The Kappa Festival of Football is drawing closer and Football Queensland (FQ) has finalised the goalkeeper shortlists for the Queensland and NPL All-Stars teams ahead of December’s blockbuster matches against New South Wales and Brisbane Roar.
Read on for more information about the contenders, or visit our explainer article for more details on how FQ is selecting the players and coaches who will represent the state.
And don’t forget to snap up discounted tickets for all seven Kappa Festival of Football clashes before the early bird sale ends on Wednesday, 11 November!
Goalkeepers | Queensland Women’s Squad Contenders
Mia Bailey (QAS): Named Goalkeeper of the Tournament for her age group at the 2018 FFA National Youth Championships for Girls, Cairns product Bailey looks to have an extremely bright future in front of her.
Elizabeth Hollitt (SWQ Thunder): Continues to shine even amid SWQ’s struggles, notching three Team of the Week appearances this season.
Keeley Richards (Logan Lightning): Impressed in goal for Logan last season and hasn’t let those standards slip in 2020, helping her side concede fewer goals than all but three teams.
Murphy Sheaff (Souths United): The New Zealand youth representative has earned a regular starting XI spot in her first season with Souths. Won Save of the Month for September.
Isabella Shuttleworth (Lions FC): Though still young, Shuttleworth has successfully handled the pressure that naturally comes with wearing the gloves for a top team like Lions.
Cassandra Zaffina (Gold Coast United): Formerly an attacker and once with South Melbourne, Zaffina is now first choice in goal behind the NPL Women’s best defence.
Goalkeepers | Queensland Men’s Squad Contenders
Luke Borean (Lions FC): The 30-year-old is a big presence in Lions’ goal, and is renowned for being among the top keepers in the NPL Men’s competition. One of the best penalty savers around.
Lachlan Hunter (Olympic FC): An important part of Olympic’s miserly defensive record this season, not least because of his noted build-up play and distribution abilities.
Josh Langdon (Gold Coast Knights): Seven clean sheets in 2020 underline his value to Knights. Routinely a mature performer beyond his young years.
Aidan Munford (Gold Coast United): New Zealand Under-23 representative who is more than capable with the ball at his feet. Produced two Save of the Month contenders in September alone.
Michael Weier (Capalaba FC): The two-time NPL Victoria Goalkeeper of the Year boasts an impressive resume, which features a pair of NPL Men’s Premierships. Has proved a shrewd pick-up for Capalaba this season.
Brendan White (Brisbane Strikers): Quality shot stopper who commands his area well. White has had Hyundai A-League stints with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory.
Head to the Kappa Festival of Football page now for full details and tickets for all seven matches!
Words: Adam Cattell & Matt Dorman
