Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Western Pride FC

Midfield dynamo Lincoln Rule claimed two major awards at Western Pride’s annual senior awards night on Friday at Ipswich Turf Club.

The 23 year old, who trialled with Brisbane Roar in their pre-season campaign, was honoured as the Senior Men’s Player of the Year, in addition to being acknowledged as the Players’ Player by his senior teammates.

Talismanic striker Peter Drager was also recognised as the senior men’s team’s Best and Fairest for the second straight year after delivering a club best 14 goals for Pride through the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland campaign.

Rule was also a regular stand-out despite an up-and-down season for Pride, scoring eight goals in 22 appearances.

Born and raised in Ipswich, Rule said he was particularly honoured to be recognised by his teammates.

“I really appreciate both the awards and they mean a lot to me but to be voted the best player by my peers is something that I cherish and really appreciate,” he said.

“I can’t speak highly enough of my teammates this season. We didn’t have the most successful year but we always worked hard for each other and always gave one hundred per cent.”

Despite the inconsistent results on the pitch Rule said there were plenty of positives to take out of the 2014 campaign for the club, including a 6-2 win over Brisbane Roar NYL in the final round.

“Even though we only won five games, we did manage to win against decent opposition,” Rule explained.

“Hopefully next season we can build upon what we achieved, go one step further and push for mid-table and maybe if we have a good year even push for the finals.”

Rule’s performances not only brought him to the attention of Brisbane Roar, but also other PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland clubs. He said that he will take time in the off-season to consider his options for 2015.

“Now that I’ve had the opportunity to trial with Brisbane Roar I want to push on next season and that’s my main objective.”

“My priority is to stay with the Pride and (new Pride coach) Karl Dodd seems like a good coach and a good route forward.”

“But next season is a big year for me so I’ve got to look at it from my own perspective and make a decision that best suits me.”

Departing Pride coach Kasey Wehrman, who will return to Norway in December, explained that Rule’s performances this year demonstrated to the wider Ipswich football community the pathway Pride can offer to local talent.

“The important thing is that it shows that kids from the area can go through and go on to lead their local club,” Wehrman said.

“He’s played football for Ipswich Knights and Western Spirit, and now he’s found himself a home at Western Pride and is at a level he should be playing at.”

“The kids that we’ve got coming through from the 12’s and the 13’s are really taking big steps and hopefully we can keep them right through until they become senior players as well – that’s the vision of the club,” he added.

Rule was also eager to acknowledge the contribution of the former Socceroo to his outstanding season.

“I wouldn’t be half the player I am today if it wasn’t for Kasey,” Rule concluded.

The awards were presented by Ipswich City Councillor David Morrison and guests included former Socceroo and club patron Gary Wilkins, Football Queensland representatives and Pride's South-East Queensland Women's team, who will compete in NPL Queensland's inaugural Senior Women's competition next season.

Stand out performers from Pride’s junior and youth PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland teams have also been recognised for their contributions this season, with the junior awards presented the previous week at separate function.

A full list of award winners is provided below.

Under 12 Boys 
Best and Fairest - Lucas Vink
Player's Player - Jeremy Van Walsum

Under 13 Girls
Best and Fairest - Madeleen Ahki
Player's Player - Darcie Jones

Under 13 Boys
Best and Fairest - Jarrod Hyslop
Player's Player - Lucas Priaulx

Under 14 Boys
Best and Fairest - Mitchell Herrman
Player's Player - Mitchell Husband

Under 15 Girls
Best and Fairest - Camilla Ahki
Player's Player - Jasmin Graham

Under 15 Boys
Best and Fairest - Dylan Moore
Player's Player - Salomon Lukonga

Under 16 Boys
Best and Fairest - Michael Drew
Player's  Player - Ricardo Maravilla

Under 18 Men
Best and Fairest Player - Matthew Owen
Player's Player - Owen Foster

Youth Men
Best and Fairest - Daniel Kleinhans
Player's Player - Cameron Kleinhans

Senior Men
Best and Fairest Player - Peter Drager
Player's Player - Lincoln Rule

Men's Senior Player of the Year - Lincoln Rule