Star Olympic FC forward Tim Smits is relishing life in the National Premier Leagues with his side sitting top of the table and a league-leading 21 goals to his credit this season.

Smits has returned to goal scoring form following a lean stretch mid-season, his brace last weekend against FNQ FC Heat taking his recent record to nine goals in four games.

Olympic FC’s star centre-forward, who joined the club from Rochedale Rovers prior to the inaugural NPL season, has now plundered 21 goals to lead Brisbane City’s Antonio Murray and CQFC's Chris Geddes on the goalscoring charts.

Despite his hot form, the powerful number nine said etching his name on the league’s first golden boot was an afterthought.

“Not really,” Smits responded when asked whether the prize was one he particularly coveted.

“Of course I’ll [try to] score goals but as long as the team wins I’m happy with that.”

Olympic's success on the pitch this season -14 wins and a draw from 16 games played - has been borne of a comradery off the field. 

“Definitely they’re a good bunch of boys,” Smits said of his teammates. “It’s the best team environment I’ve had.”

The 27-year-old Smits said he hadn't set a personal goal target at the start of the season, and wouldn't be drawn on whether he will reach 30 this campaign.

However, the humble Smits said he doesn’t expect his goalscoring feats to alter the approach of opposing teams.

“I suppose they might tighten up on me but I wouldn’t see why they need to change their plans just because of me,” Smits said

Smits, who played in the A-League with the then-named Queensland Roar and more recently in the Brisbane Premier League spoke highly of the strength of the NPL competition.

“It’s a good quality. Probably the better teams are standing out more but it’s still a good quality overall,” he said.

Olympic have scored 68 goals this season and Smits was eager to point out the talents of fellow goal scorers Jai Ingham (9 goals), Matt Heath (4 goals) and team captain Danny Byrne (14 goals)

“Heath and Jai bring a lot of speed and Danny’s a really smart player, so it’s good to have that,” Smits said of his attacking support.

“The delivery into the box definitely helps and Jai and Danny do that well.”

Smits also acknowledged the role of the Olympic coaching duo of head coach Jim Bellas and fellow senior coach Tim Brown.

“I know Browney from previous years and Dixie (Bellas) is completely new, but we seem to be doing a good job,” he enthused.

Smits and his Olympic teammates will test their attacking prowess this Sunday against the NPL's best defence when the league leaders travel north to face Sunshine Coast Fire.

 

Words: Matt Dorman (Olympic FC) and Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: Allanah Pearson (Olympic FC)