FNQ FC Heat’s Tom Murphy has capped off an outstanding National Premier Leagues season by taking out the top two awards at the club’s presentation night on Friday.

The midfielder, who turned 20 on Monday, was recognised as the Coaches' Player of the Year and also received the Paul Cronin Memorial award at the black-tie gala at Cairns Hilton.

Murphy was a vital cog in the Heat midfield machine – playing in all but one game for the Cairns-based club this season.

A creative force in the centre of the park, Murphy’s through balls for striker Jamie Carroll were a constant feature of the Heat attack this season. He also added three goals himself with his considerable long-range shooting ability.

Despite being slight of frame, Murphy’s strength and relentless physicality saw him never back out of a 50/50 challenge.

FNQ FC Technical Director, Chris Collins believes Murphy epitomizes the skills and determination needed of young players to succeed in the NPL.

"He is always willing to listen, learn, try things his coaches suggest and ask of him,” Collins explained.

"He is always prepared to play in a number of positions to help our team, and plays through niggling injuries without complaint.”

"His strength of character and burning desire to never be beaten, compliments his true football ability and work rate - an all action player that I believe can go on to become one of the top players within the National Premier League," Collins explained.

The Leichhardt Lions junior returned to Cairns after being involved with Townsville's Queensland State League team, North Queensland Razorbacks.

He immediately impressed Heat coaches, earning a starting spot in central midfield and was a standout in Heat's first regular season match against Northern Fury, which Heat won 4-1 at Barlow Park.

Murphy has also spent considerable time promoting Football in the Far North, coaching thousands of local and junior and youth players at Heat Clinics and IGA 'Goals for kids' schools clinics.

"Tom not only excels on the field for us, but contributes immensely to Heat's off field football activities visiting schools and coaching in holiday clinics, as well as coming to assist with the young Academy stars at their training sessions," Collins said.

The Coaches' Player of the Year is selected by the NPL team's mentors for consistent performance and commitment throughout the year.

The Paul Cronin Memorial award was created to honour the memory of one of the Far North's most-loved football identities – the former FNQ FC Heat and FNQ Bulls Manager.

It is awarded to the young player who shines both on and off the field playing football and cultivating respect and tolerance in young people through sport – a reflection on how Cronin will be remembered by those at the club and in the region.

Goalkeeper, Mikel Breckenridge picked up the Players' Player of the Year award in the National Premier League category.

Collins enthused that Breckinridge’s efforts in goal this season were "breathtaking".

"Mikel has at times been described as a 'Breck' wall and in some of the games he has played; I cannot believe the stops he has made to keep his team in the game.”

"As the oldest member of our young squad, he very obviously has the respect of all his team mates, as well as the coaching staff," Collins explained.

Midfielder Charlie Beverley claimed the Heat Heart award – an accolade voted by the public which seeks to recognise determination and courage throughout the year.

The Heat Presentation night celebrated the successes of all the senior Heat sides – award winners are listed below:

Paul Cronin Memorial - Tom Murphy
NPL Coaches' Player of the Year - Tom Murphy
NPL Players' Player of the Year - Mikel Breckenridge
Heat Heart (public vote) - Charlie Beverley
Premier Division Coaches' Player of the Year - Ethan Docherty
Premier Division Players' Player of the Year - Jaydon Well
Reserve Grade Coaches' Player of the Year - Andre Rachita
Reserve Grade Players' Player of the Year - Jayden Dempsey
Youth Division Coaches' Player of the Year - Lachlan O'Keeffe
Youth Division Players' Player of the Year - Nick Mooney
Ladies Division Coaches' Player of the Year - Holly Spence
Ladies Division Players' Player of the Year - Emma Sartor
Male Golden Boot (most goals scored) - Kyle Nichol
Female Golden Boot - Chloe Reppel
Safest Hands (best goalkeeper) - Nick Mooney

 

Words and Image: FNQ FC Heat