Brownlie Flying High With Jets
Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Keith Eigeland/Football Queensland
Moreton Bay United captain and NPL Queensland Golden Boot contender Royce Brownlie believes last night’s impressive 2-0 win over Brisbane City is a direct result of his team's passion.
Despite being reduced to ten men prior to the half hour, Jets kept a clean-sheet against their fellow finals aspirants to move into third place in the league standings.
Brownlie, who also moved within one of Palm Beach Sharks' Golden Boot leader Chris Lucas with the match's opening goal, said Jets’ fighting spirit saw them overcome the odds at Spencer Park.
“It’s a passion thing. It’s wanting to fight for each other and we’ve got good mateship between the whole team,” Brownlie explained.
Brownlie, now 34, said that despite having a young side that Jets high-flying position was based on relentless positivity within the playing group.
“We’ve been talking about it for the last two to three weeks that things haven’t gone our way through the year, so it’s time now to step up and make it happen,” he said.
“We know we’re going to make mistakes because we have a lot of young players, but if we’re going to make mistakes then let’s make them going forward.”
As one of the older heads in the side, Brownlie brings his experience playing for Marconi, Parramatta Power and Brisbane Strikers in the old National Soccer League, as well as the then named Queensland Roar and Wellington Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League.
He said his prolific returns in front of goal this season were a result of recapturing the enjoyment for the game.
“It’s the best I’ve felt in a long time. I’ve worked hard off the field, and looked after my body, and I think it’s responded,” he explained.
“The way the team’s playing just makes it easier for me to enjoy and just go out and do what I love to do.”
He good-naturedly laughed off suggestions his goal scoring feats this season might see him in line for a return to the Australian top tier.
“I’m definitely past my used by date and I wouldn’t want to take one of the young boys spot anyway,” he joked.
Moreton Bay United continue their NPL Queensland campaign against bottom-of-the-table South West Queensland Thunder next Saturday in Laidley.
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