‘Change of culture’ helps Cairns FC charge on

THE infamous “nine-man game” and the inclusion of former A-League goalkeeper Pierce Clark are the two keys to Cairns FC’s dramatic midseason form surge, according to experienced defender Bron- son Koppen.

Since the Far North NPL club were almost sent packing by Southside Comets in an FFA Cup clash early last month, the men in orange have gone on a winning rush, claiming eight of their past nine outings in all competitions.

Koppen believes the emer- gence of Cairns-born goalkeeper Clark and momentum from going down to nine-men before prevailing against Southside is driving the club.

Cairns travel south today to face the fifth-placed Brisbane Strikers FC at Perry Park with the aim to keep the ball rolling.

“From that nine-man game, we have turned things around, that is where it all started,” Koppen said.

“With a bit of change around the team, with Pierce and a few others both coming in from down south, it has changed the culture in the team.

“It has added something different that we needed.”

Despite today’s fixture being in Round 19 of the NPL season, the Strikers and Cairns are yet to face each other in 2018.

Clark, who was this week named in the NPL Team of the Week alongside teammate Josh Taylor, is glad he made the mid-season switch north.

“It is brilliant to be here and we have been on a winning streak of late and there is a really positive feel around the club,” Clark said.

“Everyone wants to turn up to training and get better with every session.” Brisbane Strikers FC vs. Cairns FC, today, 6pm