Thunder-bolters and stars
The Chronicle shines light on NPL team’s top talents
FOOTBALL: There’s no questioning the passion of the South West Queensland Thunder players.
Lining up against some of Queensland’s best football talent every week, they are committed to playing quality football and determined to win.
Regardless of their result against Cairns this week, the men’s team will finish the season as the best in the club’s history. Unfortunately for the women it has been a harder season.
There are very promising signs for the women’s program though with an enthusiastic and positive group of “senior” players helping guide and encourage the development of the club’s young players.
Ahead of the club final games for the 2018 season, The Chronicle has run the ruler over the Thunder’s best performers and two breakout talents.
NICK EDWARDS
FAN favourite Edwards has been “Mr Versatility” for the Thunder playing in a number of positions over the course of the season. His best work has been done as part of the Thunder’s restricted backline. The reliable young star also poses a goal threat with his willingness to take a shot from anywhere on the park and he has scored three times this season.
WADE HALL
LAST season’s under-20s player of the year has made an almost seamless transition into the senior side. Hall’s performances are all the more remarkable when you consider he is playing in an unfamiliar position. Accustomed to a more centralised role, Hall has been utilised as an outside back this season. Hall can run all day and is very comfortable with the ball at his feet.
KEAGAN SHERIDAN
A NO-NONSENSE, hard tackling defender. With more than 100 NPL games under his belt, Sheridan is a commanding and inspirational presence in the Thunder defensive line. Sheridan’s addition midway through the season also bought welcome stability at the back. The success of the Thunder’s defensive re-structure is in part because of Sheridan’s leadership.
MEL LLOYD
THE talented striker is a focal point on and off the field. Despite battling injury this season the Thunder skipper added a new level of consistency to her game and is an attacking threat opposition defences simply cannot ignore. Off the field, Lloyd is a player the younger players in the Thunder squad look up to. Lloyd is a great mentor and leader who happily works with her teammates to help them improve their skill base for the squad’s betterment.
LIZ HOLLITT
FEW players have worked harder than Hollitt this season. The Thunder keeper has been under a lot of pressure this year but has never shirked her responsibilities or shied away from putting her body on the line to make a save. A great shot blocker and experienced head in a young defence, Hollitt has showed real courage this season while battling injury. The Thunder’s goal difference would be a lot worse were it not for Hollitt’s commitment and bravery.
LANA STYLER
DROPPED to the Thunder bench after a poor start to the season, Styler is now a key player in the centre of the park. Having spoken to Styler about where she needed to lift her game, Thunder coach Scott Teakle said the centre midfielder responded brilliantly. “She didn’t walk away kicking stones,” he said. “She knuckled down, did the work and came back stronger.” Styler is responsible for most of the defensive work in the Thunder’s midfield and is fully committed to the team. Despite committing to an overseas futsal tour, Styler did not miss a training session or match.
Part two in Saturday’s The Chronicle.
‘‘ A GREAT SHOT BLOCKER AND EXPERIENCED HEAD IN A YOUNG DEFENCE, HOLLITT HAS SHOWED REAL COURAGE THIS SEASON WHILE BATTLING INJURY.