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 rule over the Thunder’s best performers and two breakout talents.
ANTHONY GRANT
This season’s leading goalscorer is a shining example of why the NPL was created. Grant, who represented Queensland as a junior, is now relishing the chance to test himself against the state’s best players. Grant is a product of the South West Queensland Thunder system and has scored 14 goals this season. Grant’s positioning and ability to find a yard of space in the box make him a real goal threat. Grant has scored five goals in his last three matches.
CHRIS HATFIELD
The South West Queensland Thunder were bold in their transfer dealings this season. Searching far and wide the Thunder hit the jackpot when they signed Hatfield. Coming to the club from New South Wales NPL 1 champions Frazer Park – Hatfield is a real attacking threat. Four of his ten goals this season have won NPLQ Goal of the Month awards with his quick turn of pace a real problem for defenders. Hatfield doesn’t shirk his defensive duties and is a motivational leader on and off the pitch.
RISING STAR (MEN)
Rockville junior Daniel Weber is the type of player tiring defences do not want to see late in a game. The 17-year-old is confident, fast and not afraid to take on his man down the line. Weber’s runaway goal against Brisbane City is a prime example of the threat he poses. Taking the ball just inside the attacking half, Weber beat his defender before cutting into the penalty area and neatly guiding his shot past the keeper. One to watch for the future.
LOUISE ROLFE
More than half the Thunder women’s goal this season have come from Rolfe. A constant threat to every defence Rolfe has put away 18 goals to date, however she provides much more to the team than just goals. Rolfe’s upbeat and positive attitude is great for team morale. It is clearly evident she loves playing the game and encourages others to enjoy themselves as well. Rolfe has recently taken up coaching and is active in supporting teammates on and off the field.
JESS FRY
A constant attacking threat Fry’s blistering start to the season quickly resulted in her being marked out of games. The Thunder really missed the winger’s creativity when she was sidelined by injury. Working hard to regain full match fitness Fry has never been far away from the team working regularly with her teammates during her recovery. Fry has a team first attitude and even played a match at fullback having recognised that is where she could make the biggest difference for her team during that match.
RISING STAR (WOMEN)
The South West Queensland Thunder needed special permission to play Chloe Hutton in the senior women’s side this season. The 16-year-old did not meet Football Queensland’s NPL age requirements but has not looked out of place in her three games. Despite being nervous about the step up to senior duties Hutton has scored twice in her first two matches – her natural attacking instincts kicking in. Hutton is determined and a hard worker.