Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce the four nominees for the 2019 National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland Young Player of the Year Award.

Oskar Dillon, Alex Fiechtner, Tommy Jarrard and Jez Lofthouse have been nominated for the NPL Queensland Young Player of the Year Award, which will be presented at the 2019 Football in Queensland Awards Night next month.

Defender Oskar Dillon had a brilliant year for his Gold Coast Knights side that went on to win the 2019 NPL Queensland Grand Final. The 20-year-old helped Knights record 12 clean sheets throughout the season thanks to his consistent efforts in defence and scored two goals in the regular season, not including a stunning free-kick that secured his side the Grand Final trophy. Dillon featured in the Team of the Week on three occasions this year, also earning himself a spot in the 2019 Team of the Season.

Brisbane City FC young-gun Alex Fiechtner had another standout year for his side in 2019. Scoring 12 goals in 24 matches throughout the season, he helped City to a number of their victories and finished as their second highest goal-scorer. Fiechtner’s efforts saw him make an appearance in the NPL Queensland Team of the Week three times in 2019.

Lions FC’s Tommy Jarrard was key to his side’s Premiership-winning defence that conceded the least number of goals in the league. The centre-back was an instrumental part of Lions’ success in 2019, featuring in every game and contributing to their tally of 13 clean sheets throughout the season. The young defender earned a spot in the Team of the Week on five occasions this year, also featuring in the 2019 Team of the Season.

The 2018 NPL Queensland Young Player of the Year, Jez Lofthouse had another outstanding season with Olympic FC this year. The skillful and pacy winger caused havoc for defences, scoring eight goals in 2019, and played a key role in his side qualifying for back-to-back Grand Finals with his winning goal in the Semi Final against Lions FC. Lofthouse appeared in the Team of the Week five times to also secure his spot in the 2019 Team of the Season.

READ: NPL Player of the Year nominees announced
READ: NPLW Player of the Year nominees announced
READ: FQPL Player of the Year nominees announced

How players are nominated

As per the 2019 Competition Regulations, the Young Player of the Year is awarded to the player, aged 20 years or younger at the start of the season, who finishes highest in their respective competition’s voting for the Player of the Season at the conclusion of the regular season.

A player is ineligible to win the Young Player of the Year Award if the player has been suspended as a result of receiving a direct red card in a match or as a result of a Disciplinary Committee Hearing or Match Review Panel, as stated in the 2019 Competition Regulations.

The 2019 Football in Queensland Awards Night will be held on Saturday, 2 November in the Grand Windsor Ballroom at the Pullman Hotel in Brisbane.

A variety of awards will be presented on the night, recognising the outstanding achievements of individuals and clubs at both community level and from FQ’s Premier competitions.

Buy tickets to the 2019 Football in Queensland Awards Night here.

Find out more about the 2019 Football in Queensland Awards Night.