Sheridan Is Thunder MVP
Words: Michael Flynn
Image: David Lobwein/SWQ Thunder FC
SWQ Thunder skipper Keagan Sheridan took out the top Men’s award at the club’s annual awards presentation last Friday night.
The awards were held at Rumours International Convention Centre in Toowoomba and saw presentations across all of the club’s PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland teams.
Senior men’s captain and PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars nominee Sheridan was recognised as the Most Valuable Player.
The 20-year-old centre back is Toowoomba product and returned to the club this year after a season with Western Pride, playing PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland matches for Thunder and scoring two goals.
Thunder coach Chris Wilkes said Sheridan’s contributions were outstanding throughout a tough season.
“It wasn’t a particularly successful season in terms of results but Keagan’s performances were good to see and many of the other coaches mentioned him to me after games so that proves how good he was for us,” Wilkes said.
“He’s played most of his footy except for last year in Toowoomba so he’s somebody that everybody respects and the award is well deserved."
Fellow PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars nominee Nykodah Smith was recognised as the club’s Rising Star - delivering four goals in 15 league appearances in 2015.
Wilkes said the 17-year-old striker had excelled in his first senior campaign after being promoted from the club’s Under 16 side.
“He’s a strong, determined kid and it’s been a huge step-up for him to battle it out against some of the best defenders including players who have played A-League like (Palm Beach SC's) Kristian Rees.”
Damien Saunders and club all-time leading goalscorer Thomas Fanning shared the Player’s Player award which was voted by their teammates.
“They have the respect of every single player in the club and this award is recognition of that,” Wilkes concluded.
Thunder’s emphasis on youth development also saw several players who made their senior debuts in 2015 recognised as stand-outs in the Youth Men’s and Under 18’s teams, including PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars nominee Kimba Kibombo.
SWQ Thunder FC 2015 Men’s and Boys Award Recipients:
Senior Men
Most Valuable Player - Keagan Sheridan
Player’s Player - Thomas Fanning & Damien Saunders
Rising Star - Nykodah Smith
Youth Men
Most Valuable Player - Sam Gray
Player’s Player - Phoyx-Martin Smith
Coach’s Award - Keegan Dixon
Under 18 Boys
Most Valuable Player - Kimba Kibombo
Player’s Player - Kyle Parish
Coach’s Award - Kaleb Burgess
Under 16 Boys
Most Valuable Player - Emmanuel Philip
Player’s Player - Noah Brazier
Coach’s Award - Anthony Passante
Under 15 Boys
Most Valuable Player - Brady Mason
Player’s Player - Mannyx Smith
Coach’s Award - Riley Lobwein
Under 14 Boys
Most Valuable Player - Keanu Tuart
Player’s Player - Dale Lenkeit
Coach’s Award - Ky Smith
Under 13 Boys
Most Valuable Player - Ed Poulton
Player’s Player - Luke Lister
Coach’s Award - Prasiddha Paudyal
Under 12 Boys
Most Valuable Player - Benjain Weier
Player’s Player - Jack DeBortoli
Coach’s Award - Menphys-Reyen Smith
Other Men's and Boys Award Recipients
Junior Golden Boot - Luke Lister
Senior Golden Boot - Tom Lister
Junior Safe Hands Award - Anthony Passante
Coach of the Year - Paul Smith
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.