One of the stand-out sides of NPL Queensland’s first season, and despite a valiant campaign, Brisbane City fell just short in both the league and final series. The club didn’t walk away without reward though for a fantastic season, with City players taking out the Golden Boot award and the Young Player of the Year award.

City received seven nominations to the Supporters XI in recognition of their fantastic season.

Antonio Murray (Striker/Left Wing)

The NPL Queensland Golden Boot winner, English import Antonio Murray demonstrated the class that saw him play in some of the United Kingdom’s most demanding leagues. A genuine ‘number 9’, Murray proved irrespressible in the front third despite the close attentions of defenders league-wide.

Finishing the season with 27 goals, Murray scooped several impressive hauls throughout the campaign, inlcluding a mighty five-goal return against CQFC Energy in Round 4. His returns in front of goal saw him earn an extended trial with A-League club Brisbane Roar where he received solid minutes in their pre-season campaign.

Nominated to the Supporters XI by no less than five NPL Queensland coaches, Murray’s efforts were summed up by FNQ FC Technical Director Chris Collins, who said, “He’s absolute quality- I can’t understand why he’s not playing A-League.”

Mat Biggins (Centre Back/Right Midfield/Central Midfield)

City’s captain fantastic, Mat Biggins led his team in a number of positions this season, but always with a steely resolve and formidable intensity. Hailing from the English industrial city of Leeds, Biggins’ imposing frame belied his silky ball skills and bursts of pace that saw him prove a handful no matter where he lined up in the formation.

Finishing the season with five goals, Biggins was nominated to the Supporters XI by five NPL Queensland coaches in three positions – highlighting the impact he made across the league this season.

Brisbane Strikers head coach David Large said of the man he nominated in the heart of defence, “He’s big, strong and technically sound, with a good understanding of when to pass and when to travel with the ball.”

Ken Dougall (Central Midfield/Right Midfield)

The NPL Queensland Young Player of the Year, former Brisbane Roar youth player Ken Dougall was a commanding presence in the centre of the park for City this year. Quick on the turn and with exceptional passing vision, Dougall was instrumental in City’s second-placed league finish, chipping in with two goals in the regular season, and a crucial goal in the Semi-Final against Sunshine Coast Fire.

Nominated to the Supporters Xi by six NPL Queensland coaches, Dougall remains the central midfielder of choice for Brisbane City head coach Glen Volker, who said of his young charge, “He is an exceptional young player in all aspects of the game and consistently performed against all-comers this year.”

Palm Beach Sharks head coach Grae Piddick selected Dougall alongside Mat Biggins, and highlighted their partnerhship, “It was a great combination with Biggins when both of them were playing.”

Matt Stein (Goalkeeper)

Following a nervous start to the season, Matt Stein grew in leaps and bounds under the pressure of NPL football to become one of the league’s most respected glovemen. Blessed with considerable reach and an athletic frame, the spidery Stein’s fingertip saves regularly drew raucous applause from the City faithful both home and away.

Stein was nominated to the Supporters XI by 2013 Northern Fury Head Coach Gareth Edds.

Daniel Sharov (Left Wing)

Predominantly playing with the Brisbane City Under 20 squad, Daniel Sharov impressed CQFC Energy coach Ray Wood so much in his twelve senior appearances that former Leicester City coach nominated him his Supporters XI ahead of City’s first choice striker Antonio Murray.

Strong, fast and imposing, Sharov has a bright future at the senior level, as demonstrated with his goal against Sunshine Coast Fire in the NPL Queensland Finals Series.

Wood said of Sharov’s season, “He is an exceptional striker - tall, strong and technically very good. Also a great decision maker, it was very sad city did not use him more often.”

Tom Shannon (Centre Back)

American import Tom Shannon wore the captain’s armband for City through much of the season before departing following an offer from Victorian Premier League club Dandenong Thunder. An excellent communicator, Shannon fused City’s backline in to a near impenetrable wall with a series of commanding performances.

Strong in the air, and with impressive distribution playing out from the back, Shannon’s absence had the potential to derail City’s campaign, before Mat Biggins was slotted into the vacant centre half position to great effect for the rest of the season.

Shannon was nominatd to the Supporters XI by FNQ FC Heat Technical Director Chris Collins and Palm Beach Sharks head coach Grae Piddick. Piddick said of the American, “A top centre back until he moved south. Strong in the air and tackle as well as good in possession.”

Luca Jannese (Centre Back)

One of several defensive revelations for City this year, Luca Jannese proved adaptable and stoic in the backline for Glen Volker’s side. One of a new breed of young Australian defenders, Jannese possesses all the traits needed to make it to the next level – strength, pace, passing and positioning.

Jannese was nominated to the Supporters XI by Olympic head coach Jim Bellas, who was particurlarly impressed with his showing during the hard-fought NPL Queensland Grand Final, which City lost on penalties.

Cameron Tew (Left Fullback)

Few positions are as specialised in football as left fullback, and Cameron Tew’s nomination endorses the hard work he has put in this year in the role for Brisbane City. Undaunted by even the paciest of wingers, Tew closed down some of the league’s biggest names with a composed demeanour that belied his intensity.

Tew was nominated to the Supporters XI by his own coach, Glen Volker, who said cited his attributes going forward as well as in defensive, describing him as an “excellent left-sided player.”

 

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)