The teams that emerged victorious on 30 March – Queensland Academy of Sport, Whitsunday Miners, Sunshine Coast FC, Brisbane Strikers and Redlands City Devils – know that after almost 3 months and another 10 rounds of football later, their opponents are not to be underestimated. Each week serves as a learning curve and the competition has seen steady improvement from all QSL teams since Round 1

Whitsunday Miners host Logan United in their third home game in a row, knowing their visitors will want to prove their well fought-out draw with Redlands City Devils last weekend was not a one-off. Recent signings Daniel Gecic, Jair Wilk and Mitch England, who boosted Logan’s physical presence as well as their quality of football, will want to continue with their significant contributions to the side. Miners’ newest player, Michael Steere, is keen keep impressing his new club, especially after scoring their first last week against his former club, Capricorn Cougars.

Bundaberg Spirit and Brisbane Strikers both came off disappointing losses last week, and will be eager to get their seasons back on track this weekend. Spirit have been training hard in recent times, and despite a lively performance, came off 5-0 losers to table-toppers Sunshine Coast FC last time out. Strikers will want to regain their composure after their 3-2 loss to rivals Olympic FC and losing ground on the top spot on the QSL ladder.

After coach Justin Kilshaw labelled last weekend’s 3-0 loss to Whitsunday Miners as “unacceptable”, Capricorn Cougars’ team line-up against Redlands City Devils is expected to have a few changes, with Kilshaw giving those who have been waiting patiently on the sidelines the opportunity to make their mark on this season’s QSL. Redlands, on the other hand, are coming off a disappointing draw with cellar-dwellers Logan United and will want to capitalise on the chances they are creating, most especially after extended periods of possession.

Olympic FC make the short trip to play Queensland Academy of Sport in the only game being played in the state’s capital this weekend. Bobby Hamilton’s men are on a high following their victory over Brisbane Strikers last weekend. The last time these two sides met saw end to end football with QAS netting the winner with just two minutes to go. QAS will go into the game pushing for a top half spot on the table, and Olympic are looking to challenge the top four for a finals spot.

NQ Razorbacks take on Sunshine Coast FC at home, aiming to be the first team to take points from the unbeaten side from Kawana. Sunshine Coast emerged 2-1 winners in the season opener but with Razorbacks producing positive results week in and week out, they will not be ones to underestimate. In 11 rounds, Sunshine Coast have taken 28 points from a possible 30 while the Razorbacks have held their spot in the top four since the end of Round 5.

Words: Michelle Tobin

Picture: Matthew Boyd


QSL ROUND 12

Whitsunday Miners Vs Logan United FC, Sat 21st Jun - 6:00pm, Harrup Park Country Club, Mackay

Bundaberg Spirit Vs Brisbane Strikers FC, Sat 21st Jun - 7:00pm, Marten Oval, Bundaberg

Capricorn Cougars Vs Redlands City Devils, Sat 21st Jun - 7:00pm, Jardine Park, Rockhampton

Queensland Academy of Sport Vs Olympic FC, Sun 22nd Jun - 2:00pm, Perry Park, Albion, Brisbane

NQ Razorbacks Vs Sunshine Coast FC, Sun 22nd Jun - 3:00pm, Townsville Sports Reserve