Brisbane Roar Stars Shine at Football Queensland Awards

A host of Brisbane Roar players were recognized for their impressive seasons at the 2024 Football Queensland Awards held at Brisbane City Hall on Saturday night. The prestigious event spotlighted outstanding talent across various levels, with awards for players excelling in the National Premier Leagues (NPL) and junior divisions.

Momo Hayashi Reigns as NPL Women’s Player of the Year

Japanese defender Momo Hayashi was crowned the 2024 NPL Women’s Player of the Year, marking her second consecutive win of this award after a stellar season with Gold Coast United. Hayashi’s powerful play, marked by seven goals and a remarkable 90% success rate in defensive duels, propelled her to the top. The recognition comes just after Hayashi’s Ninja A-League debut in the season opener against Canberra United. Also nominated for this award was Brisbane City’s Laini Freier, who made waves during a double-winning season.

Young Talent Shines: Tamar Levin, Emma Gibbon, and Junior Stars Honored

Tamar Levin, another rising star who played in Saturday’s Ninja A-League opener, took home the NPL Women’s Young Player of the Year award for her standout performances with Eastern Suburbs. Levin contributed 15 goals to her team’s second-place NPL finish, showcasing her potential as a future star in the league. Peninsula Power’s Tish Woods was also a contender for the award after an impressive season in midfield.

Goalkeeper Emma Gibbon, who was on the bench for Brisbane Roar’s recent opener, was awarded the NPL Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year. Gibbon’s 13 clean sheets for Eastern Suburbs were a testament to her defensive skills, earning her this top accolade.

In the junior category, Isabela Hoyos claimed Female Junior Player of the Year honors after a season with QAS that earned her a Roar contract. Making her Ninja A-League debut off the bench on Saturday, Hoyos has proven herself as one of Queensland’s most promising young players.

Male Junior Player of the Year and Development Coach Awards

Quinn MacNicol, who has already made an impact as the Roar’s youngest-ever male player and goalscorer, was celebrated as Male Junior Player of the Year. The midfielder captained Australia’s Joeys and helped secure a place in the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup, further bolstering his reputation as a future star. MacNicol’s Joeys teammates Charlie Parkin and Rhys Williams were also nominated for this award, rounding out a talented cohort of young players.

For her work developing future talent, Mica Robinson was honored as Development Coach of the Year. Robinson, a part of Brisbane Roar’s Ninja A-League coaching staff, was recognized for her efforts with the FQ Academy QAS girls’ program. Andre Bennett, Young Roar’s 2024 coach, was also nominated for his impactful work with Moreton City Excelsior.

Brisbane Roar Celebrates Local Success

Brisbane Roar extends its congratulations to all the award winners for their contributions to a successful and exciting season in Queensland’s local leagues. With several players and coaches being acknowledged, the Roar organization celebrates the strength and growth of soccer talent within its ranks.

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