Words: Michael Flynn

Newly appointed South-West Queensland Thunder coach Chris Wilkes believes the Toowoomba-based club has the potential to strengthen significantly this season and beyond.

While conceding his side are outsiders to challenge for PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland silverware in 2015, Wilkes said continuing the development of the past two years is a high priority for the coming campaign after the club finished without a win in their first senior season.

Wilkes was part of the Thunder side that qualified for the 2013 PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Youth Men’s Grand Final, and he said the returns that season demonstrated there was plenty of potential for Thunder to compete.

However, he added that means ensuring the best players in the region are aware of the opportunities and the challenge of playing in the state’s elite club competition.

“That Grand Final was really good for the town and we got a lot of support from our younger teams at the Thunder and it created a really positive vibe around the football community,” Wilkes said.

“It’s really important that we get a lot of those players back, because after that year we lost the core of the team.”

Wilkes admitted that at present Thunder lack the financial clout of some of the competition’s heavy-hitters, but that continued growth and development will see that gap lessen in coming years.

“I’ve been in Toowoomba for over 20 years playing my footy, and getting Thunder to the level of a professional club where we are seen as an equal to Brisbane is a real challenge.”

“While it might be seen as a bit of a negative that they didn’t win a game last year, I think the fact that they have blooded so many young players from the region and given them a chance to play against the best footballers in Queensland is a real positive.”

“So hopefully if we can get some of those boys back that have experienced the NPL, we can work towards building a culture of winning.”

As a regional club, Wilkes said the travel requirements of away matches will always prove a challenge, however he added that Thunder could use their location to their advantage as the home side.

“What we’ve got to do, like all home teams, is to make Clive Berghofer Stadium into a bit of a fortress,” Wilkes explained.

“It’s such a great facility and a fantastic stadium an if we can encourage our younger players to come and watch, and our families and communities to get involved to really raise the profile , that will lead to all the kids in the region aspiring to play for the Thunder,” he concluded.

A statement from the club concerning Wilke's appointment pointed strongly on his connection to the local community.

The statement read, "The development of players and coaches is at the core of the Thunder's philosophy, and Chris, as both a former Thunder player and coach is a perfect example of that philosophy in action."

"We are fortunate to have a coach like Chris, who was Toowoomba born and bred, and has a close understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with being based in the south west region."

"Chris is well-known in the local football community and well respected," the statement concluded.