Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce the four nominees for the 2019 National Premier Leagues Queensland Women’s (NPLW) Young Player of the Year Award.
Zoe Lambi, Kaytlyn Dale, Claire Farrington and Laini Freier have been nominated for the NPLW Young Player of the Year Award, which will be presented at the 2019 Football in Queensland Awards Night next month.
2018 NPLW Young Player of the Year winner Zoe Lambi had another standout year, contributing significantly to Eastern Suburbs’ resurgence in the second half of the 2019 season that saw them win nine consecutive matches to qualify for the Finals Series. During the regular season, the attacking midfielder scored 10 goals and recorded an impressive seven appearances in Team of the Week. Her consistent form also saw her earn a place in the 2019 NPLW Team of the Season.
Eastern Suburbs goalkeeper Kaytlyn Dale proved to be indispensable for her side in 2019, recording eight clean sheets, including four clean sheets in her final four games of the regular season. Playing a vital role in her side’s qualification for the Finals Series, Dale’s efforts earned her seven appearances in the Team of the Week, the most of any NPLW goalkeeper, and a spot in the 2019 NPLW Team of the Season.
Claire Farrington was an instrumental part of Logan Lightning’s defensive unit that helped claim their best ever NPLW finish in 2019. The young defender helped her side record five clean sheets and earned herself four appearances in the NPLW Team of the Week. Farrington’s excellent season was recently rewarded as she signed with Brisbane Roar FC for their upcoming Westfield W-League campaign.
Former Brisbane Roar/NTC midfielder Laini Freier was a consistent performer for her Gap FC side that finished the 2019 NPLW season in third place. The young talent was key in winning games for her side as she scored 16 goals across 16 matches this season, becoming the second top goal scorer for The Gap. Her efforts saw her appear in the Team of the Week on two occasions in 2019.
READ: 2019 NPLW Player of the Year nominees announced
READ: 2019 NPL Young 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.
Words: Vivien Topalovic