Perennial local powerhouse Brisbane Strikers finished their season with a flurry to take the fourth and last knockout spot in the NPL Queensland Finals Series. Brimming with talent and grounded by the club’s professional ethos, Strikers overcame injuries to key personnel to push eventual champions Olympic FC all the way in their Semi-Final.

Strikers received eight nominations to the 2013 Supporters XI.

 

David Chambers (Goalkeeper)

Forced to step-up in the face of challenges from younger goalkeepers in the squad, 29 year old David Chambers showed his experience and reliability this season behind an injury ravaged Strikers backline. A solid communicator, Chambers marshalled his defenders assuredly in addition to producing several crucial saves throughout the campaign.

Chambers was nominated to the Supporters XI by his own Strikers head coach David Large, who said of his first-choice shot-stopper, “He’s the best goalkeeper suited to possession-based play with good footwork and safe hands.”

Chay Hews (Right Midfield)

Few players in the first season of NPL Queensland boasted the experience of Strikers captain Chay Hews. One of few remaining National Soccer League veterans plying their trade, Hews patrolled the Strikers midfield with aplomb both in attack and defence. His thirty plus yard strike against Brisbane City in the early part of the season remains as one of the stand-out goals of the season.

Hews received three nominations to the Supporters XI, including his own coach David Large (who the retiring Hews will replace next season in charge of the Strikers senior squad). Brisbane City head coach Glen Volker said of Hews, “He is a great leader and organiser and will be sorely missed as a player next season.”

Jonti Richter (Right Wing)

Following a professional career cut short by injury, Jonti Richter was electric for Strikers in the early parts of the season before injury again hampered his campaign. The thirty year old winger returned before season’s end just as strong, and was instrumental in guiding Strikers to the knock-out stages of the competition – finishing the season with nine goals.

Richter was nominated by Strikers head coach David Large, who said of his injury-cursed charge, “He had a brilliant season, causing havoc when in one on one moments of the game.”

Greg King (Left Fullback)

Ostensibly a left winger, Greg King receives his nomination at the less familiar left fullback role courtesy of Sunshine Coast head coach Kevin A’Herne-Evans. He said of King, “Excellent winger however Danny Byrnes’ selection forces King to full back in my team. He has a lethal left foot and a threat with his passing ability and driving runs at defenders.”

Strong, yet surprisingly quick, King was Strikers go-to man on the left this season as he built upon his stand-out season in last year’s QSL. The 26 year old Australian Insitute of Sport graduate finished the season with ten goals to be Strikers leading marksman for the campaign.

Michael Angus (Right Midfield)

Known simply as “Gus” to the Strikers faithful, midfielder Michael Angus is one of those players who performs the unglamorous tasks in the centre of the park, with his absence glaring after falling out of the match squad midway through the season.

He returned better and sharper, with his astute positioning and polished control on the turn instrumental in Strikers quick transitions from defence to attack. Angus was nominated by Sunshine Coast Fire head coach Kevin A’Herne-Evans, who described the 23 year old Toowoomba-native as “a very neat player and combative midfielder for his slight frame - Strikers are a far better side when ‘Gus’ is in the line-up.”

Alistair Quinn (Right Fullback)

Brisbane born and raised, Alistair Quinn was one of several young defenders who rose to the challenge as Strikers succumbed to injuries this season. Previously with the QAS, as well as Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney Wanderers National Youth League teams, Quinn was always going to prove a handful at right back, where he often ventured deep into the opponents half to provide another outlet in attack.

Still only 20 years old, a big future beckons for Quinn, who was nominated to the Supporters Xi by CQFC Energy head coach Ray Wood. Wood said, “He’s very quick and mobile player and possesses everything needed to be a great full back at this level and further.”

Alex Henderson (Centre Back)

Young but powerful Sunshine Coast product Alex Henderson faced a challenging year as he was called upon to turn potential into results in the heart of Strikers defence. Following some mixed performances, Henderson finished the year strongly, contributing three goals along the way.

Henderson received his Supporters XI nomination from CQFC Energy head coach Ray Wood, who said, “A tall, strong typical centre back with no frills, hould get in to any NPL team. Great player and gets a few goals as well.”

Josh McVey (Right Midfield)

Former Brisbane Roar youth team player Josh McVey was called upon to step up following a season ending injury to starting striker Matt Thurtell, and the 22 year old forward didn’t disappoint. Blessed with pace to burn, McVey netted eight goals for Strikers – including back-to-back braces against FNQ FC Heat and CQFC Energy.

Despite playing in a forward role predominantly, McVey was nominated at right midfield by Moreton Bay Jets head coach Terry Kirkham, emphasising his adaptability and well-rounded skill set.

 

For details on how to support your club and reward your favourite players and be in the chance to win a signed Brisbane Roar football, follow the link to the 2013 NPL Queensland Supporters XI competition page - http://bit.ly/19Wa0Pj

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)