Golden Boot, Henk Mollee Medal and now Queensland's best: Inside a remarkable year

Alex Fiechtner's extraordinary 2026 season has received its ultimate individual recognition, with the Lions FC striker crowned NPL Queensland Men's Player of the Year after a campaign shaped by significant changes away from football.

Fiechtner scored a staggering 32 goals in just 19 league appearances, winning the Golden Boot and Lions FC's Henk Mollee Medal while helping the Queensland powerhouse complete a historic domestic quadruple.

But behind the remarkable numbers is a personal journey that makes his achievements even more significant.

Speaking exclusively to HIGHPRESS in June, Fiechtner revealed how an autoimmune disease diagnosis towards the end of 2025 had forced him to reassess his approach to football and everyday life.

“Towards the end of the season last year I spent a bit of time out as I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. After hearing this I knew that if I wanted to continue playing football I had to adjust certain aspects of my lifestyle,” he said.

“I put it down to building a good off season regime, switching up nutrition habits and continuing that through the season. I also became a father at the end of last year which has been the most influential change. It has had a calming effect on me and has really aligned priorities.

“Without those things I don't think I would be in this situation.”

What followed was one of the most prolific individual seasons in NPL Queensland history.

Fiechtner scored in 17 consecutive league matches, producing three hat-tricks and an extraordinary five-goal performance against Magic United as Lions claimed the Premiership, Championship, Kappa Pro Series and Kappa Queensland Cup.

The latest honour also marks a return to the summit for Fiechtner, who was previously named NPL Queensland's best player in 2022.

Despite his established reputation as one of the state's most dangerous attackers, the former Oakleigh Cannons player admitted earlier this year that he felt he was only beginning to realise his full potential.

“This year it's probably been a bit tougher to take as it's taken me until I was 27 years old to really become the player I knew I could be,” he told HIGHPRESS.

“I feel like I'm in the best physical shape of my career so I believe I'm doing the right things.”