As four teams prepare to go to battle in this weekend’s Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) Semi Finals, some key players will go head-to-head in the hopes of booking their side a Grand Final spot.
Recently-crowned FQPL Premiers Sunshine Coast Wanderers will take on Ipswich Knights, before Capalaba FC clash with Rochedale Rovers.
Below are four key players who can make an impact for their team in this weekend’s must-win Semi Finals.
SUNSHINE COAST WANDERERS v IPSWICH KNIGHTS
Jeremy Stewart – Sunshine Coast Wanderers
This year’s FQPL Golden Boot winner, Jeremy Stewart has been one of the most influential players in the competition for 2019.
The Sunshine Coast Wanderers forward led his side to the Premiership, scoring 20 goals in 18 regular season matches to help his team secure promotion, and claiming the Golden Boot in the process.
Stewart’s remarkable goal scoring form also saw the young striker score a brace on seven occasions this year.
A standout player in the 2019 FQPL competition, Stewart appeared in the FQ Team of the Week on six occasions.
He will be a key player for Sunshine Coast in this weekend’s Semi Final against an Ipswich Knights side who will bring confidence into the clash after a solid elimination finals win.
Wanderers meanwhile had last weekend off and will come into this match off the back of their 3-0 Round 18 victory.
In a side boasting a number of strong players, Sunshine Coast will fancy their chances against Ipswich Knights if Stewart continues his incredible goal scoring form.
Emmanuel Peter – Ipswich Knights
Ipswich Knight’s Emmanuel Peter has been one of the most consistent players for his side in 2019.
The midfielder has proved that he can also find the back of the net, scoring seven goals for Ipswich Knights throughout the year.
One of his side’s strongest players in the 2019 season, the former South Sudan national squad representative has made an impressive five FQPL Team of the Week appearances and will look to make an impact as his team come up against Premiers Sunshine Coast Wanderers.
Ipswich Knights dominated their elimination final clash against Logan Lightning, sending the third-placed side packing in a 2-1 win that would have surprised some.
The lowest-placed remaining team now face an even bigger challenge in this weekend’s Semi Final as they come up against recently-promoted Sunshine Coast Wanderers.
Peter will no doubt be a key player for Ipswich Knights in their upcoming Finals Series match, and will need to be at his best if he is to help his side book their spot in the FQPL Grand Final.
MATCH DETAILS:
Sunshine Coast Wanderers v Ipswich Knights
Saturday, 17 August, 6pm
Cornubia Park
CAPALABA FC v ROCHEDALE ROVERS
Ryo Ono – Capalaba FC
Capalaba FC’s Ryo Ono has been key to his side’s attack all year,.
The speedy forward proved a handful for defence throughout the 2019 FQPL season, earning himself seven Team of the Week appearances in a solid season for the top two team.
The influential player scored 10 goals in 18 matches for his side, none of which were more important than the two goals scored in Capalaba’s Round 18 victory against Logan Lightning.
Ono’s brace not only booked Capalaba a spot in the Semi Finals, but also earned his team promotion to the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland competition in the must-win final round clash against their top three rivals.
After successfully securing promotion, Capalaba’s focus will now turn to claiming FQPL Grand Final glory.
After a week off in the elimination finals, Capalaba will face Rochedale Rovers in this weekend’s Semi Final and if Ono can repeat his heroics, he can help his side secure their spot in the 2019 Grand Final.
Graham Fyfe – Rochedale Rovers
Rochedale Rovers’ Graham Fyfe has been one of his side’s most influential players this year.
Rochedale’s leading goal scorer, the attacking midfielder has netted 12 goals in 19 games, including an impressive five-goal haul against Souths United in Round 18.
His consistent form has seen him make seven FQPL Team of the Week appearances for the 2019 season.
Rochedale Rovers battled it out in a close match with Mitchelton FC last weekend to book their spot in the Semi Finals with a 3-2 win.
The only thing now standing in Rochedale’s way of an FQPL Grand Final appearance is Capalaba FC.
As the side prepare to face Capalaba in Sunday’s Semi Final clash, they will no doubt look to the former Redlands United NPL Queensland player to help them to victory.
While Capalaba will be a tough side to face, Fyfe can make a huge impact on the game if he is at his best this weekend.
MATCH DETAILS:
Capalaba FC v Rochedale Rovers
Sunday, 18 August, 5:30pm
Teralba Park