ENJOYING the “quiet” Grandchester lifestyle, Alex Zumbansen is a fearless sportsman on the rise.
He just needs to stay off his motorbike while preparing for his next major challenge.
Alex has been chosen in the Queensland Gold under-18 side for the second year in a row.
The promising goalkeeper will represent his state again at the national championships in Perth from July 4-12.
After making his Queensland under-18 debut last year on the Gold Coast, Alex knows fitness will be important, along with higher standards this time.
“There’s a lot harder shots and a lot quicker, it’s more structured,” he said.
Alex, 18, receives plenty of bumps and bruises guarding the net as a goalkeeper.
“I love doing it,” he said.
However, it’s enjoying his other hobby – motocross riding – where Alex suffers the most injuries.
He has endured a broken tailbone, four broken wrists and ankle ligament damage during his riding pursuits on motocross tracks and trails.
Having multiple shots blasted at him on a hockey field seems painless compared to his motorcycling mishaps.
However, Alex takes it all in his stride, having also made the Queensland under-18 indoor hockey side that contested the nationals in Canberra.
“It’s a completely different game,” he said.
“You just get used to it after a couple of games how much quicker it is and getting in touch with it again.”
The first-year apprentice welder is keen to see where hockey takes him.
“I want to keep making these high teams, keep succeeding,” the Easts Division 1 player said.
“I’m pretty happy with last year making the team [and progressing this year].”
His next goal is being selected in a future Queensland under-21 side.
Alex and Hancocks talent Lachlan McDermott-Parkes were the only Ipswich competition players to earn state under-18 selection this year.
Alex and Tigers teammate Sam Savage were chosen last year.
Alex said former Easts club president and current Division 1 coach Paul Malcolm had been a huge help encouraging him.
“He keeps me pumped and keeps me ready,” Alex said.
Malcolm has worked closely with Alex in recent seasons, thrilled he was being recognised.
“Alex, I’ve been lucky enough to coach,” Malcolm said.
“I had him in the Queensland under 13s and through his junior career.
“In club level as well as rep level, he’s always been an exceptional keeper so it’s been a long journey for a young fella.”
Alex has continued to thrive since been promoted into the Easts Division 1 side.
“He’s always been a high energy, very athletic type keeper,” Malcolm said.
“As he’s got older, bigger and stronger, he has continued to develop to finally crack into the 18’s set-up.”
Alex’s mum Jodie is also a supportive former goalkeeper who has provided advice helping her son prepare for his important on-field role.
Another influential person has been Ipswich’s national league goalkeeper Emily Witheyman-Crump.
Alex said he had benefited from attending her specialised clinics.
“She’s helped me how to handle balls properly and stance and all the good stuff,” he said.
Alex has been living with his family at Grandchester for 18 months after previously growing up at Marburg and Fernvale.
He finished his schooling at Faith Lutheran College at Plainlands after earlier attending West Moreton Anglican College, Minden State School and St Edmund’s College.
Although moving around regularly, he has always enjoyed his hockey and being a goalkeeper since he was eight.
