Sawyer backed to net A-League deal
HARRISON Sawyer’s shift to Queensland has thrust the dynamic Gold Coast Knights striker into the frame for an A-League contract.
On the eve of the Knights’ National Premier Leagues Queensland finals campaign, set to begin with a semi-final showdown against Olympic at Goodwin Park on Sunday, the Bulletin can reveal Sawyer
is being courted by multiple A-League teams.
It’s understood Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney are among those interested in the tall forward who has scored 15 goals to help propel the Knights to a potential second championship.
“I won’t be surprised if he gets picked up (by an ALeague club),” Gold Coast coach Adem Poric said.
“I don’t think he would
have any issue making the step up.”
Sawyer’s impressive run of form comes after a slow start for the 23-year-old who is on loan from South Melbourne.
“Being in Melbourne at the start, it was difficult for him to get moving,” Poric said.
“Once he got himself settled and got a bit of confidence he was fine.”
The Knights expect to have about 1000 supporters at
Olympic’s home ground on Sunday for a game that will put the winner straight into the grand final.
Gold Coast has a rich history against Olympic, beating the Brisbane team in last year’s grand final to seal the championship while the Knights recorded a 3-1 win and a 1-1 draw this season.
Poric labelled Olympic one of the most in-form sides in the league in recent times
but said the Knights held no fears.
“If you look at Olympic’s results through the back end of the season, they have been outstanding,” Poric said.
“For us it’s about maintaining what we have been able to do and take it forward.
“We don’t have any kind of fear of them, that is for sure.
“The intensity is a lot higher (in finals) and one mistake and you’re out.”