Words: Emily Wilson

Sunshine Coast Fire talent Jed Zanos was recognised as the club’s Rising Star at Fire’s 2014 Presentation nights held last week.

The Senior Presentation recognised the wealth of young, talented footballers who stepped up to play senior football for the first time this year, including 17-year-old Zanos.

Zanos made his debut in the Fire first team after moving from community club Buderim Wanderers, and quickly became a regular in the first team squad.

Fire Technical Director Kevin A’herne-Evans Zanos was a worthy recipient of the Rising Star honour.

“Jed played 20 games for the first team after making his debut in round 4. He has great athleticism and the ability to break through midfield lines with his ball running ability,” he said.

Wade Zammit, 23, was also recognised as Fire’s Player of the Year in addition to the Player’s Player Award for his contributions as stand-in captain in the absence of Paul Arnison.

Zammit’s commanding presence in the backline and his strong work ethic proved him a vital cog in a Fire side that finished the season eighth in the league standings.

“Wade played every minute of every game,” A’herne-Evans said.

“For his first season as a centre-back in the NPL he adapted terrifically and will undoubtedly go on to be one of the better defenders in the league.”

Japanese import Futa Nakamura was also acknowledged as the team’s highest goalscorer, recovering from an early season meniscus injury to net 13 goals in 19 appearances.

“Nakamura is a top finisher that is lethal of both feet and also competent in the air,” A’herne-Evans said.

Earlier in the week, Fire recognised the contributions of the club’s junior NPL teams.

“Our Juniors can all be pleased about their development this year,” A’herne-Evans said.

“The club extended the training program and the results are evident in the league standings and more importantly in the number of players selected to trial and represent the State at nationals and the NTC are consistent to 2013, showing good continuity in the program,” he said.

The complete list of Sunshine Coast Fire award winners is below.

Under 12 Boys
Player of the Year - Harry Arnison
Highest Goal Scorer - Jack Beardsley

Under 13 Girls
Player of the Year - Madison Simpson
Highest Goal Scorer - Jazlyn Salih

Under 13 Boys
Player of the Year - Daniel Cuttler
Highest Goal Scorer - Daniel Cuttler

Under 14 Boys
Player of the Year - Oliver Duncan
Highest Goal Scorer - Jesse Gibbs

Under 15 Girls
Player of the Year - Kirra Guy
Highest Goal Scorer - Michelle le Roux

Under 15 Boys
Player of the Year - Kobe Fuller
Highest Goal Scorer - Kobe Fuller

Under 16 Boys
Player of the Year - Tyler Morse
Highest Goal Scorer - Adam Edgar

Under 18 Boys
Player of the Year - Nikolas Taylor
Highest Goal Scorer - Jacob Fulluck

Men’s Youth Team
Player of the Year - Aidan Little
Highest Goal Scorer - Bryce Cuschieri

Senior Men’s Team
Player’s Player - Wade Zammit
Player of the Year - Wade Zammit
Highest Goal Scorer - Futa Nakamura

2014 Rising Star - Jed Zanos