“Three out of four ain’t bad!” was the proud verdict from Noosa Lions Technical Director, Matt Digwood, after a memorable day of Grand Final action at Sunshine Coast Stadium on 6 September.
The club walked away with three premiership trophies thanks to the Under 11 girls, the Under 15 boys, and the Under 23 men – while the gallant Under 12/13 girls (Div 2) went down by the narrowest of margins, 1–0.
It was a day to remember for players, coaches, and supporters alike. The Under 11 girls, playing in the Under 12/13 girls Division 3, set the tone early with a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Grammar. To cap off a golden afternoon for the youngsters, coach Nikki Holland was recognised with the Sunshine Coast Female Coach of the Year Award, a proud moment for both her and the club.
The Under 15 boys, coached by Sunny Law, faced a tough battle with Coolum. After saving a controversial penalty in the first half and reduced to 10 men in the second half, the Lions had to dig deep and show real character. With penalties looming, the young side produced a moment of magic to snatch victory at the end of extra- time and secure the Double, finishing the season as both Minor and Major Premiers.
For the Under 23 men, it was a case of “third time lucky.” Having been crowned Minor Premiers for the past two years but falling short on Grand Final day, this time the Lions made sure the trophy came home. Coaches Phil Oyston, Craig Thompson and Michael Cookman utilised the wing backs Jacob Abbott and Jackson Schulz to great effect out wide and rotated their substitutions to keep the pressure on Woombye
In front of a partisan crowd, the Lions took the lead on 25 minutes when Charlie Fisher latched onto a cross from Jake Mjask, his effort finding the back of the net with a little help from a deflection. Woombye equalised early in the second half with a well-struck free kick and came close to snatching the lead, rattling the crossbar just moments later.
But Noosa weren’t to be denied. Relentless pressing saw George Loran win a penalty, which Mjask calmly and emphatically dispatched to restore the advantage. Determined defending at the other end with Faleono heading off the line and a spectacular overhead clearance from Loran, set the platform for more attacking flair. Tom O’Halloran combined neatly with Felix Rivera to release Nic Jancevski, who finished brilliantly with the outside of his boot to make it 3–1.
With the Noosa supporters in full voice, O’Halloran sealed the win in style, rifling home from the edge of the box in the 86th minute. The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations as players and fans joined together on the touchline, singing the team song in unison.
The 4–1 victory was a fitting finale to a dominant display – and a well-deserved reward for a squad that had worked tirelessly all season.
For the Noosa Lions, this Grand Final day will be remembered not just for the trophies, but for the spirit, resilience, and community pride that ran through every game.
