Pepper adds zest to defence
ONCE considered a makeshift centre- back, Jacob Pepper is pushing hard for a permanent spot in the heart of Brisbane Roar’s defence.
Pepper’s days as a holding midfielder seem over after his switch to the Roar’s back four last season.
While that started off out of necessity due to the club’s injury toll, Pepper, 26, impressed sufficiently for him to now be considered a defender rather than a midfielder.
The former Newcastle Jet is in the mix to be one of the Roar’s two starting central defenders in Brisbane’s ALeague season opener against Central Coast Mariners at Suncorp Stadium on October 21.
At present he seems ahead of former Socceroo Luke DeVere, who has had less game time than expected in the pre- season, and level pegging with the reliable Daniel Bowles.
Avraam Papadopoulos is perhaps the only Roar centre- back who can consider himself a certainty to start against the Mariners – provided the ex- Greek international gets enough game time following his return from a broken ankle.
“There are four or five of us, and that also includes ( teenager) Aaron Reardon who are in the mix,” Pepper said ahead of the Roar’s trial against Melbourne City today at City’s La Trobe University base.
“Hopefully I can build on what I did playing in defence last season.
“I’m feeling more comfortable but I’m still learning about what’s required. It’s about positioning and knowing when to push up and not being caught out of position.”
Despite his utility value, Pepper vowed not to ever take his spot in Brisbane’s squad for granted.