Tahj Minniecon
Tahj Minniecon | |
|---|---|
| Born | Brisbane, Australia |
| Occupation | Footballer |
| Known for | Being the inaugural Indigenous player for Western Sydney Wanderers |
Tahj James Rodney Minniecon is an Indigenous Australian footballer who most recently played for Davao Aguilas FC in the Philippines Football League during the 2018 season.
Early life
Raised in Brisbane, Tahj Minniecon attended both Cavendish Road State High School and Carbrook State School. He proudly identifies with his Indigenous Australian roots. Among his early football affiliations was the Loganholme Lightning Football Club, where he played as a junior.
Queensland Roar
In 2007, Minniecon secured a two-year contract with Queensland Roar after progressing from the AIS. Reflecting on the signing, he expressed, "Queensland Roar is my hometown team, and since the inception of the A-League, I have aspired to launch my professional journey with them. With my family and friends based in Brisbane, I am eager to begin this chapter."
Gold Coast United
On 3 January 2009, Minniecon joined the newly established A-League side Gold Coast United for their debut campaign. A proposed exchange involving Newcastle Jets forward Chris Payne did not materialize due to a heel injury Minniecon sustained during a youth league match against Sydney FC.
Western Sydney Wanderers
Following a trial period, Minniecon signed a one-year deal with Western Sydney Wanderers on 8 August 2012, becoming the club’s inaugural Indigenous player.
Rockdale City Suns
After parting ways with Western Sydney, Minniecon agreed to a short-term contract with NSW NPL1 outfit Rockdale City Suns.
Meralco Manila
On 1 December 2014, Minniecon inked a one-year contract with an option for extension at Filipino side Loyola Meralco Sparks, aiming to rejuvenate his career. He made his debut and netted his first goal on 15 February 2015 during a 3–2 victory away to Manila Jeepney in the 2015 United Football League season.
The team rebranded as FC Meralco Manila upon entering the Philippines Football League in 2017 but ceased operations in January 2018 after just one season, leaving Minniecon clubless.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League1 | Cup | International2 | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Queensland Roar | 2007–08 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 |
| 2008–09 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 3 | |
| Gold Coast United | 2009–10 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 1 |
| 2010–11 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 1 | |
| Total | 59 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 59 | 6 | |
1 - includes A-League finals appearances
2 - includes statistics from the FIFA Club World Cup; appearances in the AFC Champions League are recorded in subsequent seasons
Club
- A-League National Youth League Title: 2009-2010 season
- A-League Premiership winner: 2012–13 season
International
- AFF U19 Youth Championship Champion: 2008