Veteran Sunshine Coast Fire goalkeeper Antony Hall says he has enjoyed his return to semi-professional football after his razor sharp season between the sticks saw him honoured as NPL Queensland’s stand-out shot-stopper for 2013.

Hall received the Safe Hands Award at the NPL Queensland Awards Presentation in acknowledgement of his league best custodial efforts that saw him earn six clean sheets and let in barely a goal a game on average.

However, the 36 year old Hall (pictured receiving his award from Football Queensland President Greg Redington) was quick to credit his team mate’s contributions for helping him achieve the accolade.

“You are only as good as the defence you play behind and we had an amazingly solid defensive unit with tremendous experience,” Hall said.

“Greig Henslee and Ryan Smith are the best centre-back combination in the league, Takanori Sato is one of the most technical players and Sam Knight is one of the best local talents the Sunshine Coast has ever produced,” he gushed.

Hall’s standout season was somewhat unexpected after he chose to take a break from football last year. He returned as first choice keeper in round six this season against Olympic.

“It was great to take a break last year and rejuvenate myself; it has given me an even greater appreciation for the sport,” Hall said.

“I have almost retired so many times and was initially just helping out (as reserve keeper) and coaching this year but was given the opportunity by the gaffer and really started to enjoy my football more than ever.”

Hall continued working with the Fire’s young keepers throughout the season, providing them with once a week training sessions.

“I have watched some good youngsters turn into fantastic goalkeepers and great young men. We have some great talent coming through the ranks and I hope I can further develop their goalkeeping and help them achieve their goals.”

As far as next year is concerned, Hall said he would love to continue to play at NPL level.

“We started to develop a great balance throughout the squad towards the end of the season and I feel we have unfinished business to take care of next season.”

The Fire prides itself on having a strong defence and centre-back Ryan Smith credits much of the backline’s confidence to having Hall in goal.

“We have confidence in him and the experience he has due to his career as a goalkeeper,” Smith said.

“His shot-stopping is excellent and his reflexes are the best I have seen in the competition,” he surmised.

 

Words: Emily Wilson (Sunshine Coast Fire)
Image: Ian Judd