Caboolture Raid Brisbane City to Bolster Promotion Hopes

James Lane

Caboolture FC have been active in the transfer market this off-season, announcing ten signings so far and a new head coach as preparations ramp up for the 2026 campaign. While the squad is still being finalised, these additions already hint at ambition and an appetite to compete for the top of the FQPL1.

The defensive line, particularly, has been bolstered significantly, with a full quintet arriving from NPL side Brisbane City. Ethan Docherty joins on a two-year deal after stints with City and Lions FC, alongside Nathan Beagley, who also has experience with Moreton City Excelsior. Also arriving to shore up the defence are youngsters Kohen Allen (19) and Andrew McLeod (20), alongside Jordie Meacock, who brings experience at both City and Olympic. All five represent ambitious signings, reflecting a clear strategy to recruit players with NPL-level experience.

In midfield, Caboolture have added Orlando Lopez from Eastern Suburbs, a player with experience in both the NPL and FQPL, including a promotion-winning campaign in 2024. Kealan Crawford arrives from Redlands, and Cameron Nairn returns to the club following stints at Sunshine Coast Wanderers and Brisbane Strikers. Nairn is a familiar and fan-favourite face, having been named Caboolture’s Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, and his return provides both quality and continuity in the heart of midfield.

Up front, Jack Waldock has signed a two-year deal, yet another recruit from Brisbane City, adding firepower to the attacking options. At the back, experienced shot-stopper Bon Scott boasts an impressive resume that includes periods at Brisbane Roar, Avondale, Bentleigh Greens, and Preston Lions, plus Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 2024's VPL and 2019's NPL QLD.

With a blend of youth, experience, and proven quality, the new additions suggest a squad being assembled with ambition in mind. The heavy presence of players with NPL-level experience is a clear signal that Caboolture are quietly plotting a promotion push, though the squad is far from finalised and further signings may still arrive.

Off the touchline, the club has finally onfirmed its new head coach: Leighton Speechley-Price. Signing a three-year deal, Speechley-Price comes from Broadbeach United, who narrowly missed out on promotion last year in just their second season in the league, finishing third in the FQPL1, and level on points with premiers Magic United. Speechley-Price brings an impressive track record, including FQPL2 championship success in 2023 that netted him a Coach of the Year award. His arrival marks a new chapter for the Snakes following the departure of Paul Arnison in September, and his experience at the sharp end of the table suggests Caboolture are aiming to build a side capable of competing at the very top.

While the full squad is yet to be confirmed, the early signings, combined with the appointment of a highly-regarded coach, give Caboolture supporters reason to be excited. The 2026 FQPL1 season is shaping up to be a campaign of ambition and opportunity for the Snakes, and these first moves suggest they are determined to make an impact from the outset.