Following the overwhelming response from the Queensland public, we are proud to announce the 2013 NPL Queensland Supporters XI, as voted by you – the Queensland football public.

The final side contained a mix of players from regional and south-east Queensland, and from six different NPL Queensland clubs – with multiple selections for Premiers and Grand Final winners Olympic FC and recently crowned Australia Football Awards Team of the Year FNQ FC Heat.

NPL Queensland will be in contact with the competition winner of the signed Brisbane Roar football soon via email.

Thanks for your support, Queensland. And thanks for a great year of NPL football.

You can review the profiles of all the players selected for the Supporters XI below - congratulations to all the players selected for the 2013 NPL Queensland Supporters XI

Mikel Breckenridge (FNQ FC Heat) – Goalkeeper

Not only a stand out in his own team, but also one of the league’s stand-out shot-stoppers, Mikel Breckenridge proved hard to beat between the posts for Heat this year. His acrobatic saves and brave interventions drew positive gasps from the crowds, but his quick distribution also launched several telling counter attacks.

Brisbane City coach Glen Volker nominated Breckenridge to the Supporters XI and was in no doubt as to the 32 year old’s value to Heat. “His performances single-handedly kept his team in the contest on numerous occasions throughout the season.”

Alistair Quinn (Brisbane Strikers FC) – 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.”

Matt Mundy (Olympic FC)- Centre Back

The ultra-attacking philosophy of Olympic drove them to a premiership and Grand Final win, but without the experience of Matt Mundy as defensive glue it might all have come unstuck. Still only 26 years old, but exuding a confidence well beyond his years,Mundy signed on for the maiden NPL Queensland season following three years with Brisbane Roar in the A-League.

Pacey and with a preference for dribbling out from the back, Mundy was key in enforcing Olympic’s high line and drive from defence.

Mundy was nominated to Supporters XI by Brisbane City head coach Glen Volker and Moreton Bay Jets head coach Terry Kirkham.

Greig Henslee (Sunshine Coast FC Fire)– Centre Back

Football is a game of opinions, however the vast majority of NPL Queensland coaches identified Greig Henslee as the stand-out central defender in the league. Nominated by no less than nine coaches, Henslee’s positioning, tackling and strength in the air earned the bulk of the praise.

In addition to his technical qualities, Henslee was also Fire’s captain and led his side with a composed demeanour that brushed off on the rest of the squad. Leading by example, Henslee conceded only four yellow cards despite the perilous nature of the central defensive position.

Amongst those who nominated Henslee was former A-League defender, and current QAS head coach, Josh McCLoughan, who said, “He is a leader who defends like his life depends on it.”

FNQ FC Heat Technical Director Chris Collins also praised Henslee’s leadership, “He is a quality defender whose experience stood out a mile. He is composed, strong and doesn’t panic.”

Tomas Murphy (FNQ FC Heat) – Left Back

The Heat Player of the Year and renowned as one of the hardest workers in the NPL, Murphy was a vital cog in the Heat midfield season; however, his versatility and willingness to take on a challenge has seen FNQ FC Technical Director Chris Collins nominate him in a full back role in the Supporters XI.

Collins said of the 20 year old Leichardt Lions junior, “He can play in any position, he’s had a fantastic season and is an on field inspiration for us - I had to find him a place.”

Danny Byrne (Olympic FC)– Right Midfield

Few at Olympic were happier than captain Danny Byrne when he lifted the championship trophy in September. The club’s longest serving player was appointed captain prior to the inaugural NPL Queensland season and inspired his side with 20 goals from left-wing and a hand in at least twice that many.

His rapport with fellow nominees Tim Smits and Jai Ingham in the front three fired Olympic towards the top scorer’s title, despite being arguably more comfortable as a central midfielder.

That versatility came to the forefront in the nomination process, with Byrne selected in no less than four positions and receiving one of the highest number of personal nominations with eight.

Among his list of admirers is Sunshine Coast Fire head coach Kevin A’Herne-Evans, who said of Byrne, “His ability to influence big games is his most understated atrtibute. Energetic, skilful, creative and an all-round joy to watch.”

Michael Eisenhut (Northern Fury FC) – Centre Midfield

A double nominee, pint-sized New Zealander Michael Eisenhut was a constant presence in the Fury midfield this season resulting in him scooping the awards at Fury’s season-ending presentation  night. Eisenhut’s high work-rate both in attack and defence led him to being affectionately referred to as a ‘midfield terrier’ by opponents and admirers throughout the league.

Eisenhut earned his nominations to the Supporters XI from former Fury coach Gareth Edds and by Moreton Bay Jets coach Terry Kirkham. The two coaches have different approaches, but they both agreed that they would have nobody else patrolling the centre of the pitch than the man teammates call ‘Kiwi’ – high praise indeed.

Paul Eigl (FNQ FC Heat) - Left Midfield

The opening day derby hero, 22 year old midfielder Paul Eigl scored twice against Townsville’s Northern Fury to announce his arrival in the National Premier Leagues stage. Although he would only add one more goal to his tally through the season, Eigl’s passing, control and movement proved a handful for opponents all year as he combined to great effect with front man Jamie Carroll.

Eigl was nominated to the Supporters XI by CQFC Energy coach Ray Wood. He said of Eigl, “He had a very good first season and also has the potential to go far in 2014. Technically great and superb decision making.”

Jai Ingham (Olympic FC)- Right Wing

The breakout star of Olympic FC’s double-winning season. That Jai Ingham scooped the club’s Most Improved award from a season in which he also earned a Brisbane Roar National Youth League contract is testament to the 20-year-old’s sharp ascent.

Quick, direct and armed with a lethal cross, the right-sided attacker is a winger in the traditional mould but possesses the modern ability to drive in front the left or unsettle defenders through the middle.

Ingham received six nominations to the Supporters XI, predominantly on the wing, however his versatility saw Western Pride head coach Kasey Wehrman nominate him on the left, where he closed out the match to devastating effect in the Grand Final.

Tim Smits (Olympic FC)- Striker

Unassuming when away from the pitch, and yet a warrior on it, Tim Smits’ workmanlike efforts at the top of the formation gave Olympic a hard-nosed edge this season. The former Brisbane Roar striker plundered 27 goals to only narrowly lose out on the golden boot to Antonio Murray.

Also a prolific provider of goal assists, few defenders across the league will remember their matchups against the muscular centre-forward as comfortable – especially when trying to outmuscle the 27 year old to a header.

Smits’ outstanding season saw him receive five nominations for the Supporters XI. Palm Beach Sharks head coach Grae Piddick said of Smits, “He is the best target striker in the league. Good with both his feet and in the air.”

Reuben Way (Redlands United FC) – Left Wing

Strong and fast with the ball at his feet, few defenders relished the sight of Reuben Way coming at them down the left flank. Equally adept as playing in a teammate as scoring himself, the 23 year old forward notched up an impressive 18 goals across the campaign – including spectacular hauls of five against CQFC Energy and four against Palm Beach Sharks.

Way was nominated to the Supporters XI by Brisbane Strikers head coach David Large and Brisbane City head coach Glen Volker. Large summed up Way’s weapons succinctly – “He is big, strong and quick, with a deadly left foot.”

 

Words & Graphic: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)