The wait is finally over for the FQPL 1 Women who get their 2023 season underway this weekend. It is shaping up to be one of the best seasons yet as teams fight for promotion to the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland or battle to avoid relegation to FQPL 2.
Round 1 will bring plenty of action when it all kicks off this Saturday afternoon. Moreton Bay United kick the season off against SWQ Thunder as the Jets look to secure their place back in the topflight after being relegated from the NPL competition last season.
THE FRESH FACES:
Moreton Bay are not the only new team in town; joining them in FQPL 1 are Gold Coast duo Robina City and Broadbeach United, who both earned promotion from the FQPL 2 at the conclusion of the 2022 season.
It was Robina City who claimed both the FQPL 1 Premiership and Championship last season, going through the entire season undefeated. Many teams will be keeping their eyes on Robina to see how well they start in 2023 – could they be an underdog contender to push for Finals and a promotion spot to the NPL?
Fellow Gold Coast side Broadbeach United are the other new entrants to the league after a couple of successful seasons including a strong 2022 campaign in which they lost just two matches. Boasting the best goal scoring record of the promoted teams, they’ll be hoping to continue that form this year.
KEY STORYLINES:
Brisbane City aiming high – Brisbane City would have to be disappointed with their 5th place finish last season, especially after missing a Finals spot by just a single point due to a loss on the final day. A new season, however, will of course provide new opportunities. Head Coach David Da Silva brings a wealth of experience and has put together a strong side for 2023 after picking up the reigns mid-way through last season.
Thunder back on top? – WQ Thunder would have been disappointed with finishing 6th last season, but they will be hoping to be contenders this year. Their squad this season contains a wealth of experience, with many players previously involved in the NPL, A-League and even national teams (Matildas). Sisters Abbey and Melanie Lloyd along with Jordie Franke, Lauren Spreadborough, Liz Hollit and Lana Harch could all make the difference for the Thunder in 2023.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Stephanie Latham: Latham will again line up for Brisbane City in 2023 after moving from NPL side Capalaba ahead of the 2022 season. A leader within the team, Latham brings valuable experience to a strong squad that will challenge this season, and her individual brilliance can often be the difference. Latham told Brisbane City, “Promotion into NPL has to be an expectation for us this season and it would be nice to think we are a chance of taking both the Premiership and Grand Final as well.”
Kate Webb: Signing on from league rivals Western Pride, Webb joins a Virginia United side who are aiming for the very top. An attacking player with a wealth of experience behind her, Webb can make all the difference to the side who just narrowly missed a Grand Final appearance in the previous season.
Melanie Lloyd: Melanie Lloyd returns to play after two seasons out with a hip injury. A captain of the side in previous seasons and a key part of the club, the #Be23Ready ambassador will be one to look out for this year. Known for scoring some great goals and being a strong presence on the pitch, SWQ Thunder will be thankful to have her back on the field for 2023.
April Gleeson:
April Gleeson returns to Logan Lightning after a stint away from the club at Western Pride. A former captain of the club, Gleeson can make a real impact for Logan in 2023. Gleeson told the club, “I guess my personal goals are just to enjoy my football this season; I’d love to see Logan back in the NPL where they belong. Looking forward to a successful season back with Lightning.”
TEAM PROFILES:
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BRISBANE CITY |
With a talented roster behind them and Dave Da Silva at the helm, Brisbane City will be gunning for success this season and have plenty of potential to come back stronger after narrowly missing out on Finals in 2022.
Last season: 5th
Home Ground: Imperial Corp Stadium
Coach: David Da Silva
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BROADBEACH UNITED |
Broadbeach United were promoted last season from the FQPL 2 and will be out to impress in their new competition this year. The team will look to make steady progress as they continue to build to become an established FQPL 1 club, and potentially even push for a Finals spot in their maiden season in the league.
Last season: 3rd (FQPL 2)
Home Ground: Nikiforides Family Park
Coach: Cistobal Soto
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LOGAN LIGHTNING |
Logan Lightning avoided the drop by one spot last season as they finished in 7th and will be keen to make a better showing this year. Strengthening well in the off-season will give them the confidence to finish much higher up the table in 2023.
Last season: 7th
Home Ground: Cornubia Park
Coach: Scott Prickett
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MORETON BAY UNITED |
After their relegation last season, Moreton Bay United will be hoping to bounce back at the first attempt. While the squad may be in a rebuilding phase, they’ll certainly be keen to get back to their former status as a strong women’s side.
Last season: 9th (NPL)
Home Ground: Wolter Park
Coach: Greg Bradley
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Robina City |
Robina City were a dominant force last season, completing the double and going undefeated all year. With some NPL experience in the backline with Aiko Hanada and between the sticks in Cassandra Zaffina, Head Coach Matthew Glew will be looking to extend this form as they get started in the FQPL 1.
Last season: 1st (Premiers & Champions – FQPL 2 Women)
Home Ground: Robina Common
Coach: Matt Glew
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SWQ THUNDER |
SWQ Thunder finished the season with decent results and will receive a huge boost as both Melanie and Abbey Lloyd return to the side in 2023. They strengthen an already experienced side which contains former NPL players and a former Matilda in their ranks, and will kick off their season against Moreton Bay United side in a tough opening round test.
Last season: 6th
Home Ground: Clive Berghofer Stadium
Coach: Tim Taylor
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VIRGINIA UNITED |
Virginia United made it all the way to Finals last season, losing to the undefeated Premiers Peninsula Power late in extra time of their Semi Final clash. The goal for Virginia will not only be to make Finals again in 2023, but to challenge for promotion. They have a new coach at the helm this year in Michael Cook who will bring his NPL experience to the squad.
Last season: 4th
Home Ground: Albert Bishop Park
Coach: Michael Cook
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WESTERN PRIDE |
Western Pride came close to gaining promotion last season and narrowly missed out on a spot in the Grand Final with a 1-0 Semi Final loss. They are another side going through a rebuilding phase this season, with plenty of junior talent coming through the ranks and will be aiming to push into the top four once again in 2023.
Last season: 3rd
Home Ground: Briggs Road Sporting Complex
Coach: Russ Yarrow
Complete list of Round 1 Fixtures:
MORETON BAY UNITED VS SWQ THUNDER
Wolter Park, Saturday 18th March – 3:00pm
ROBINA CITY VS WESTERN PRIDE
Robina Common, Saturday 18th March – 3:00pm
BRISBANE CITY VS BROADBEACH UNITED
Imperial Corp Stadium, Saturday 18th March – 4:00pm
VIRGINIA UNITED VS LOGAN LIGHTNING FC
Albert Bishop Park, Sunday 19th March – 6:00pm
