Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Keith Eigeland/Football Queensland

Palm Beach Sharks coach Grae Piddick believes his team’s fighting qualities will serve them well in Friday’s NPL Queensland Grand Final against Olympic FC.

Sharks fought back from a goal down against Brisbane Strikers in their Semi-Final last Saturday, scoring twice in the second half to win 2-1 and progress to their first ever NPL Queensland decider.

Piddick highlighted similar performances from throughout the season that he believes strengthened the team’s resolve on their way to their maiden NPL Queensland Premiership title.

“There’s been a few stand out performances but the times where we have gone down in games stand out most,” Piddick explained.

“We went behind to Moreton Bay United in the first minute up there and then we came back strong and scored four goals in the first half. That was pleasing in a top-of-the-table clash.”

“Also being behind to Olympic early in the season with literally seconds to go and then being able to go straight from the kick-off to win a penalty and get an equaliser – that gave the boys a lot of confidence through the rest of the year.”

Piddick said Sharks’ Grand Final opponents, Olympic FC, boast a similar never-say-die attitude to his own side, setting the stage for a blockbuster contest for Queensland football fans.

“Olympic are a very good side. They’re the Champions of last year and they’ve got quality all over the park.”

“If we were to win, it would be satisfying knowing that you have beaten the best so to speak.”

Grand Finals are traditionally low-scoring affairs, however Piddick somewhat surprisingly said he didn’t think that would be the case on Friday night despite his side boasting the best defensive record in the league this season.

“It’s a game where both teams have plenty of attacking ability, so there will be goals in it,” he said.

“It’s going to be one of those games where it’s not going to be won or lost until that final whistle goes,” he added.

Sharks staged a huge turnaround from a ninth place finish last year to win this year’s league title.

Piddick further explained that the lessons learned last year were key to this season’s success.

“Last year was tough for the boys. There was a lot of young players who got game time before they were ready but that was just based on where the squad was at the time.”

“But as a result of that they’ve had a bit of a taste and they’ve been able to up their game this year.”