Olympic FC swept all before them in the first year of NPL Queensland with their entertaining brand of attacking football, finishing first in the league before prevailing on penalties in the Grand Final.

Scoring an 90 goals across the regular season, Olympic represented Queensland in the NPL Finals Series, where they battled valiantly before falling 4-3 to Sydney United 58 FC.

In reward for their outstanding campaign, Olympic FC received seven nominations to the Supporters XI.

Ross Archibald (Central Midfield)

Take one look at Ross Archibald and you won’t be surprised by the impact he had in just half a season. Tall and imposing, the defensive midfielder combines his athletic power with top notch passing ability both short and long.

The 2012/2013 Brisbane Roar NYL Player of the Year carried his form in the opening months of Olympic’s season before being picked up on a youth contract by Melbourne Heart, where his determination is harnessed as captain in central-defence.

Archibald was nominated to the Supporters XI Brisbane Strikers head coach David Large, who praised his strong defensive abilities and technical ability.

Kazuya Ito (Left Fullback)

Initially implanted into a left-fullback role, the quality of Kazuya Ito saw him become the anchor of a deep Olympic FC midfield by season’s end. The Japanese import moved from marauding defender to calming central influence midway through the season and his teammates were the beneficiaries, while he grabbed his own personal glory with both a goal and penalty in Olympic’s dramatic shootout Grand Final win.

Known around the Olympic sheds as simply “Kazu”, Ito was nominated to the Supporters XI by four NPL Queensland coaches, including QAS head coach Josh McCloughan, who said, “He has a good understanding of the role and he makes things happen.”

Jake McLean (Left Midfield)

Energetic midfielder Jake McLean was something of an unsung hero for Olympic FC, notching 22 appearances and contributing five goals to their double-winning season. The former Brisbane Roar youth player belies his small stature with a box-to-box attitude, spreading possession as it feeds from deep before lurking in and around the penalty area.

Still only 20 years of age, McLean has already proved a penchant for the big occasion – notching a classy header in Olympic’s NPL Semi Finals loss to Sydney United 58 FC.

He was nominated to the Supporters XI by Striker head coach David Large, who said, “He’s a true number 10 -  he gets into forward areas and influences a game.”

Danny Byrne (Left Wing/ Right Wing/ Right Midfield/ Left Midfield)

Few at Olympic were happier than captain Danny Byrne when he lifted the championship trophy in September. The club’s longest serving player was appointed captain prior to the inaugural NPL Queensland season and inspired his side with 20 goals from left-wing and a hand in at least twice that many.

His rapport with fellow nominees Tim Smits and Jai Ingham in the front three fired Olympic towards the top scorer’s title, despite being arguably more comfortable as a central midfielder.

That versatility came to the forefront in the nomination process, with Byrne selected in no less than four positions and receiving one of the highest number of personal nominations with eight.

Among his list of admirers is Sunshine Coast Fire head coach Kevin A’Herne-Evans, who said of Byrne, “His ability to influence big games is his most understated atrtibute. Energetic, skilful, creative and an all-round joy to watch.”

Jai Ingham (Right Wing/ Left Wing)

The breakout star of Olympic FC’s double-winning season. That Jai Ingham scooped the club’s Most Improved award from a season in which he also earned a Brisbane Roar National Youth League contract is testament to the 20-year-old’s sharp ascent.

Quick, direct and armed with a lethal cross, the right-sided attacker is a winger in the traditional mould but possesses the modern ability to drive in front the left or unsettle defenders through the middle.

Ingham received six nominations to the Supporters XI, predominantly on the wing, however his versatility saw Western Pride head coach Kasey Wehrman nominate him on the left, where he closed out the match to devastating effect in the Grand Final.

Tim Smits (Striker)

Unassuming when away from the pitch, and yet a warrior on it, Tim Smits’ workmanlike efforts at the top of the formation gave Olympic a hard-nosed edge this season. The former Brisbane Roar striker plundered 27 goals to only narrowly lose out on the golden boot to Antonio Murray.

Also a prolific provider of goal assists, few defenders across the league will remember their matchups against the muscular centre-forward as comfortable – especially when trying to outmuscle the 27 year old to a header.

Smits’ outstanding season saw him receive five nominations for the Supporters XI. Palm Beach Sharks head coach Grae Piddick said of Smits, “He is the best target striker in the league. Good with both his feet and in the air.”

Matt Mundy (Centre Back)

The ultra-attacking philosophy of Olympic drove them to a premiership and Grand Final win, but without the experience of Matt Mundy as defensive glue it might all have come unstuck. Still only 26 years old, but exuding a confidence well beyond his years,Mundy signed on for the maiden NPL Queensland season following three years with Brisbane Roar in the A-League.

Pacey and with a preference for dribbling out from the back, Mundy was key in enforcing Olympic’s high line and drive from defence.

Mundy was nominated to Supporters XI by Brisbane City head coach Glen Volker and Moreton Bay Jets head coach Terry Kirkham.

 

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: Matt Dorman (Olympic FC) & Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)