Power clinch state title

Peninsula Power has secured the NPL Queensland Premiership, the greatest achievement in the club’s 20-year history, with a commanding win over Capalaba on Friday night.

The side beat the Bulldogs 5-0, taking them to 18 wins and out of reach of second-placed Olympic, who were on 15 wins with two games to play.

Peninsula Power president Craig Feuerriegel says the win against Capalabla is a great way to secure the club’s first NPL Queensland Championship at only their second attempt.

“We knew it was in our hands and had to put in a good performance as well. While it would have been exciting to take it to the last game, we’re against Lions and knew anything was possible,” Feuerriegel says.

“We’re the only club that have won the NPL women in 2017, the FQPL men in 2018 (undefeated), and now the NPL men.

“I’m chuffed and very proud. It’s been a passion for a long time to get to the top but there’s a lot of people who have been involved along the way and it’s a testament to them as well.”

Rise to the top

Power were early favourites last season after winning 13 and drawing one of their first 14 games, only to finish third.

This season, they lost two of their first four games (either side of the COVID lockdown) but swept to top spot with four games remaining.

On Saturday, Football Queensland will present the team with the championship trophy and medallions after their final game of the regular season against the Queensland Lions at AJ Kelly Park.

Celebrating with fans

The club will celebrate the achievement with members and supporters. The timing is perfect, with the Redcliffe V Margate game as the curtain-raiser and the old boys forming a guard of honour.

On November 21, they will play whoever is in fourth position in a knock-out semi-final - either the Queensland Lions or the Gold Coast Knights at AJ Kelly Park.

Olympic is in second position, and depending on the last round of results, Peninsula Power could play the Lions two weeks in a row.

The Grand Find is on November 28 at Perry Park.

Tilt at the premiership

“Our No.1 goal is always to be the best team overall, which the Premiers are. It is the most treasured trophy,” Feuerriegel says.

“The team have really enjoyed themselves, which they should do, but there’s been some good talk and they’re all looking forward to getting back into training and hopefully getting to the big dance - the Grand Final.

“It’s a great club day and the whole club can get behind the team at the end of the season.

“It’s exciting times for the club. It’s one of those eras, where we’ve put a lot of hard work in behind the scenes and it’s great to get the rewards.”

Journey to NPL

Power started as the Redcliffe Soccer Club in 1948, became Redcliffe City in 1959 and merged with Margate in early 2000 to become Peninsula Power.

In 2002 it won Brisbane Division Two and in 2006 gained promotion to the Brisbane Premier League, winning the title in 2009 and consecutive grand finals from 2013-15.

In 2018 Power joined the Queensland Premier League (QPL) – the state’s second tier – landing the title at the first attempt and promotion to the NPL Qld for 2019.

Find more local sport here.

Photo credit: Alan Minifie