Shot at the big time

Young stars hoping to shine on national stage

SOUTH Hobart’s brightest young stars are relishing the chance to play on the big stage ahead of tomorrow’s NPL National Finals Series clash with the Brisbane Strikers.

Utility Kobe Kemp, 19, has played a key role for South this season, and is looking forward to taking on the Strikers at Darcy Street.

“The FFA Cup and this NPL Finals Series are the biggest stages for NPL clubs all around Australia, so to be among it is really exciting for the club and everyone in the team,” Kemp said. “It’s probably the biggest game of our season.”

With ambitions to play at a higher level, Kemp has extra motivation to play well.

“You’ve got the extra drive because you want to do well and also, because you’re on the national stage, you want to impress not just for the club but you also want to put yourself out there and show what you can do personally.”

The NPL Finals Series brings together the eight teams who won their respective NPL league titles. South is in hot form, demolishing Olympia 7-0 to claim the League Cup last week and winning the NPL Tasmania by 12 points.

The Strikers will still start favourites, though, and are in equally strong form, having won seven of their final eight games to storm to the NPL Queensland title this year.

Nick Morton is embracing the underdog tag but believes his team can beat the Strikers and reach the semi-finals.

“I don’t think it’s a game where we will sit off and have a look at them and admire them,’’ he said. “It’s a game where we’ve got to show our character.”

South last played in the NPL Finals Series in 2014, when it lost the elimination final 1-0 to South Melbourne, while it made the final in 2013 before succumbing to Sydney United.