The Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) Northern Men’s league kicks off this weekend, with nine teams across the competition battling it out for the top spot.  

The newly structured FQPL Northern competition replaces the NQ Premier League, which in 2021 saw MA Olympic claim both the Premiership and Grand Final titles.  

Established in 2022 as part of the Future of Football 2020+ reforms, the league sits within the Northern Conference and includes nine teams from Burdekin, Ingham and Townsville. 

For 2022, the FQPL Northern Men’s league includes Brother Townsville, Burdekin FC, Estates FC, Ingham FC, MA Olympic, Rebels FC, Saints Eagles South, Townsville Warriors and the new addition of Riverway JCU.  

During the 2021 season of the NQ Premier League, MA Olympic was the league’s top contender recording 16 wins and only two losses. Finishing the season as Premiers and Grand Final winners, the team also had Anthony Goweid finish in second place of top goal scorers with 18 goals in 17 matches.  

While the team’s attacking strategies were strong, their defensive efforts proved to be key as they only conceded 12 goals, the best defensive record of the whole season.  

Brothers Townsville also performed strongly as they finished in second place overall and recorded the best attacking return with 72 goals. Liam Phelps was key in this feat as he claimed the Golden Boot, scoring 22 goals in 24 matches. Francis Witt also contributed to the team’s form as he recorded 15 goals across 24 matches.  

When Brothers face MA Olympic in Round 8, it will be an intriguing battle to see whether their lethal attack can outmatch their opponent’s ruthless defense.  

Saints Eagles South, Townsville Warriors, Burdekin and Rebels all finished in consecutive places, recording similar wins and losses, indicating how crucial every match will be for teams and their final positions on the ladder.  

With the Australia Cup well under way in the Northern region, many teams from the league have already displayed their abilities and forms. MA Olympic showcased their tenacity by progressing through the cup, first beating Estates FC in Round 3 before winning against Brothers Townsville in Round 4 and Burdekin in Round 5.  

If the team’s success in the Australia Cup is any indication, MA Olympic will prove to make it difficult for the league as they defend their title.  

The first round of the FQPL Northern Men’s, which kicks off this Saturday, will see Rebels take on Burdekin, Townsville Warriors will play Ingham while MA Olympic will go head-to-head with Saints Eagles South. Estates will play the newly added Riverway JCU while Brothers Townsville will have a bye.  

View FQPL Northern Men’s fixtures here.   

Follow all the action from the FQPL Northern on the FQ Northern Facebook and Instagram.