Words: Garry McKenzie
Image: Chris Simpson

Western Pride’s new set-piece star Corey Lucas says his rise to PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues prominence is built on the toil of fellow Ipswich products before him.

Despite starting in the heart of defence, Lucas’ reputation is growing thanks to three goals in four games – including a pair of stunning dead-ball strikes from distance.

The former Ipswich City Bulls and Ipswich Knights stopper is the latest local to earn recognition for his exploits, following in the footsteps of the likes of former Pride players Lincoln Rule and Peter Drager.

“Every time you picked up a Saturday [Queensland Times] they were the boys on the back page, even when they were originally at Knights,” Lucas said.

“Then when Lincoln had a month trialling at Brisbane Roar [in 2014] it showed us how good the development pathway in Ipswich is.”

Rule, a club foundation player, recommended his friend for a trial in the off-season before himself returning to community football with Knights.

The pair originally met at Ipswich Grammar School, which Lucas praised as important to the early development of talent in the region.

“He [Rule] was five years older but I became good mates with him through football coaching,” the 20-year-old said.

“Football at Ipswich Grammar School got pretty big while I was there, and for the term and a half it was you lived and breathed it.

“Then if Ipswich kids want to progress to the Brisbane Roar youth system they now want to be playing at an NPL club.

“And thankfully Pride is right in our backyard.”