Defending Hyundai A-League Goalkeeper of the Year Jamie Young says Saturday’s pre-season clash against FQPL Champions Peninsula Power will be another perfect hit-out as the 2018/19 season draws nearer.
The Power are fresh off the back of a record-breaking campaign in the FQPL in which they took out both pieces of silverware, dropping just two points in an undefeated season.
They’ll find themselves in Queensland’s top tier next season and are sure to be keen to test themselves against the State’s only Hyundai A-League side.
The two sides meet at Kippa-Ring’s A.J. Kelly Park this Saturday night (5pm KO).
“They’ll put a stern test up. They haven’t been beaten all season so they’re full of confidence,” Young said.
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“I don’t know a great deal about their players, but their record suggests they’ve been scoring a lot and not conceding many either.
“Every team at that level are more motivated to play against Hyundai A-League sides to show how competent they are – that’s something we’ll definitely have to be wary of, but we’re focusing on ourselves.”
The Roar last played in the region just over a month ago when a terrific crowd of more than 6,000 headed to Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium for the Round of 32 FFA Cup clash against Melbourne City.
The BRFC keeper is hoping to see more strong support flooding into A.J. Kelly Park on the weekend.
“We want the community to come to our games, that’s so important to the game in this country – the fans are the basis,” Young continued.
“We want people to come down, enjoy the football that both sides will put out. We represent the whole state so we want them to feel a part of what we’re about.”
The contest will be the Roar’s first since a tough 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory in Morwell a fortnight ago with the side since going through an intense two weeks of training with a focus on continued improvement.
“Little improvements are important and the boss has been really hard on that following the Victory game so there’s nobody in their comfort zone right now – that’s really driving great culture within the group,” Young added.
“Every day there is something I can learn from and improve on, so I feel like I’m training harder than ever right now and we’re getting great feedback from the coaches.
“For me, it’s all about giving your best and then working from there.”
The coming campaign will be the goalkeeper’s fifth at BRFC, making him one of the longest-serving current players in the orange kit and bestowing on him a greater leadership role as a mentor for the side’s younger brigade.
“As you get older you have to have some form of leadership. Personally, I don’t think mine has to be too hands on. First and foremost, it’s just about leading by example and being a positive influence,” Young concluded.
