Supporters XI Nominees - Western Pride
As a new club, Western Pride were aware that their first season wouldn't be easy. However the Ipswich-based side overcame the challenges to become one of the feel good stories of the NPL Queensland season.
The locally sourced squad took time to come to grips with the high standard of National Premier League football, but finished strongly and by season’s end recorded the upset of the season to defeat Premiers Olympic FC on their home turf.
Western Pride’s achievements have been rewarded with two nominations for the Supporters XI.
Steve Purdy (Goalkeeper)
Known as ‘Sturdy Purdy’, American goalkeeper Steve Purdy’s stand out season between the sticks received due reward when he was recognised as Player of the Year at the Western Pride Presentation Night. Originally trialling with the club as an outfielder, Purdy’s control and distribution with the ball at his feet was unrivalled this year. Add to the equation his full-stretch saves and bravery coming off the line and Purdy quickly became a favourite league-wide.
The Chicago native was nominated to the Supporters XI by his Western Pride coach Kasey Wehrman and by Palm Beach Sharks coach Grae Piddick. Piddick said of Purdy’s efforts, “He’s a great shot-stopper and very reliable.”
Peter Drager (Striker/Left Wing)
Somewhat overlooked amidst the race for the NPL Queensland Golden Boot, Peter Drager scored 17 goals this year at the top of the Pride formation in a deadly double act with Russell Woodruffe. Drager’s tally was the equal fifth highest in the league and saw the striker honoured as the Player’s Player of the Year at the Pride Presentation Night.
Drager’s combination of height and pace saw the 24 year old notch hat-tricks against CQFC Energy and Palm Beach Sharks as he terrorised defences across the state. He was nominated by no-nonsense former A-League players, and current NPL Queensland coaches, Kasey Wehrman (Pride) and Josh McCloughan (QAS). McCloughan said of the lanky forward, “He’s awkward and always a handful and very direct.”
For details on how to support your club and reward your favourite players and be in the chance to win a signed Brisbane Roar football, follow the link to the 2013 NPL Queensland Supporters XI competition page - http://bit.ly/19Wa0Pj
Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
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