Thunder skipper loves the look of ‘new’ side
Key signings add depth and experience to squad
FOOTBALL: There are plenty of reasons for returning South West Queensland Thunder women’s captain Mel Lloyd to be excited.
The squad has been training well in the off-season, new coaches Craig Lockwood and Anthony Bigby have introduced their methods effectively and they have added experience to their young team.
Last season was tough for the women’s team who recorded just three wins but Lloyd said returning for another season was easy if it meant securing a better future.
“I really want to see our young girls prosper,” Lloyd said.
“And I believe that’s part of my role as a senior player in the team – helping build for the future.
“When I was younger I remember wanting to be like the older girls I played with and we hear that from a lot of the younger Thunder players.
“They want to be like the experienced players in the team or go on to play for the Roar like Abbey (Lloyd).”
Leading the forward line again Lloyd said she is excited to have a familiar and experienced face supporting her.
“It’s great to have Jordi (Franke) back,” she said.
“She has fit right back into the side smoothly and has already taken on a leadership role which we’re all really happy about.
“She’ll be a big player for us. “Jordi and I have played together for about 10 years – she’s a great leader and a player you can always trust.”
Franke returns to the Thunder after a season with Lions FC and is joined at the back by new signing Gemma Cartwright.
“I think Gemma is going to surprise a few people this season,” Lloyd said.
“She’s returned to football after a few years off, but I think if she stays injury free she’s going to make a really big difference.
“She was a year above me in high-school and I remember her being named as a shadow player in an Australian team.”
Opening their season away to Mitchelton, Lloyd believes the side is well prepared.
“The team has responded really well to Craig (Lockwood) and Anthony (Bigby),” Lloyd said.
“Every coach brings something different to training and one of the things Craig
‘‘ IT’S GREAT TO HAVE JORDI (FRANKE) BACK. SHE HAS FIT RIGHT BACK INTO THE SIDE SMOOTHLY AND HAS ALREADY TAKEN ON A LEADERSHIP ROLE WHICH WE’RE ALL REALLY HAPPY ABOUT. SHE’LL BE A BIG PLAYER FOR US.
MEL LLOYD
does well is offer a lot of positive feedback.
“Mitchelton will be a very good test for us.
“They’re a physical team – it’ll be a good introduction for some of the girls and will give us a good idea of where we are placed.”
KNIGHTS CHALLENGE
The Thunder are away from home tomorrow facing the Gold Coast Knights.
The team will be looking to bounce back after a heavy 5-2 loss to the Brisbane Roar.