THE MALTBY – SWINDELLS FAMILY TROPHY

Article posted: February 19, 2026

INTRODUCING THE MALTBY – SWINDELLS FAMILY TROPHY

The unveiling of a new perpetual trophy – the Maltby – Swindells Family Trophy – is set to inject an additional edge of competitiveness into this weekend’s opening NPL match between Rochedale Rovers and Wynnum Wolves.

Rochedale’s return to the NPL Men’s competition in 2026 alongside Wynnum Wolves’ elevation to Academy 1 League status for its boys’ and girls’ programs provided the perfect ingredients to introduce a “trophy round” between the two southside clubs who have shared a strong competitive rivalry stretching back many years.

When Rochedale Rovers President, Jon McKain, floated the idea of the introducing the new perpetual prize, Wynnum Wolves’ President, Rabieh Krayem was quick to respond in the affirmative, and it didn’t take long for each club to come up with two worthy family names to engrave on the trophy.

The instigation of the Maltby – Swindells Family Trophy will take on special poignancy for Wynnum’s Maltby family this Saturday when the men’s First teams from Rochedale and Wynnum step out onto the main field at Underwood Park.

Family patriarch, Don Malby, sadly passed away on February 11^th this year – just over a week shy of seeing this special tribute to his family unveiled. His son Geoff confirmed his Dad was extremely proud, and even humbled, by the honour when the club spoke to the family about using the Maltby name on this new trophy.

Hence, it will be a special night for the Maltby family this Saturday.

The Maltby name has been woven through Wynnum’s club history stretching back to the 1950s when brothers Don and Ray Maltby began playing, both eventually as First graders. The Maltby’s quickly became a Wynnum family through and through.

Don and Ray’s Dad, Hugh Maltby began coaching the 1960s and went on to become a committee member and director of the club. Later, father and son Hugh and Don teamed up to nurture and mould talented Wynnum juniors through the into significant Wynnum senior footballers over many years. Likewise, Ray Maltby left his mark as both a player and later passionate first team manager at the club during one of its heyday eras of Queensland Cup and premiership success across the 1990s and early 2000s. Geoff Maltby emerged from the club’s junior ranks as a powerhouse striker for the yellow and black during the mid-1980s and mid to late 1990s while Ray’s son Brett also played senior football including First grade during this time.

Geoff’s son Zach has since followed in the family footsteps as a prominent Wynnum junior and now First team player with the club.

The Maltby name has spanned many significant eras for the club – from the early days of club football at Wynnum’s Memorial Park, to providing plenty of blood, sweat and tears to the establishment of the Maramba and Carmichael Park fields. Wynnum Wolves Football Cub committee roles of club Secretary, Treasurer and even President have all been held by members of the Maltby family over many years, and even the Maltby girls were in on the act playing in both senior and junior female teams at Wynnum.

Wynnum Wolves FC is delighted to be able to honour the significant contributions of the Malby family to the Wynnum club by naming this new trophy in the family’s honour.

Swindells is a name that has become synonymous with Rochedale Rovers over more than 20 years. Paul Swindells has worn many hats at Rochedale – from parent, to president, to club general manager, and even premiership winning coach. His journey from a parent on the sidelines to a leading club administrator has spanned significant evolution for the Rochedale club both on and off the field.

He provided strong leadership and a steadying influence during a period of much change for the club and later formed a formidable partnership with his father Mel – from 2015 onwards – to set the club on the path to a buoyant future. Mel bought a wealth of football knowledge and acumen to the table from previous clubs when he joined the Rochedale family.

Other family members have played a pivotal role over the course of the past 20-years. Paul’s wife Melanie was a constant source of support to the club, including organisation of senior presentation nights and support on the ground. Paul’s son Riley started as a 5-year-old and progressed all the way through to first team football, winning an FQPL grand final with the club in the process. Additionally, daughter Ella played with Rovers as the club reintroduced women’s football to Underwood Park.

The defining legacy of the Swindells family is cemented in bricks and mortar at Underwood Park in the shape of its new facility, which was opened in 2020, and includes a modern clubhouse, changerooms and supporting infrastructure.

The Swindells family encompass a generational contribution to Rochedale Rovers — one of leadership, service and enduring impact. Their legacy is not only reflected in premiership trophies and committee titles, but in the strengthened culture of the club and the facilities that will serve Rochedale players and families for decades to come.

From this weekend and going forward, the Maltby – Swindells Family Trophy will be played for when the two clubs meet in the first round of competition each season – both NPL and Academy. Points will be collated across all competitive grades in the Rochedale v Wynnum round – from Under 13 Academy Boys and Girls upwards to the NPL Men’s and Under 23s fixtures.