Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Aqua PD/Football Queensland

Olympic FC captain Danny Byrne is hoping to avoid a penalty shoot-out against Palm Beach Sharks in Friday night’s NPL Queensland Grand Final.

The Yeronga-based club has form in the shoot-out setting, winning last year’s decider on penalties after drawing 3-3 with cross-town rivals Brisbane City.

However, with a heavy schedule in recent weeks and a blockbuster Westfield FFA Cup match against Central Coast Mariners on Tuesday night looming, Byrne said he wants to get the job done against Sharks in the standard 90 minutes.

“I don’t think penalties are something anyone really practices for,” Byrne said.

“Considering we’ve had such a build-up with nine games in six weeks, it would be nice if it was won in normal time.”

“But, que sera, if it does go to penalties we’ve got the experience from last year’s Grand Final and hopefully that stands us in good stead.”

The attacking midfielder has proven his worth from the penalty spot before, slotting home twice from 12 yards through the regular season in addition to striking the winning penalty in last year’s Grand Final shoot-out.

He said he will not hesitate to put himself forward for the nerve-racking task again on Friday night if need be.

“I always put my hand up to take one. I don’t shy away from that,” he said, “Taking a penalty on big occasions is a rush that I like and I’ll be happy to step up.”

“But penalties are generally a toss of the coin. It’s whoever holds their nerve at the time and keepers can either guess the right way or they don’t,” he added.

Olympic have had the better of their Grand Final opponents this season, with a 2-2 draw early in the year and a 9-1 mauling of an understrength Sharks less than a fortnight ago.

However, Byrne conceded those results will count for naught on Friday night.

“Grand Finals are a stage where anyone can beat anyone,” he explained.

“Form generally goes out the window and whoever is up for it on the day and wants to win it most on the day is generally crowned Champions.”

Regardless of the result, Byrne was adamant that Olympic’s second successive Grand Final appearance was a testament to the club and to his teammates.

“Most people aren’t fortunate enough to play in one Grand Final, so to be involved in two at a club I’ve been involved with for so long, it’s fantastic for the club as well as for myself.”

He further explained, “Being captain of such a talented group of players is a privilege. The talent that we’ve got in our team and the attitude that the boys have got makes it an easier job for me.”

“We’ve got captains in all departments - Matt Byrne at the back, Terry Hughes in the middle and Tim Smits up front with me."

“There are a lot of strong characters in the team and it makes my job that little bit easier,” Byrne concluded.