Words: Steve Pitman & Michael Flynn
Image: Pine Creek Pictures

Brisbane Strikers have reacted with restrained excitement after drawing relative unknowns Rovers Darwin in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32.

The high-flying PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues side will venture to the nation’s “Top End” for the first time in a competitive match for the fixture in coming weeks.

The unheralded Rovers qualified for the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 for the first time this year and currently sit second in Football Federation Northern Territory’s Norzone Premier Men’s competition.

While conceding he knows little of his upcoming opponents, Strikers captain Michael Angus said he is still eagerly anticipating the upcoming challenge.

“We don’t know much about them, but anyone that we get in the last 32 is going to be there for a reason and it will be a good hit-out,” Angus explained.

“There’s quite a bit of that unknown factor which is always exciting in the Cup. I’m sure the boys will be looking forward to it.”

2016 is the third straight year Strikers have reached the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 and Angus conceded that he and his teammates sympathise with Strikers' supporters that are yet to see their club host a fixture in the competition's national stages.

“There’s an initial bit of disappointment not to get a home round,” he conceded.

“But each round is a matter of getting a job done and seeing how far we can go. The further we go in the Cup, then obviously the better chance we will have to draw a home game eventually.”

With the drama of the draw out of the way, the pragmatic Angus said thoughts now must switch to the immediate task at hand in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues competition this weekend where Strikers face SWQ Thunder.

Strikers currently sit three points behind league-leaders, and fellow Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 Qualifiers, FNQ Heat – but still hold a game in hand in this year's Premiership race.

“We made it pretty clear tonight at training that our focus has to be on the league and the games that are coming up,” Angus said.

“We’ve got an important game this weekend (against SWQ Thunder in Toowoomba) and in the weeks leading up to the Cup game.”

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 16

SWQ Thunder FC v Brisbane Strikers
Saturday, July 2 | 5:00PM
Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba

Westfield FFA Cup 2016 – Round of 32

Rovers Darwin FC v Brisbane Strikers FC
Date and venue to be confirmed