Neither Brisbane Strikers nor Moreton Bay United are taking anything for granted ahead of Saturday’s PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Grand Final rematch.
Strikers and Jets meet for the first time since last season’s dramatic end-of-season decider on Saturday at Wolter Park, with the team’s polar opposites in terms of recent form.
Jets have started 2016 where they left off last year with three straight victories, while Strikers have had to settled for just two draws so far.
Strikers coach Kevin A’herne-Evans explained that current form will count for little once his players take the pitch.
“We will go into this game against Moreton Bay really confident, knowing that ironically we play quite well against them especially at their place,” A’herne-Evans said.
“We always look forward to going there because we know it’s going to be a real, solid test. But I’m confident that we can win the game.”
He added that he has found plenty of positives from last week’s frustrating 1-1 draw against Gold Coast City – a match Strikers dominated for significant periods.
“We’ve got a number of very attractive attacking players in the side, but it’s about creating a platform for them to express themselves and I thought we did that really well on Sunday, particularly in the first half,” A’Herne-Evnas said.
Jets captain Royce Brownlie said that despite high levels of player turnover, the match will serve as another exciting chapter in a burgeoning rivalry between the two clubs.
“There have been changes in both squads since the Grand Final, but that game has helped create a great rivalry between the two teams which will make this game a great occasion.”
He said he was pleased with how Jets had responded to several squad changes which has seen eight of Jet’s Grand Final winning squad move on.
“We have replaced a lot of players very well. The way they have been supported by the coaches and the club has helped them - and it has shown in our results,” Brownlie explained.
“You don’t always know personalities and how they will fit in. But one of our strengths last season was how everyone got on so well. It made us a formidable force.”
PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 4Moreton Bay United FC v Brisbane Strikers FC
Saturday, March 19
Wolter Park, Moreton Bay
Kick-off at 6:00PM