FQPL3 Men Latest News

ZAK AXTON – LOCKED IN FOR 2026

Welcome back for another big year, Zak Axton

At just 18 years old, Zak has already built a strong football foundation — spending 12 years at Southside (2012–2024) before making the move to North Lakes last season.

After joining our U23s in 2025, Zak’s hard work and consistency saw him break into the First Team as an U18 towards the back end of the season

Composed beyond his years and hungry to keep improving, Zak represents exactly what we’re building — young players pushing standards and earning opportunities.

2026 is yours, Zak. Let’s go

COHEN WEBBER – WELCOME BACK

He’s back where it all started

Cohen Webber (18) returns to North Lakes after an impressive journey through the Queensland system.

Starting out at North Lakes Mustangs (U9–U12), Cohen moved to Peninsula Power NPL (U13–U16) before enjoying a breakout senior season last year — cracking into North Star’s promotion-winning First Team and scoring in the FQPL2 Grand Final

Big-game experience. Winning mentality. One of our own.

Welcome home, Cohen. The story continues.

JOSH SHEWRING – GOALS GUARANTEED

We’re excited to welcome Josh Shewring (21) to North Lakes

Josh began his senior football at North Pine in 2020, spending two standout seasons there — claiming Golden Boot and Player of the Future in both years

He then stepped up to Samford for two seasons, featuring in both U23s and First Team football — winning another Golden Boot in his second year.

In 2024, he joined Strikers, scoring 10 league goals and 5 in cup competitions — including one against Brisbane Roar’s First Team

Proven finisher. Big-moment player. Relentless work rate.

Welcome to North Lakes, Josh — we can’t wait to see you in blue and black.

Proven finisher. Big-moment player. Relentless work rate.

Welcome to North Lakes, Josh — we can’t wait to see you in blue and black.

JOE MCGROGGAN RETURNS

Big moves and unfinished business

Joe McGroggan returns to North Lakes for our 2026 FQPL3 campaign.

Arriving in Australia in 2022, Joe had a short stint with Pine Hills FC before joining North Lakes United FC and playing his part in an FQPL3 title-winning season. He remained at Lakes the following year before brief spells with Caboolture FC and Narangba Eagles FC — where he lifted the FQPL5 title and earned Team of the Season honours

After a tough campaign in FQPL4, Joe’s back where it all started — with one goal in mind.

FQPL3… round two. Let’s run it back.

WELCOME TO NORTH LAKES, LIAM JORDAN!

We’re excited to welcome Liam Jordan to North Lakes United for the 2026 season! 🙌

After spending the past two seasons playing First Team football with Samford, Liam brings strong experience from competing at QPL2 level and knows what it takes to perform at a high standard.

He’s already made an impact in Blue & Black, finding the net 6 times in just 4 games pre season ⚽🔥 — a sign of what’s to come this season!

Hard-working, consistent, and hungry for success, Liam is ready to play his part in pushing the group forward in 2026.

Welcome to the family, Liam

WELCOME CURTIS BURCHALL

We’re delighted to welcome Curtis Burchall to North Lakes United FC for 2026! 💙⚽️

A strong, composed centre back, the Chesterfield Dynamo, Curtis brings with him valuable experience across:

🏟️ Rainworth Miners Welfare (UCL)

🏟️ Shirebrook (NCEL 1)

🏟️ Clipstone (UCL 1)

🏟️ South Normanton (UCL 1)

🏟️ FC Bolsover (Central Midlands)

Known for his defensive leadership and reliability at the back, Curtis adds real quality and depth to our squad.

We’re excited to have you on board, Curtis — welcome to the North Lakes family!

JJ is back for 2026.

After moving to Australia from New Zealand at the beginning of the 2024 season, JJ quickly became a key player and captain for our FQPL 2 Men’s First Team, making an outstanding impact in his first year with the club before unfortunately suffering a season-ending injury. His influence in 2024 was recognised when he was named Men’s Player of the Year.

JJ returned to playing midway through the 2025 season and showed his quality and leadership once again, and we’re excited to see him fully fit and ready to play a big role in 2026.

Soon to be 26 years old, JJ has made over 100 appearances in the New Zealand National League with Cashmere Technical FC and Canterbury United. Alongside his playing career, he holds an OFC C Licence and brings strong football knowledge and leadership to the squad.

We’re thrilled to have JJ back on the field in 2026 and looking forward to what he will bring to the group this season.

Welcome Kyle Speirs

We’re delighted to welcome Kyle Speirs to North Lakes United ahead of the 2026 season, adding further quality, experience, and attacking firepower to the squad.

Kyle arrives with an impressive footballing background, having played NPL football with Peninsula Power at U16 and U18 level before progressing through the U20 and U23 NPL programs at Moreton Bay. He has also gained valuable senior experience in the FQPL system, featuring for Northstar in FQPL 2 and at FQPL 1 level with both Albany Creek and Moreton City.

The 2025 season was a challenging one for Kyle, largely due to injury. A dirt bike accident at the end of 2024 resulted in a separated shoulder, sidelining him for close to ten months. Despite the setback, Kyle showed real resilience and determination, returning later in the season with Pine Rivers under head coach Brad. In his comeback period, he played nine matches and scored an impressive eight goals as he worked back toward full fitness. Unfortunately, a torn groin injury brought his season to an early end, ruling him out for the second half of the year.

The reunion with Brad played a significant role in Kyle’s move to North Lakes United. Brad reached out early, and the opportunity to work again under a coach he highly respects made the decision an easy one. Kyle values Brad’s approach to coaching, particularly his commitment to knowing his players both on and off the field, his passion for the game, and his high standards for performance and results.

A versatile player capable of filling multiple roles, Kyle naturally finds himself in attacking areas and has a proven knack for scoring important goals. Motivated and eager to make an impact, he is determined to play a key role within the squad and contribute to winning football in 2026.

We’re excited to welcome Kyle Speirs to North Lakes United and look forward to seeing him back to full fitness, pulling on the blue and white, and getting on the scoresheet this season.

SPEIRS

Josh Anderson Returns

We’re proud to celebrate a journey built on experience, resilience, and proven performance. Having played Academy football in the UK before returning to Australia to be part of the QAS program, this pathway has included spells with Souths United, Redlands, Brisbane Strikers, and now back at North Lakes United.

A consistent performer at the highest levels, he has also earned selection in the FQPL1 Team of the Season on multiple occasions - recognition of both quality and consistency.

Experience meets ambition, and we’re excited to have it driving standards at North Lakes.

Balhatchet is Back!

We are thrilled to confirm that Jay Balhatchet, our 2025 Player of the Year, has officially re-signed for the upcoming season.

Jay is a high-calibre footballer, a versatile and reliable competitor, and an outstanding club person who continually sets the benchmark on and off the field. He perfectly represents the standards and culture we strive to uphold.

His leadership, consistency, and ability to excel in multiple roles make this a significant re-signing for 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited to see him back in our colours.

Welcome back, Jay!

JAY

Carlo Re-Signs with the Club

We are delighted to announce that Italian defender Carlo has officially re-signed with the club.

Since joining during last year’s transfer window, Carlo has proven to be an outstanding addition to the squad. Known for his exceptional technical ability and high football intelligence, Carlo consistently influences the game both on and off the ball.

A popular figure within the team, Carlo’s commitment and quality make him an excellent retention for the club as we continue to build toward future success.

We look forward to seeing Carlo continue to thrive at North Lakes United.

carlo

From Academy to First Grade - Braxton Murphy Signs For Our First Grade Men's Team

We are thrilled to announce that Braxton Murphy has signed his first contract with our Men’s First Grade team.

Braxton’s signing is a historic milestone for the club, as he becomes the first-ever graduate - male or female - from our Academy program to earn a First Team contract. Having been part of the club for numerous years, Braxton’s development through the ranks has been a proud testament to the strength and success of our Academy pathway.

Earlier this year, Braxton was recognised with the Jodie Shipway Award as the club’s Breakthrough Player of the Year, a reflection of his dedication, talent, and rapid progression.

Director of Football, Anthony Costa, praised Braxton’s achievement, stating:

“Braxton is a true testament to the quality and opportunities presented by our Academy program. He has worked hard on his game and had received opportunities this year to play First Team minutes but now will be a fully fledged First Team player.”

Congratulations, Braxton!

braxton