Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Football Queensland

FNQ Heat foundation player Darcy McCormack will again turn out for the club in 2016 – and he is eager to see his club return to finals football.

The 20 year old left-sided utility made 22 PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues appearances for Heat in 2013 before joining Sydney FC Youth.

After a solid debut Foxtel National Youth League season, a stint with Bankstown City followed in PlayStation 4 NPL New South Wales competition, however a torn anterior cruciate ligament halted his progress.

After easing himself back into football with FNQ Premier League outfit Innisfail United in 2015 and netting 10 goals in the process, McCormack said he is now looking to make the most of his return to the national second tier.

“It’s still my ambition to get into the A-League. It would be good if I could have a great season this year and kick-start it off again,” he explained.

“I’m really just keen to get back out there. After the injury I was a bit worried but I’m trying to take the pre-season a bit slowly.”

“The aim is to be a regular starter and try and get my fitness back.”

He said he was positive about how the team was coming together under coach Tim Campbell but admitted he wasn’t sure where he would fit into the formation at this stage.

“In training I’ve been left-wing or left-back and I am sort of interchangeable between the two. I don’t mind where I play just as long as I’m in the team really.”

He added, “At this stage it’s about just trying to gel as a team, work hard for each other, rather than any one individual efforts.”

“We are keen to do our best and it would be good to make the top four again."

McCormack’s previous stint at Heat was prior to the launch of the Westfield FFA Cup and he said he his particular anxious to represent Cairns on the national stage.

“The FFA Cup is always a good opportunity for people to shine. It would be good if we could do that again,” he concluded.