Thunder determined to kickstart season
FOOTBALL: The start to the Thunder women’s season has been a little bumpy.
Rain put a dampener on their pre-season, they started their NPLWQ season with losses to competition heavyweights The Gap and Capalaba, and their round three opponents Western Pride dropped out of the competition.
The mood in the Thunder camp has always been positive, though.
“It’s been a frustrating start to the season,” player Jordie Franke said.
“The rain, playing two of the biggest teams in the competition and then not playing last week.
“The team has been very positive, though, everyone has the right attitude and we’re confident we can kickstart our season this weekend against Mitchelton.
“It’ll be a tough game, in the past they’ve been quite a physical team, but we’re up for the challenge.
“If we play to feet, pass the ball well and build from the back, we’ll be fine.
“Outside of that, we just need to limit our lapses in concentration.”
Franke is hoping to see game time against Mitchelton after a lengthy period on the sideline due to tendinopathy – a type of tendon disorder that results in pain, swelling, and impaired function – in her hamstrings.
“I’ve been out for a few months because of it,” she said.
“I had a run at training on Monday and it felt all right, my calves were a little sore.
“Hopefully it comes up okay, and I can see a few minutes, maybe at the end of the game.”
If she does feature at home, she knows she will have earned the right.
“Between the girls we brought in from the Toowoomba competition and our international signing (Rosnani Azman), we have some really good depth and diversity in the side now,” Franke said.
“A lot of the girls can play in multiple positions which gives us flexibility.
“It also means there’s more competition at training, you know you have to earn your place in the squad.”
The women’s team will play host to Mitchelton, with kick-off at Clive Berghofer at 6.30pm.
The men hit the road to face Ipswich Knights.
The team will be keen to secure a third straight win after victories against Holland Park Hawks (2-0) and Western Pride (5-0).