents and win the ball back.
He is very respectful and creates great friendships with all players in the team.
William Addison (Willowburn)
The under-13 young gun is a hardworking, creative midfielder who is able to take control of a game and makes his team tick.
He uses his great vision and positional awareness to consistently create scoring opportunities for his teammates and his work rate is second to none.
He also has a powerful shot which he often uses to score from outside the penalty box.
With a minor premiership medal in his trophy cabinet from the 2024 season, Addison has a fire in his belly to make a mark in the under 14/15 competition this upcoming season.
Raad Alazeez (Willowburn)
Another under-13 Willowburn star who is an exciting talent.
He showed amazing versatility playing in four different positions throughout the season and was one of the leading goalscorers for his side, netting goals from all distances and angles.
He was also an integral part of the defence, as he played more than half the games of the season at centre back.
Alazeez’s relentless attitude and high game awareness was impressive helping Willowburn to the best statistical defence in the league.
His passion for the game is unrivalled and is a future star in the making with an incredible attitude which is set to help him as he moves up an age bracket next year.
Ashley Bell (South West Thunder)
Bell is a workhorse on the field and a selfless player who is always looking to help out her teammates.
Her explosive speed and strength sets her apart from any opponent on the field.
Maya Smith (South West Thunder)
Smith’s skill and ability to read the game makes her an enormous asset to the Thunder.
She is ultimate midfield weapon - reliable in defence and a major threat in attack.
Amira Duffy (South West Thunder)
Duffy is an exciting talent set to make her mark for the Thunder under-17s in 2025.
She is the ultimate team player and has the ability to play anywhere on the field.
Duffy is tenacious in defence and with speed to burn, she is an attacking threat when she moves up the field.
Jean De Almeida (Willowburn)
Jean De Almeida brings his Brazilian heritage to life on the field with exceptional ball control and a flair that echoes the footballing tradition of his roots.
Known for his tireless work ethic, he consistently gives his all in both training and games.
His game awareness is remarkable, allowing him to make smart decisions and stay a step ahead of the play, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
Oscar Kennedy (Willowburn)
A versatile and dynamic player, excelling as a midfielder and winger.
His exceptional ball control allows him to navigate tight spaces with ease, while his pace creates goalscoring opportunities for the team.
Known for his ability to unlock defences with smart, precise passing, Kennedy is a key playmaker on the field.
Off the pitch, his humility and constant encouragement make him a positive influence and a respected teammate.
Dylan Kussrow (Willowburn)
A fast, physical presence at the back who loves a strong challenge.
Kussrow is commanding in the air and has no problem running the ball into the midfield.
Zeyhar Smith (Willowburn)
A strong fullback with an engine that seemingly never runs out. Smith has leadership skills beyond his years and puts in a lethal cross from the right flank.
Kaden Towsey (Willowburn)
A calm, composed midfield general.
Towsey is great at receiving the ball on the turn and loves a late run into the box to pick up a goal.
Ollie Kruger (Willowburn)
A creative attacking player known for his hothead and deadly shot.
He is the designated set piece taker for his side and will always find himself in the goal contributions.
Sam Quinn (West Wanderers)
Sam Quinn is a natural ball runner with outstanding finishing.
His raw talent and impressive work rate make him an exciting player to watch in future years.
Josiah Burstow (Dalby)
One of the leading goalscorers in the U14/15 competition, Burstow was a force to be reckoned with for Dalby, scoring 25 goals in 15 games.
His dominance was on full show during a three-game stretch in the middle of the season where he found the back of the net 11 times.
Katie Cureton (Highfields)
A very fast and skilled attacking threat who is always a handful for any defence and continues to grow in confidence every season.
Ameleah Paige ‘Millie’ Miller (Highfields)
A pocket rocket with a powerful left foot and a great first touch whose evasive turn of speed makes her a huge threat in attack.
Sienna Schmaling (Highfields)
A strong defender and communicator in the backline with a physical presence that brings confidence to her fellow players.
Schmaling is a versatile player as she is a dangerous set piece threat and can more than hold her own as a goal keeper.
Priyanshu Shrestha (Rockville Rovers)
A dangerous attacker who led the U13 Division 1 White goalscorer’s tally with 30 goals.
Mac Alcorn (Dalby)
Few players were as dominant in front of goal this season as Alcorn, who had defenders fearing the worst every time he touched the ball as he found the back of the net 51 times in just 18 games.
Charlie Lowis (TAS United)
Lowis has been a force to be reckoned with during his junior career and boasts an impressive 103 career goals from 44 appearances.
Jack Burney and Oscar Ghidella (Garden City Raiders)
The Garden City Raiders duo were unstoppable in the U14/15 competition, guiding their side to grand final glory.
Burney scored a brace in the final as the Raiders defeated Highfields 2-1.
Ghidella and Burney combined for an impressive 73 goals this season.
Saman Qaeerani (Rockville Rovers)
Qaeerani was one of the standout performers of the U16/17 competition, taking home the golden boot with 48 goals – more than double his closest rival in the race for the top goalscorer.
Jayden Lucas (South Toowoomba)
Lucas was a reliable operator in front of goal and was a key figure of the dangerous Hawks attack, scoring 23 goals in 17 games.
Tim Watt (Highfields)
Watt boasts great spatial awareness and is a great distributor of the ball, who works tirelessly in defence.
Alex Fox (Highfields)
A skilful midfielder with an attacking mindset who regularly creates goal scoring opportunities for himself and others.
Lincoln Young (Highfields)
Young is a cultured midfielder who operates best as a deep lying playmaker, finding teammates and shutting down opposition attacks.
Arlo Davidson (Highfields)
Davidson is silky, skilful, two-footed forward, with a nose for goal and a lethal shot.
When he is at his best, there is little stopping him.
Maddie Hams (Highfields)
A tough nosed midfielder who isn’t afraid to make a challenge while still being able to pick a pass.
Dylan York (Highfields)
An unselfish, tall, dynamic and quick winger who is adept at getting in behind defences.
Connor Robinson (Highfields)
A reliable defensive player who is also able to inject himself into games and create goal scoring opportunities.
Flynn Albion (Highfields)
Has vision from wide positions to play quality passes to create opportunities for teammates while also possessing the ability to play direct.
Lily Watt (Highfields)
Watt developed into a game controlling defensive midfielder in 2024 and was starting to become a game breaker due to her unbelievable motor in the middle of the park.
Franki Smithson (Highfields)
Smithson only began playing football competitively in 2024 and regularly found her name on the score sheet.
After just one season, she has already proven she is an exciting prospect for years to come.
Ethan Young (Highfields)
A dynamic forward who has the ability to break a game open with his speed and directness.
Young is one of the more complete footballers in his age group.
Harry Gatehouse (Highfields)
Gatehouse reads the game at a level above most of those around him and uses this vision to quickly identify and close down opposition attacks.
Amy Watt (Highfields)
As her confidence grew in 2024 so did Amy’s contributions.
She is equally adept in the backline and midfield, making her a key versatile option within the Highfields ranks.
Isla Radley (Highfields)
Radley creates pressure from the front and has a keen nose for goal.
The young gun is already developing into a well rounded footballer.
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