NPLW ‘All-timers’ back on deck
Ellie Fryer and Deeanna Thompson will be front and centre in Gold Coast United’s efforts to defend their 2020 league title in the upcoming Football Queensland National Premier Leagues Women’s competition.
The two have been integral members of the Women’s program since the club’s inception when they were lured back to the Coast to be part of the inaugural 2018 GCU squad. Sadly their debut seasons were interrupted by significant injuries.
Fryer & Thompson in October 2017
Their 2019’s were in stark contrast to their 2018 campaigns, both players excelled under the guidance of Technical Director Craig Midgley and Alex Bundalo in a back-end to the season that saw United reach the finals. On the strength of that Ellie was selected in the FQ Team of the Year after being crowned the club’s NPLW Player of the Year. Dee returned to her rampaging best taking out the GCU Women’s Golden Boot.
The jewel in their footballing crowns however is undoubtedly their 2020 seasons. After selection in the Football Queensland All-Time XI the two went on to play key roles in the Women’s squad that captured the club’s first senior NPL title.
Fryer went back-to-back in 2020, picking up her second club NPLW Player of the Year gong and was once again selected in the FQ Team of the Year. An injury in the opening round of the season saw Thompson sidelined. But the corona interruption came at the right time for her, allowing recovery without missing too much football and offering up the chance to play below the border during the Northern Rivers ‘lock-out’. Her stint with Lennox Head was capped off by a ‘best on ground’ performance and a Lisa Casagrande Medal in their grand final win. Dee’s 15 goals in only 8 league appearances earned her the Football Far North Coast Golden Boot, a big factor in the Sharks double winning season.
Great to have you both back on board Ladies!