Pitch battle to be cream of the crop

The hunt to find the best grassroots football player in Queensland is down to the final 48 hours, and 16 FQPL Far North and Gulf players are in the hunt

EDGE HILL UTD

Crios O’Hare: One of the best finishers in FNQ, O’Hare has been at the forefront of the Tiger’s dominance in recent years. He has claimed two consecutive Golden Boots, scoring more than 30 goals last season.

Jesse Casson: Arguably the best big game performer in this region, Casson is a consistent, hardworking and no-nonsense midfielder who has become one of the league’s best players.

INNISFAIL UTD

Ricky Tuigaloa: Fast, effective, and a quality finisher in front of goal, Ricky Tuigaloa was co-winner of the Golden Boot in the shortened 2020 season, his lethal finishing ability helping Innisfail Utd make the finals.

Jayden Zecchinati: An underrated defender who goes about his business in a no-nonsense manner, Zecchinati is tough, gritty, and always rolls up the sleeves when hard work is needed to be done.

LEICHHARDT

Alex Russell: The most experienced player in the league and

2021 MVP, Alex Russell is this competition’s fine wine. His vision and touch have opened plenty of attacking opportunities for his younger teammates.

Josh Mulla: A lifelong Leichhardt Lion, Mulla has found his home in the defensive line or midfield over the years, and while the skill, touch and ability is all there, his passion and enthusiasm in defence stands him apart.

MAREEBA UTD

Wayne Srhoj: The former Perth Glory and Melbourne Heart man’s experience places him among the most senior players in the league, and that leadership has only helped the Bulls’ young players step up into the higher grades. Darcy McCormack: A foundation player for the FNQ Heat, McCormack is an organiser with brilliant vision and can put on a neat, wellweighted pass to find teammates in better scoring positions – and he can score a screamer.

MARLIN COAST

Jeffrey Lassche: An everywhere man in every sense of the word, Lassche has added senior men’s co-coach to a long list of commitments on and off the field at the Rangers.

On the pitch, Lassche has played all over the park: he would just as easily pick up the gloves as he would slot into the front line. Geoffrey Bulkua: Among the Rangers’ more consistent players, Bulkua is a facilitator who likes open space, and will be driven to feed a few more goals for his side’s attackers as they eye a move up the table.

SOUTHSIDE

Zeca Soares: Brilliantly skilled midfielder and a former league MVP, Zeca Soares has an attacking mentality, and can control the ball better than most.

Dylan Soares: He scores goals, sets them up, can defend fairly well and is never one to hide his emotion. An integral piece of successful Comets teams in the past.

STRATFORD

Matt Harwood: The defender is among the most consistent men to wear the blue of Stratford week-in, week-out, and has shown a willingness to get forward and score.

Jack Baresic: The former Brisbane’s Capital League defender shored up the club’s backline in his debut season, and will be a big part of their success in 2022.

REDLYNCH STRIKERS UTD

Cole Junna: The quality midfielder holds the keys to his team’s attacking efforts. He has the vision, passing ability, speed and touch to thrive.

Robin Kapun: The centre back and captain will be a vocal component of the team’s defensive efforts as they step into the big league.