Words: Staff Writer

Thank you to everyone that entered the 2014 PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Supporters' Team of the Year competition.

The winner of the PlayStation 4 prize pack will be contacted shortly with details of how to claim their prize.

Your 2014 PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Supporters' Team of the Year is...

 

Player Profiles

Shane Viitakangas (Palm Beach SC)

Arguably the break-out goalkeeper of the 2014 PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland season, Viitakangas delivered a league-best 12 clean sheets to win this season's Safe Hands Awardas and help Sharks to the Premiership-Championship double. Standing a looming two metres tall and still just 20 years old, the former Gold Coast junior representative player shined further on the national stage in both the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Finals Series and the Westfield FFA Cup this year.

Kazuya Ito (Olympic FC)

Japanese import Kazuya Ito quickly established himself as one of the most consistent competitors in Queensland last year and only enhanced his reputation this term. While also a force in midfield, Ito’s exceptional stamina and speed allow him to control a flank from fullback. The 27-year-old regularly surged forward and sliced through midfields to help his team to second straight Grand Final appearance.

Riley Dillon (Palm Beach SC)

Dillon was a key component of the Sharks’ highly effective counter-attacking transition this season at right fullback. Proving equally adept at shutting down opposing wingers or getting forward in wide areas himself, Dillon made 25 appearances across both the league and finals series and scored two goals.

Kristian Rees (Palm Beach SC)

The former Gold Coast United man was a key player in Sharks’ outstanding 2014 campaign, offering experience and guidance to his younger teammates. A true professional, who won the Hyundai A-League Premiership with Adelaide United in 2006, Rees’ composure in defence and distribution going forward proved the 34-year-old still has plenty to offer in the state’s elite club competition.

Matt Mundy (Olympic FC)

A championship winner at the professional level, Mundy again proved a constant performer in Olympic's backline this season. Calm under possession and adaptable, he proved crucial to the team’s flexibility as the club oscillated between three and four-man backline formations. Already signed on for 2015, his late season switch to left-back allowed for more options to be examined as Olympic competed qualified for second consecutive Grand Final and turned heads in the Westfield FFA Cup.

Alex Smith (FNQ FC Heat)

Receiving the most nominations of any player in the league, there is no doubt of the importance of Smith to Heat’s fortunes. Formerly with Hyundai A-League club Wellington Phoenix, the American midfielder proved equally adept as a playmaker and an attacking outlet, leading Heat’s goal scorers with 18 goals this season and helping the team to a second placed league finish. He also scored Heat’s sole goal of their historic Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 appearance against Sydney United 58.

Jake McLean (Olympic FC)

Canny midfielder McLean captured the ethos of the competition in 2014, continuing to develop his game to a level at which he starred on the national stage. His three Westfield FFA Cup goals aside, McLean grew into a key player for Olympic FC as he supplied the goals for Reuben Way and Danny Byrne while adding an impressive eight of his own. At just 21, his agility and quick feet can continue to confound opposition markers for years to come

Devante Clut (Brisbane Roar FC NYL)

Few players hold as much promise as the 18-year-old Roar midfielder. Clut made eight appearances for the Hyundai A-League club’s youth team in the early part of the season before returning to train with the senior squad in preparation for the upcoming campaign. His energy, distribution and control figured prominently in Roar’s early season charge up the ladder, and was sorely missed in the back end of the season as Roar finished the season in eighth place.

Danny Byrne (Olympic FC)

Olympic captain Byrne backed up his 2013 tally of 20 goals by again reaching double figures as his side fell just short of defending their title. Troubled by niggling injuries, Byrne’s leadership and quality on the ball shined through as he delivered 11 goals from 25 appearances. Considered a club stalwart, his stoppage time winner in a see-sawing Semi Final win over FNQ FC Heat will be talked about for years to come by the Olympic faithful.

Jai Ingham (Brisbane Roar FC NYL)

A break-out year in 2013 saw Ingham make his Hyundai A-League debut, however he continued his development into the winter months as part of Roar’s youth team. Blessed with blistering pace, astute positioning and an eye for goal, Roar proved a far more devastating side with Ingham in the line-up. A mid-season break effectively ended his chances of the Golden Boot, but the 21-year-old still chimed in with an impressive 13 goals in 11 appearances.

Chris Lucas (Palm Beach SC)

The former Gold Coast United youth player terrorised defences across the state this year with a blistering return of 35 goals in the regular season and finals campaign combined. The 22-year-old's sharp turn of pace and composed finishing grab the headlines as his club won the Premiership and Championship double, however Lucas' defensive work proved just as crucial as he battled tirelessly to win back possession for his side. Lucas capped off an outstanding year by being crowned PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Most Valuable Player for 2014.