The Tigers lost only one regular-season match all year,  but stumbled on the final hurdle, losing to Parkside on penalties in the grand final.

The 22-year-old striker scored and set up goals for her side on her way to claiming the prestigious Mount Isa senior player of the year award.

“I consider it to be a huge deal and very humbling to win the award, as it shows that people respect the way you play the game,” Renault said.

“Sport isn’t just about the skills you show but how you treat your teammates and competitors, on and off the field.

“Winning the award was the cherry on top for a great season, as we worked hard on the training paddock and hit our stride.

“Of course it’s unfortunate we couldn’t cap the season off with the premiership trophy but we all know we gave it our best shot.”

Renault has come a long way since starting her career as a nine-year-old in Canada.

“I wasn’t a super sporty kid when I was young, but remember the first soccer team I played on in Canada was made up of all my best friends,” she said.

“My brother was always playing something, whether it was ice hockey, lacrosse or soccer and I used to like softball, basketball and volleyball too.

“Soccer looked the most fun out of the lot of them and quickly turned into first true love.”

After moving from British Columbia to Townsville in 2003, Renault joined the school soccer team.

“I played one season at Mundingburra Olympic United Soccer Club before moving on to Saints Eagles South Football Club later in high school and while I studied at James Cook University,” she said.

“In 2008 I had the honour of captaining my under 18s Saints side, which went on to win the grand final.

“We didn’t win the minor premiership or score the most goals but we did have a strong group of girls that were determined to improve and train hard.

“It was a real underdog moment and a challenge we rose to, when we won the grand final.”

In more than 10 years in the sport, Renault acknowledges how important each coach has been in her development.

“Each coach I’ve ever had has taught me something new that I can add to my game,” she said.

“This season we were lucky to have Arthur McHugh, Peter McAllister and Brendan Voss all coach, with all of them pushing us in different ways.

“I also can’t forget my under 18s coach Yvette Perry, who would have to be the most dedicated person in the sport I have ever met.

“Her enthusiasm at training made young girls fall in love with the sport of soccer.

“She also taught me the importance of sportsmanship and letting your actions do the talking on the field.”

The sweeper-turned-striker said she liked the challenge of scoring goals instead of preventing them.

“I’ve played in defence all my life, so it’s a nice change to be scoring goals,” Renault said.

“I appreciate how hard opponents like Kerrie Dempsey and Bessie Pili are to match-up on, knowing the role of a sweeper.

“But I embrace playing against strong players like them, because that’s how you improve as a player.”

Renault’s Tigers  are already looking to next year to capture that elusive crown. 

“I can’t speak highly enough of the club and how well we came together this season, as all the hard work paid off,” she said.

“I’ve never been part of a side that does so much work on and off the field, so it was absolutely enjoyable to be a part of it.

“But I’d be lying if I didn’t say we have things that we need to improve on for next season, but we will use that to get back to that grand final next season.”