The Sunshine Coast Fire Presentation Nights were held last week and were a chance to look back at the achievements of all the Fire teams this season.
The Senior Presentation recognised the wealth of young, talented footballers who stepped up to play senior football for the first time this year, including 17-year-old Jed Zanos, who won the Rising Star Award.
Zanos made his debut in the Fire first team after moving from community club Buderim Wanderers, and quickly became a regular in the First Team squad.
Fire Technical Director Kevin A’herne-Evans said Zanos was a worthy recipient of the Rising Star honour.
“Jed played 20 games for the first team after making his debut in round 4. He has great athleticism and the ability to break through midfield lines with his ball running ability,” he said.
Wade Zammit, 23, was also recognised as Fire’s Player of the Year in addition to the Player’s Player Award for his contributions as stand-in captain in the absence of Paul Arnison.
Zammit’s commanding presence in the backline and his strong work ethic proved him a vital cog in a Fire side that finished the season eighth in the league standings.
“Wade played every minute of every game,” A’herne-Evans said.
“For his first season as a centre-back in the NPL he adapted terrifically and will undoubtedly go on to be one of the better defenders in the league.”
Zammit said he was surprised to get both awards.
“To receive both of these awards means a great deal to me as it shows that my efforts are appreciated not only from the coach and his staff but also from my peers who I’m playing alongside,” he said.
“This season has been one of the toughest that I’ve played but at the same time one of the most enjoyable. As a player I feel I’ve developed immensely this and have to thank Kev for his guidance in helping me step up from a squad player last year to taking a leading role in the team this year. Centre-back is where both Kev and myself thought I was best suited and although the start of the year was a bit shaky for both the team and myself I feel really comfortable there now. Looking back at the season I am happy with how far I’ve come and the direction in which my game is heading.
“To be given the opportunity to captain the side at times in Arni’s absence has been a great privilege. I always try to show leadership on the field and to be recognised and given the opportunity to do this whilst wearing the captains arm band means a lot to me.”
Japanese import Futa Nakamura was also acknowledged as the team’s highest goalscorer, recovering from an early season meniscus injury to net 13 goals in 19 appearances.
“Nakamura is a top finisher that is lethal of both feet and also competent in the air,” A’herne-Evans said.
For the Open Women’s Team, Captain Kayla Moore and striker Samara Christmas were awarded with the prestigious Player of the Year awards.
“Kayla is a great Captain at just 19 and a real motivator for the group,” A’herne-Evans said.
“She demands high standards from her team-mates and was the driving force for the squad.”
Samara Christmas also won teh Highest Goal Scorer Award.
“Samara has high technical ability and possesses a great commitment to the game,” A’herne-Evans said.
“She has scored some terrific goals this year and matched with her enthusiasm she was a go to player for the team.”
Later in the week, Fire recognised the contributions of the club’s junior NPL teams.
“Our Juniors can all be pleased about their development this year,” A’herne-Evans said.
“The club extended the training program and the results are evident in the league standings and more importantly in the number of players selected to trial and represent the State at nationals and the NTC are consistent to 2013, showing good continuity in the program,” he said.
The complete list of Sunshine Coast Fire award winners is below:
Under 12 Boys
Player of the Year – Harry Arnison
Highest Goal Scorer – Jack Beardsley
Under 13 Girls
Player of the Year – Madison Simpson
Highest Goal Scorer – Jazlyn Salih
Under 13 Boys
Player of the Year – Daniel Cuttler
Highest Goal Scorer – Daniel Cuttler
Under 14 Boys
Player of the Year – Oliver Duncan
Highest Goal Scorer – Jesse Gibbs
Under 15 Girls
Player of the Year – Kirra Guy
Highest Goal Scorer – Michelle le Roux
Under 15 Boys
Player of the Year – Kobe Fuller
Highest Goal Scorer – Kobe Fuller
Under 16 Boys
Player of the Year – Tyler Morse
Highest Goal Scorer – Adam Edgar
Under 18 Boys
Player of the Year – Nikolas Taylor
Highest Goal Scorer – Jacob Fulluck
Men’s Youth Team
Player of the Year – Aidan Little
Highest Goal Scorer – Bryce Cuschieri
Senior Men’s Team
Player’s Player – Wade Zammit
Player of the Year – Wade Zammit
Highest Goal Scorer – Futa Nakamura
2014 Rising Star – Jed Zanos
