Words: Steve Pitman
Image: Brisbane Strikers

Brisbane Strikers midfielder Michael Angus achieved a personal milestone in last Saturday’s Canale Travel Cup triumph – notching his 100^th game for the club.

Angus, 24, wasn’t informed about his achievement until the day after the 1-0 defeat of cross-town rivals Olympic FC in the Football Brisbane knockout competition.

Angus said he was inclined to view his hundred appearances as the first chapter in a continuing story, that started when he made his debut for the club in the former Queensland State League in 2010.

“A hundred games is one milestone. Let’s go and see if we can reach another one,” Angus said.

“It’s definitely a great milestone and one that I’m really proud of, and I thank the club and everyone that has supported me throughout that, but let’s look forward to the future and see what that holds,” he added.

The cup victory was Strikers first silverware since entering NPL Queensland, and Angus said he couldn’t think of a better way to mark his 100^th game.

“It would be tough to beat one of those. The only other thing I suppose would be a Premiership, or something like that, but what a way to get the milestone,” he said.

After fighting for his place in the starting line-up this season, Angus said the experience had been character building.

“It’s something that I hadn’t really been through at the Strikers,” he explained.

“I just put my head down and tried to act as professionally as I could. Not only did I want to do that for myself, but I wanted to do it for others around me.”

“You’ve got to sort of set the standard if you want to be a role model for those coming up through the club. If you take it in the wrong way it not only affects the team, but everyone,” he added.

Strikers Assistant Coach Kenny Armstrong praised Angus’ handling of the situation and suggested Chay Hews’ move from playing to coaching this season had affected the midfielder’s game.

“He’s a part-time player, but I’d describe him as a model professional and a great servant of the club,” Armstrong said.

“I saw ‘Gus’ play quite often last year, I watched quite a bit of the Strikers while I was still over at Rochedale and I thought he worked perfectly in tandem with Chay.”

“He had the engine and industry in the middle of the park while Chay was one of the best passers in the league and a great football brain as well.

“Gus has probably missed Chay a bit this year, and it has been quite tough for him with so many adjustments having to be made, but he’s kept his head down.”

“He never whinged about anything, he’s hardly missed a training session and he’s fought his way back and he deserves a lot of credit for that,” Armstrong concluded.

Brisbane Strikers face Brisbane Roar NYL this Sunday at Perry Park. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:15pm.