Jets Super-Sub Ready To Deliver
Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Albert Perez/Moreton Bay United FC
Moreton Bay United super-sub Joseph Champness could prove crucial in Sunday’s PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Grand Final - but he hopes it doesn’t come to that.
The 18-year-old attacker has been a revelation for the 2015 Premiers in his first season of senior football despite contributing primarily as an impact player off the bench.
Last week he edged the Jets ahead in their Semi Final against Olympic FC with a stunning 85th minute half-volley, as well as contributing two other vital goals off the bench against Western Pride and Palm Beach SC earlier in the season.
However, despite his growing status as the Jets ‘X-Factor’, Champness said he would much prefer his teammates wrap up the Grand Final before substitutions are considered.
“I’d rather be five-nil ahead at half-time to be honest - that sounds alright with me,” Champness proffered with a laugh.
However, on a more serious note, the former Albany Creek Excelsior junior said he was ready to repay the faith of coach Adam Piddick should he be thrown into the fray this weekend.
“I’m hungry to perform every match and I’m grateful for the opportunities that Adam has given me this season and it’s great to be able to score some goals,” he explained.
“After coming from the Under 18’s comp last year I personally have something to prove and the confidence that Adam has in me just transcends onto the pitch when I do get out there.”
“Of course I’d love to start more games but getting more minutes is the goal of every player at every club, I think.”
“But that’s also what’s great about this team - there is healthy competition amongst the lads for starting spots but we also know that whoever is on the pitch can get the job done at any point.”
Champness conceded Sunday’s crowd is likely to be the biggest he has ever played before, but quickly added he and his teammates are focused on the task at hand and not the occasion.
“The whole team is very excited and keen to prove a point not only to Strikers but to the whole of the league,” he asserted.
“We’re focusing on our strengths and how we go about breaking down the Strikers.”
“We’ve won the Premiership but it’s not done yet and we know we still have a job to do - the whole team is ready to let our football do the talking this weekend,” he concluded.
PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 Men’s Grand Final
Moreton Bay United FC v Brisbane Strikers FC
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Wolter Park, Moreton Bay
Kick-off at 5:00PM
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