Sunshine Coast Fire were the stand-out defensive outfit of the 2013 NPL Queensland season. Conceding a league best 22 goals in the regular season, Fire delivered an organised brand of football that proved difficult to break down for even the best attacks.

Fire finished the season in third place in the league before their season concluded with a semi-final defeat to Brisbane City. Fire received seven nominations in the Supporters XI

 

Antony Hall (Goalkeeeper)

Veteran goalkeeper Antony Hall was the unquestioned star of Fire’s season, culminating at the NPL Queensland honours where he was recognised with the Safe Hands Award for goalkeeper of the year.

One of the most consistent shot-stoppers in the league, Hall’s symbiotic relationship with his back four was the foundation upon which Fire’s season was built and frustrated some of the best strikers in the league.

Hall was nominated to the Supporters XI by QAS head coach Josh McCloughan as well as Fire head coach Kevin A’Herne-Evans. A’Herne-Evans said of his first choice goalkeeper, “He is a calming influence on the team and has proven himself time and time again as the best goal keeper outside the A-League in QLD.”

Grieg Henslee (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.”

Ryan Smith (Centre Back)

The other half of Fire’s formidable centre-half pairing, Ryan Smith’s defensive double-act with Henslee closed-down attackers right across the state this season. Originally from Maroochydore, the 31 year old Smith was a fan favourite of the Fire fans during the club’s successful QSL campaigns, and brought that form into the new National Premier Leagues format.

Strong in the challenge and always difficult to beat in the air, Smith’s experience and skills proved invaluable as Fire proved a good football team is built from the back.

Smith was nominated to the Supporters XI by his Sunshine Coast Fire head coach Kevin A’Herne-Evans, who described him as Fire's “Mr Consistent”. He was also nominated by former Socceroo and current Western Pride head coach Kasey Wehrman.

Nico Bechar (Left Winger/Left Midfield)

Frenchman Nico Bechar was the impetus for much of Fire’s attacking forays this season. Bechar’s ability to control the ball at pace on the left flank regularly brought the Fire fans to their feet, but it was his well-timed runs that often brought opposition defences undone.

Able to cut back inside to fashion a shot on goal, or whip in a pin-point cross, Bechar’s contributions were invaluable for a Fire side that occasionally struggled to find the back of the net – concluding the campaign with nine goals, including a hat-trick against CQFC Energy.

Nominated to the Supporters XI by five NPL Queensland coaches in both the left wing and left midfield roles. FNQ FC Heat Technical Director Chris Collins was in doubt as to BEchar’s abilities, “He was absolute quality the night we played Fire and streets ahead of anyone else on the field.”

Keito Tahara (Centre Midfield)

One of Fire’s skilful Japanese imports, Tahara’s still developing English skills meant he let his football do most of the talking. A genuinely two-footed player and still only 19 years old, the compact midfielder impressed with his sharp turns and ability to evade challenges from bigger opponents.

While not a prolific goal scorer himself, Tahara’s quick distribution launched many of Fire’s attacking foray’s, with his understanding with Bechar proving particularly potent.

Tahara was nominated to the Supporters XI by FNQ FC Heat Technical Director Chris Collins, who said, “He was at the heart of every breaking attack against us.”

Takanori Sato (Left Fullback)

A well-round fullback, Takanori Sato impressed many with his defensive resolve and attacking instincts this year. Solid in the air, and composed in one-on-one defensive situations, Sato also showed outstanding vision and passing range when launching Fire forward in transition.

Sato was nominated to the Supporters XI by former Northern Fury head coach Gareth Edds, Western Pride head coach Kasey Wehrman and Palm Beach Sharks’ Grae Piddick. Piddick said of his selection, “he is great defensively and good going forward to join the attack in combination with Nico Bechar.”

Sam Knight (Right Back)

Rounding out Fire’s nominations, Sam Knight demonstrated all the necessary qualities of a full back capable of playing at the highest level. Equally at home in the attacking third as in his own half, Knight scored five goals and was involved in the build-up of many more.

One of Fire’s experienced campaigners following his time in the QSL, Knight’s consistency and never-say-die attitude saw him play all but 20 minutes of the season.

Knight is nominated to the Supporters XI by Brisbane Strikers head coach David Large, who said, “Quick and technically sound, he has a good engines to overlap with his solid defensive attributes.”

 

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)