Leichhardt hopes lion-hearted effort pays off
IN the nicest possible way, Maddy Cater plays football with “a bunch of nuts”, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
The dangerous striker has scored 20 goals in 10 matches this season and hopes to play her part in the Premier Women’s grand final again today. Her secret?
“Luck, pure luck and the fact they get me in a good position to get the opportunity to score the goal. I’ve got a good team,” she said.
“It’s not just a club, it’s a family. They’ve always made me feel welcome.
“All a bunch of nuts but a good bunch. I’m also very crazy, which is why I fit in very well with these girls and I would never ever want to be in a grand final with a different bunch. These are the girls that are going to do it.”
Cater said being unable to play every game of the season due to work commitments in the Navy further motivated her to contribute.
Leichhardt defender Helen Cross said it was a special feeling to be playing alongside Cater and the rest of the close-knit unit after watching many of them come through the ranks.
But even in the heat of a grand final, she might find a moment to lighten the mood.
“You’ve got to have a laugh. Like life in general, there’s a time to have a laugh and a time to be serious,” Cross said.
Leichhardt coach Mareeta Nicolau is obviously hoping for a Lions win but has admitted it was strange to be plotting their demise after helping Innisfail to their last win in 2014.
“It will be a tough game but it’s definitely going to be a bit strange lining up against them, considering the last time I was in a grand final I was with them, in 2014 when we won,” she said.
“I spent 10 years at the club so they’ll always have a spot in my heart, but I’m here at Leichhardt now. I’m a Lion.”