Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Albert Perez/Football Queensland

Two-time PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Grand Finalists Olympic FC will be without prolific striker Tim Smits for the 2015 season it has been confirmed.

The 28-year-old has been revealed as the latest recruit for Brisbane Premier League side Peninsula Power, who will be guided by former Moreton Bay United coach Terry Kirkham in 2015.

Formerly playing for Brisbane Roar in the Hyundai A-league, Smits has been a thorn in the side of Olympic’s rivals for the past two seasons - his 39 goals in 44 appearances making him the club’s highest goalscorer in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland competition.

However, speculation surrounded Smits playing future during the off-season, with suggestions that on-going injury concerns could limit his contributions in 2015.

Olympic coach Jim Bellas said replacing Smits will result in tactical change for his side, who have qualified for the past two PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Grand Finals.

“Tim was very good whether it was long-ball to flick it on or in to his feet, so we’ve had to adjust ourselves a little bit in the way we play,” Bellas explained.

“At the moment everything’s alright. The players are responding in the friendly games and in training so we’ll see at the end of the year if we’re successful in what we’re going to do.”

Bellas pointed to Rhys Meredith, who was recruited from Redlands United midway through last campaign, as the most likely contender for the starting striker’s role after scoring five goals in nine appearances last season for Olympic and netting four goals so far in pre-season.

“Rhys has been scoring goals so he’s probably going to replace Tim up the front,” Bellas said.

“When he came to us last year he was carrying an injury. So this year we’re looking after him, we’re making sure he’s getting all the physio to make sure he doesn’t get another injury.”

Bellas said he will also continue to blood the club’s next generation of strikers, such as Mustafa Jafari and Dylan Wenzel-Halls.

“It all depends on them. They’ve been getting game time. Dylan is away with the Australian schoolboys but Mustafa’s been getting minutes and he’s slotting goals in,” Bellas explained.

“He scored one last week against Peninsula and he scored one on the weekend as well. So hopefully he can step it up and adjust into adult football.”

“He’s lethal around the eighteen yard box but we need to get him to understand the whole game. He’s getting there, and he’s still only a young kid, but I’m sure one day he will be a really good striker.”

Bellas was also eager to add that he and Olympic wish Smits the best of luck at his new club.

“Tim is a gentleman. I’m sure he didn’t make the decision lightly and good luck to him. He’s a good player and a good bloke,” Bellas concluded.

In addition to two Grand Final appearances for Olympic, Smits was also the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Most Valuable Player in the competition's first season in 2013.