New-look USQ plots its championship defence
FOOTBALL: The playing group is drastically different but USQ’s 2019 mission remains the same – win the TFL Premiership Men’s title.
The defending champions, who beat Willowburn in a penalty shoot-out last season, lost several big names to the SWQ Thunder in the off-season but coach Matt Proctor remains positive.
“A huge hole was ripped out of our club in the off-season,” Proctor said.
“We lost a strong core of senior players to the Thunder, but we’re not seeing that as a negative, it’s a positive.
“Credit to the Thunder they were very professional and honest in their approach about wanting some of our players to trial.
“We’re happy to see our players test themselves at another level.”
Having signed several new young players Proctor said the focus had been on ensuring the newest players understand accept the club’s values.
“It’s almost a rebuilding phase for us – having lost so many players,” Proctor said.
“But we have been able to attract new players which is a good thing.
“The focus for us this offseason has been instilling the values of last year’s team into our new team.
“As always our focus is on playing good team football.”
Happy to build slowly as the season progresses Proctor said his side are looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“It’s business as usual for us,” he said.
“Everybody starts from square one again this season.
“We’re looking forward to challenge of defending our title and will be working hard to do that.”
WILLOWBURN READY
The Magpies women opened their season with an empathic 10-0 win last weekend.
Ebonney Kidd, last year’s leading TFL scorer with 53 goals, said it was match played in the right spirit.
“They (West Wanderers) were a great team to play against,” Kidd said.
“Both teams played with the right attitude and I know we really enjoyed ourselves.”
It was also a great way to start the year after an off-season full of turmoil.
“We lost a lot of players and our coach,” Kidd said.
“It wasn’t great losing Steve (Pennells) but understand and accept that football comes second to family and health.
“We’ve really banded together though, myself and a few of the older players took it upon ourselves to take charge.
“The club was also extremely supportive – helping us at every turn.”