GPS First XI football Players of the Year revealed here as Nudgee College reach another historic milestone in the College’s sporting history.
Celebrations from school teachers and a swarm of Year 12 students invaded the Ross Oval turf, joining their playing heroes who were enjoying another premiership – the school’s sixth in the last 11 years.
Nudgee head of football Luke Condon said the best thing about the premiership success was how hard his team worked for it.
Declan Parkinson and teammates enjoyed being back-to-back GPS First XI football premiers.
After a reasonably comfortable ride to the premiership last season, this year presented an array of challenges for the Nudgee side – who stayed the course and got the job done.
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Whether it was head coach Nick Green going to the Brisbane Roar as interim head coach, key players lost to injury or representative commitments (Rylan Brownlie Under 17s Joeys) or losing game No.1 to Ipswich Grammar – Nudgee had their fair share of setbacks.
Indeed they never wavered.
“They are obviously very happy,” Condon said about his playing group.
How sweet the win must have been for the boys who had been at the school since Year 5, “dreaming of playing in the Firsts for a long time.”
“Ethan Rigby, Dunia Kambona… And others that didn’t get the minutes last year and this year they led from the front all season… Great leaders who went to a whole new level and have been hungry to win,” Condon said about his team leaders who led from the front.
“The Year 12s have made a mark. Declan Parkinson as captain has grown as a leader over the year.
“He just fits the role really well… Setting a good example. His leadership was great with a focus on the team.”
GPS First XI football between Terrace and Nudgee College. Saturday May 6, 2023. Picture, John Gass
When asked about what set this playing group apart, Condon said it was their resilience.
“Their resilience, their ability to bounce back from setbacks.
“A lot of other groups may have folded and lost the first and said that’s it. It’s a short season.
“They put their heads up, there were close games, there were tough moments and they managed to find a way to win.
“That was their difference.”
GPS First XI football between Terrace and Nudgee College. Saturday May 6, 2023. Picture, John Gass
PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Arthur De Lima (Nudgee)
Consistently one of the best.
His willingness to win was out of this world, he played in various positions and did well, and boy did he know how to make an impact.
He knows what to do and when to do it and against Churchie individual brilliance from De Lima turned struggle street into a victory.
Against Southport on Friday he scored five.
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Declan Parkinson (Nudgee)
After losing against Ipswich to begin the season, skipper Parkinson could have dropped his head.
But that’s the opposite of what he did, the Nudgee leader surging home with seven brilliant showings in what head of football Luke Condon described as a very underrated campaign.
Ethan Rigby (Nudgee)
A nightmare to play against, Rigby twists and turns, finds his pockets of space, and has the ability to drive forward and take players on with the ball at his feet.
This guy finds a way to keep the ball against multiple players and to go along with his freakish touch, his fitness levels are insane.
Mark him at your peril.
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Lucas Herrington (Churchie)
Lucas Herrington in action during the season.
In the second part of the season, Herrington hit his stride and started dominating the games with his imposing strength.
Herrington, Year 10, is great in the air, intelligent in the game, has a great long pass and has a terrific attitude.
He capped off a special first season in the GPS First XI competition with a towering header against Gregory Terrace.
Quinn MacNicol (Churchie)
Quinn MacNicol in action during the season.
Another one of Churchie’s talented youngsters, MacNicol became more and more confident to take players on as the season progressed.
The Year 10 student is blessed with excellent technique and a great change of pace and in the last game of the season against Gregory Terrace, he terrorised the defence and had to be the best player on the park.
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Luca Damianakis (Gregory Terrace)
He was captain courageous and his high work rate was key to helping push Gregory Terrace forward in every game.
In the midfield is where Damianakis does his best work.
Zack Damianakis (Gregory Terrace)
The younger brother of Luca who did a bit of everything this season.
His quick pace made him difficult to defend against and there’s little wonder why he scored and assisted all year long.
GPS First XI football between Terrace and Nudgee College. Saturday May 6, 2023. Picture, John Gass
Jac Parrott (Ipswich Grammar)
A young and energetic Year 10 student, Parrott did more than hold his own this season.
One for the little black book next season.
Henry Blackledge (Ipswich Grammar)
The Ipswich Grammar captain and goalkeeper had a season to remember with crucial saves capping off a tremendous career at the school.
GPS First XI football between Brisbane State High and Ipswich Grammar. Saturday May 20, 2023. Picture: George Galanos.
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Kobi Griffiths, Will Gatehouse and Andrew McLeod (Brisbane Grammar)
Andrew McLeod.
In a successful season for Brisbane Grammar, this trio was at the forefront.
Griffiths was a consistent standout for his team, sparking the attack from right defence, while you could always trust Gatehouse to find the back of the net one way or another.
McLoed was also terrific all season long, leading Brisbane Grammar’s defensive unit.
Aaron Picker (Toowoomba Grammar)
GPS first XI soccer, Brisbane SHS v Toowoomba Grammar. Saturday April 29, 2023. Picture, John Gass
Picker was very strong defensively all season and was by far the most consistent Toowoomba Grammar player.
His ability to read the play proved a great asset to his team.
GPS first XI soccer, Brisbane SHS v Toowoomba Grammar. Saturday April 29, 2023. Picture, John Gass
Luke Parish (Toowoomba Grammar)
Parish always had the ability but this season he knuckled down and added the necessary hard work to his game.
He had been the driving force of the Toowoomba team this year, recognising the importance of playing his position well rather than being all over the field.
Parish showed immense improvement in winning tackles and stopping the opposition’s momentum which is crucial in any team.
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Evan Msonga (BBC)
Playing at centre back, Msonga was a shining light in an underwhelming season for BBC.
A hard working Year 11 student, Msonga will make a big impact next season leading the team in 2024.
GPS First XI football action between Brisbane Boys College and Brisbane Grammar School. Saturday April 22, 2023. Picture: Nick Tucker.
Jack Harris (BBC)
Harris played First XI last season as a Year 9 and he just has it. As a Year 10 player this season, he was one of the best in his side.
He worked hard, filled plenty of positions for the Jamie Morgan coached BBC team, and put his teammates first all year.