Supporters XI Nominees – Palm Beach Sharks
Palm Beach Sharks battled hard in mid-table this season in the club’s first foray into state-wide competition, eventually finishing the season in ninth place. The team proved highly competitive though and caught several opponents off guard with their swift counter-attacks.
Two Sharks players were nominated for the Supporters XI vote by the coaching staff at the NPL Queensland clubs.
Riley Dillon (Right Fullback)
Defenders often don’t get the plaudits often bestowed on those at the other end of the pitch, however 18 year old Shark’s defender Riley Dillon must’ve done something right to gain plaudits in a team that struggled for defensive consistency this year.
Originally from Coffs Harbour on the New South Wales north coast, Dillon has already left his mark on Queensland football. Often deployed in a full back role, Dillon got forward on occasion to great effect, chiming in with a goal in Round 3 against Queensland Academy of Sport.
Dillon was nominated by Brisbane City head coach Glen Volker, who said: “He’s a very strong young player who performed well against many more ‘fancied’ attackers throughout the year.”
Chris Lucas (Right Winger)
The former Gold Coast United youth team player was a stand-out performer for Sharks in an otherwise underwhelming campaign. Equally at ease at the top of the formation, Lucas played in a wide role and regularly dropped deep to get on the ball and launch the Sharks’ notorious counter-attack.
Quick as a whippet with the ball at his feet, Lucas also demonstrated his ability in front of goal – leading his club with 15 goals through the campaign.
His Palm Beach coach Grae Piddick summed up the 21 year old’s performances: “15 goals and 15 assists in a bottom table team. Lightning on the counter and great crosser of the ball.”
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)
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