Moreton Bay United’s Karl Dodd is swapping one set of Jets for another, farewelling his NPL club next week to take up a position as strength and conditioning coach with A-League outfit Newcastle Jets.

The move means that Dodd will play his final NPL game for Moreton Bay this weekend and his farewell match will fittingly be against his junior club Palm Beach Sharks.

Dodd’s football career has seen him play in several countries including time with Brisbane Strikers in the NSL, as well as seasons with Falkirk in the Scottish Premier League and in Hong Kong with TSW Pegasus.

Dodd also made more than 50 appearances in the A-League with Brisbane Roar, Wellington Phoenix and North Queensland Fury over four seasons.

However, Dodd always remained mindful of his post-playing career and undertook his tertiary studies in sports science while still plying his trade on the pitch.

“I was chipping away at (the degree) while I was playing,” Dodd explained, “Via distance education, online, and then have to go to the university to complete the practical stuff.”

“I’ve just completed my masters in exercise science through Edith Cowan University in Perth,” Dodd continued, adding that he is also near completing his A level coaching license as well.

Dodd’s recruitment by Newcastle Jets is indicative of the growing esteem the National Premier Leagues is held by Australia’s top flight football clubs.

Dodd explained: “Newcastle must’ve heard through their network about what we are trying to set up at Moreton Bay in the sports science and high performance programme from the 12 year olds right through to the seniors. That’s something they want to set up in Newcastle as well.”

Dodd also said he believed the NPL will offer more opportunities for coaches and players to further their careers at a professional level, however cautiously pointed out that the results would not be instantaneous.

“The NPL is definitely getting there,” Dodd stated, “But you’ve just got to stay strong with it and that’s been the downfall of previous leagues – once the honeymoon period wears off everyone goes back to what they were used to.”

“However the standard of the NPL is definitely better. There are some good players and the fitness levels and the speed of the game is getting better too.”

Dodd also said that bad habits from some players are indicative of the need for the NPL system across multiple age groups.

“A lot of it comes down to what coaches the players have had in the past. I know there’s a lot of boys that have missed a lot of important football aspects over the years from a coaching point of view; you’re fixing basic errors at an NPL level that should’ve already been fixed at the Under 13 level.

“But it’s that transition period from implementing a professional pathway and, like I said, the Under 12’s will be the ultimate judgement once they come through because they will have come through the whole system.”

Dodd is also confident that the groundwork already laid at Moreton Bay Jets will hold the club in good stead following his departure.

“I think we’re going okay on the field. I came in in February and it’s still a new club with new players and it can be hard to attract and establish that playing base.”

“But they’re focusing this year on the processes and the structures off the field and then player recruitment will be targeted more in the off-season.”

“The club is building a very solid foundation and that’s very important,” he emphasised.

Dodd also believes that like himself some of his NPL teammates may also come to the attention of A-League clubs.

“There’s one player that I believe is A-League material and that’s Josh South. He can play right back, left back and in a wing position and he has everything going for him.”

“He’s 20 years of age, great attitude and a really good player and he’s definitely someone that has stood out by a mile not just in our team but in the NPL as a whole.”

Dodd’s farewell for Moreton Bay Jets is at Palm Beach Sharks’ Mallawa Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon. Kick is off is 5:30PM and entry is free.

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland) / Image: Moreton Bay United Jets FC