Strikers Lock Down Defensive Options
Words: Steve Pitman & Michael Flynn
Image: Getty Images
Brisbane Strikers have secured the services of four returning defensive options for the 2015 PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland campaign.
The club has confirmed defenders Cameron Draper, Andy Thompson, David Salin and Chris Maher will each back-up for their second seasons with Strikers under new coach Kevin A’herne-Evans.
Draper, 26, joined Strikers midway through the 2015 season from PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland rivals Redlands United – playing a combined 23 matches for both clubs over the year.
Thompson, 20, linked up with Strikers from community club Rochedale Rovers, scoring once in eleven league appearances.
Frenchman Salin, 28, added a touch of European resilience to the Strikers backline this season in 19 appearances and is due to return to the club from his homeland in the new year.
Maher, 23, is a Strikers youth product who returned for 22 appearances at both fullback and centre-half last season after spending the previous season with Rovers in the Brisbane Premier League.
Maher said his year with Rovers had been important in preparing him for his break-out 2014 performances after he struggled for game time in Strikers' 2012 Queensland State League side.
“Playing at Rochedale for the season, I played a lot of football and (then) to get consistent games with the Strikers in a few different positions last season was really, really good. I really enjoyed it,” Maher said
He added that he will look to build on this year’s performances next season.
“It sounds funny to say this as a right back, but probably the defensive side of my game - defensive positioning and winning the ball from those sorts of positions and slowing the play up a little bit – is where I want to improve”, Maher explained.
“Going forward is not a big concern, but doing the defensive job. I think I’ve got to set my mind to do that job first and then the rest of it will come after,” he concluded.
As part of the announcement, Strikers confirmed that defender Jason Shade will not be returning in 2015 as he seeks opportunities in Victoria.
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.