IRON GLOVES GAMEPLAN TO STOP STRIKER
LIAM Phelps might be the Premier League’s best striker but MA Olympic goalkeeper Josh Kassulke is adamant he knows how to stop the Brothers livewire.
But it has nothing to do with his own glovework.
Kassulke has been the standard bearer in the North Queensland Premier League goalkeeping ranks this season, with 14 clean sheets from 20 games.
He has only let 11 goals through his defences, with three of those coming the last time Olympic met semi-final opponents Brothers in Round 17.
That game was his first back after an ankle injury ruled the 22-year-old off the field for a week, and was the last time he conceded a goal this season.
But the humble goalkeeper refused to take the credit for his exceptional record, instead he believed it was a credit to the side’s four-man defensive unit.
While they have had players come in and out of the backline all season, Kassulke is adamant they have not failed in their execution or structures this year.
“The backline should get the credit for all of that, it is a team effort,” Kassulke said.
“When the opposing teams are there I am just the last line, they have to do well to get through the main line first. We all take pride in those clean sheets.
“We have had a fair bit of chopping and changing with injuries and suspensions. When we have needed guys to step in, they have come in and done the job. It is credit to our depth at the club.
“There is a really good connection with the guys, and we play the same style through the grades. So when they come in, it is really familiar.”
It is the faith the young keeper has in his defensive unit that makes him confident heading into a grand final playoff against Brothers and their main man Phelps.
The playmaker has been crucial for the Brethren this season and took out the NQ Football golden boot award with 21 goals, six more than the next best in teammate Francis Witt.
“I don’t really get too nervous facing (Phelps),” Kassulke said.
“He is a quality player, even last season he was good. He always seems to find the back of the net.
“But I think we have kept two clean sheets in the three games we played against them. We were able to hold him at bay in two games, so that gives us confidence.
“He is a pretty versatile bloke and he can do what he wants. Our backline are just really aware when he gets the ball and try and shut him down as quick as possible.”
Both sides come off dominant 5-0 final round wins in to the major semifinal, with the winner to progress directly to the grand final in a fortnight.
The loser will return to the field next weekend to face the winner of the elimination semi final between Saints Eagles South and Warriors.
Saints are expected to be early favourites to avoid elimination after Campbell Hume returned to his best with a hat trick last weekend.