Young Player of the Year Contenders

Luke Pavlou (Anthony Napoli)

Words: Staff Writers
Image: Anthony Napoli

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.

Hamish Cassady - Northern Fury FC
(Image: Greg Hamblin)

It was a tough year for Fury on the scoreboard but despite finishing bottom of the table there will still several of individual stand-outs for the Townsville club – including young Hamish Cassady. The 19-year-old fullback provided an element of the unexpected when on the ball and quickly became a fan favourite in Townsville. Recognition of his performances could well be the silver-lining Fury fans need after a long year. 

 

Jesse Daley – Brisbane Roar FC Youth
(Image: Sam Attwood)

It was a breakthrough year for Daley, who took the captain’s armband and shone with a series of consistent and influential performances in the Young Roar midfield. His handy return of five goals punctuated the highlight reels, but it was his unceasing presence in the build-up to many more that earned plaudits and has him touted as a potential future Hyundai A-League star.

 

Grant De Chastel – Sunshine Coast FC
(Image: Sam Attwood)

Despite a disappointing campaign for Fire, 2016 delivered plenty of plusses for 20-year-old midfielder De Chastel - one of three Queensland-based finalists for the PS4 Player Pathway Award. His no-nonsense and unrelenting approach proved crucial as Fire’s mid-season resurgence stunned the rest of the league. However, a win in the Young Player of the Year honour will prove bitter-sweet for Fire fans, with De Chastel reportedly switching to local outfit Noosa Lions for 2017.

Hayden Mchenery – Western Pride FC/Brisbane Roar FC Youth
(Image: Ray Gardner)

Starting the year with Pride, McHenery made the most of his chances at fullback and earned a deserved mid-season move to Young Roar under then-coach Josh McCloughan. Composed and deliberate, he continued to shine despite competition from some of the state’s most promising youngsters to become a regular in orange and seems destined to continue his journey this summer in the Foxtel National Youth League…and perhaps even further.

 

Luke Pavlou – Brisbane City FC
(Image: Anthony Napoli)

Departing Brisbane Roar in the off-season – after making his Hyundai A-League debut, no less – Pavlou showed the determination crucial to succeed at the highest levels with an impressive season at City under John Kosmina. A constant presence in midfield, Pavlou’s high work-rate and distribution frustrated many an opponent as he took command of the central third week-in, week-out for the Azzuri.

 

Joe Duckworth – Western Pride FC
(Image: Patrick Kearney)

Another young player that has shined as a result of Pride’s development ethos. Duckworth delivered a club-best 11 goals in 2016 – his best return yet in the national second tier. His confidence was further boosted by his selection as a finalist in the PS4 Player Pathway Award, suggesting that not only should he be well in the running for Young Player of the Year, but that 2017 looks likely to be bigger and better yet for the ambitious 19-year-old.

 

Jesse Rigby – Western Pride FC
(Image: Gordon Reeves Whitehead Studio)

A young leader of a young team, Pride’s captain displayed maturity and consistency well beyond his 19-years throughout the 2016 season. A ruthless and increasingly well-rounded presence in both defence and midfield, Rigby did the unglamorous tasks that escape the highlight reels but are nonetheless crucial to an effective team. His efforts earned him a finalists place in the PS4 Player Pathway Award – a good omen for a tilt at the Young Player of the Year honour.




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