O'Brien Buoyed By Finals Know-How
Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Chris Simpson
The Gap Women’s defender Summer O’Brien believes her side’s top-tier experience will prove invaluable in the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Women’s Grand Final on Saturday night.
Already boasting a number of players who have spent time in the Westfield W-League, the Premiers also feature five currently training with Brisbane Roar in the hope of winning a contract for the new season.
O’Brien is amongst that contingent and says the ongoing opportunity to learn from the best will pay dividends at Corporate Travel Management Stadium.
“I think it’s brought a lot of confidence for the girls like myself who are in that training group,” O’Brien said.
“People like Bec Price and Leah Curtis have been in the W-League too so I think that will be really beneficial for us.
“We have a lot of experience with finals as well so we’re all just looking forward to it.”
O’Brien has been central to Gators’ title-winning success this season, forming part of a defence which has now kept an incredible 14 clean sheets.
The 23-year-old says there are no hidden secrets to their sturdiness but is mindful of the danger posed by a potent Palm Beach SC Women.
“We’ve been working towards sticking together in the backline and keeping it simple,” she said.
“(Sharks) have quite a strong midfield so we will be looking to break that down and make sure we don’t get caught out by the ball over the top.”
Another commanding defensive performance from Rob Askew’s side will go a long way to securing further silverware for Gators’ prolific female program.
As the Brisbane outfit prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, achieving an inaugural PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Women’s double is high on the agenda.
“I’ve been with the club for six or seven years and The Gap really focuses on its women’s football. It’s great to have that sort of support,” O’Brien concluded.
PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 Women's Grand Final
The Gap FC Women v Palm Beach SC Women
Corporate Travel Management Stadium, Brisbane
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Kick-off at 6:30PM
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