Words: Staff Writers
Image: Chris Simpson

PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland is bristling with up-and-coming talents, but which players are in the running to take out this year's Young Player of the Year honour?

We’ve reviewed the footage, scoured the team sheets and split more than a few hairs to come up with the names that could be well in contention.

Abbey Lloyd – SWQ Thunder FC Women
(Image: Paul Smith)

Thunder’s top goal scorer in 2017 with a better than a-goal-a-game 23 goals, Lloyd was a constant threat in attack and a big reason behind the Toowoomba-based club’s highest ever finish on the table. Her physicality and speed contributed significantly to her performances and have brought her to the attention of Westfield W-League scouts.

 

Ayesha Norrie – Souths United FC Women
(Image: Chris Simpson)

A massive addition to Souths playing stocks this year, the 19-year-old Norrie brought her Westfield W-League experiences to the fore to help guide the club to their first ever top four finish. Her movement and positioning in midfield proved a constant asset in attack and defence and capped off her season with a return of 17 goals.

 

Charlotte Bohl – The Gap FC Women
(Image: Chris Simpson)

A player that demonstrated her abilities in the latter part of the season. Bohl struck seven goals in just six appearances for the Gators’ in contribution to their all-conquering season. Tipped as a player with plenty of prospect for the future – and only recently turned 16 -  she looms as a hot prospect to take her game to higher levels in future years.

 

Melissah von Bischoffshausen – Western Pride FC Women
(Image: Chris Simpson)

Despite missing out on the finals for a second straight year, Pride gave plenty of game time to promising younger players – including attacking midfielder von Bischoffshausen. Confident with the ball at her feet, the 19-year-old’s blitzing runs proved a constant challenge for defenders across the competition. Also found the back of the net twice in a lean goal-scoring year for the club.

 

Stephanie Foreman – Gold Coast City FC Women
(image: Gold Coast City FC)

City’s leading goal scorer in 2016, there was rarely a week where Foreman’s name didn’t grace the highlights or match reports. Her positioning and anticipation earned her a reputation as a crafty goal poacher and saw her find the back of the net 11 times. Her role in City’s transition was crucial whether on the scoresheet or not and could well prove a dark-horse for this year’s honour.

 

Victoria Brebner – Peninsula Power FC Women
(Image: Pensinsula Power FC)

A constant presence for Power in a tough year for the club, Brebner demonstrated her versatility by being switched from the attacking third to a defensive role. Known as one of the club’s most reliable performers, she also contributed as assistant coach with the club’s Under 13 Girls PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland team.